Becher's Bay, Santa Rosa Island

Loc: SE Santa Rosa Island Lat: N34-00.5 Long: W120-02.8 Last visit: Oct 06

Tide/Sun/Moon/WX Dist: 0 Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa WX

Skipper: Capt. Dan Boat: S/Y Sancerre Capt. Dan Port: Channel Islands

Description

The NW anchorage in Bechers Bay is fairly well protected from swell, but the wind can come whistling through. However, Fagan deems it good enough to be a refuge anchorage in NW winds to 39 knots.

We were in there in time to enjoy a sundowner, which made the rigging whistle, but not much more. Tough to light the barbecue, however.

Approach

It's a straight shot into the anchorage, but if you're doing it near sunset, which is about the time you want to bed down, you'll be staring into the sun and will be unable to see much of anything.

The shoreline near the anchorage is unremarkable. What you're looking for is the pier, but that blends in with the cliffs and may not be visible until you're within a mile or two.

The graphic to the left is there more to show you what you can't see than what you can. And the graphic below shows that even though the pier pretty darned imposing, stretching 50 yards or more into the bay, it's still difficult to see.

Once you've got the pier located, set your hook to the north in 20 feet of sand.

There were some kelp patches on our last visit, but nothing too formidable. Also beware of setting your hook inside the pier, particularly near high tide, as you may find yourself perilously close to the breakers in the morning. The water does look flatter in there and it might be tempting, but be wary.

Notes from the National Park Service

Boaters may land along coastline and on beaches without a permit for day-use only. Beaches between and including Skunk Point and East Point are closed from March 1st to September 15th in order to protect the threatened snowy plover. The beaches around Sandy Point are closed year-round. A pier is available at Bechers Bay. However, boaters may not use the mooring buoys in Bechers Bay. They are reserved for the NPS, the Coast Guard, and the park concessionaire.

For the latest information about boating at the islands, go to CINP Boating

For NPS background information on Santa Rosa Island visits, go to Santa Rosa Info

Hazards

A little bit of kelp and some areas of rocky bottom. Other than that, all hazards on the chart are visible.

Updates

If you have new or amplifying information concerning this anchorage or the surrounding area, please contact Capt. Dan. His e-mail link and phone are below.