White's Cove

Just across the water from the bustle of Newport Harbor lies one of Balboa Yacht Club’s most cherished traditions: White’s Cove at Catalina Island.

For generations of BYC members, the Cove has been a place to slow down, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the water. It is part outstation, part gathering place, and part escape, where the pace of the mainland fades away and the rhythm of the island takes over.

Balboa Yacht Club secured its lease at White’s Cove in 1957, creating a private retreat for members exploring Catalina and the surrounding waters. From the beginning, the site was built through the dedication and hard work of members who volunteered countless hours to shape the space into something special. That spirit of stewardship remains part of the Cove’s character today.

A Place to Gather

Whites Cove is designed for the kind of moments that make Catalina unforgettable.

Members arrive by boat, drop anchor in the protected cove, and come ashore to relax and connect. Adirondack chairs overlook the water, offering the perfect place to watch boats drift in and sunsets settle over the Pacific.

A built-in bar and outdoor grilling areas create a natural gathering point where members cook together, share stories from the day’s sail, and enjoy the easy camaraderie that defines life at the Cove.

Island Activities

The Cove is as much about activity as it is relaxation.

Members can challenge friends to a game on the bocce ball court, toss horseshoes, or rally for a match on the volleyball court. Others may simply lounge under umbrellas, enjoy the sea breeze, or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Catalina.

With barbecues, propane stovetops, showers, lounge chairs, and shaded seating, the site offers the comforts needed to spend an entire day, or an entire weekend, immersed in the Catalina experience.

A Catalina Tradition

While Catalina Island draws visitors from around the world, White’s Cove remains something more personal for Balboa Yacht Club members. It is a place where lifelong memories are created: family raft-ups, sunset dinners, spontaneous games, and quiet mornings overlooking the water.

Much like the Club itself, Whites Cove blends tradition with community. It stands as a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments at Balboa Yacht Club happen not just at the clubhouse, but out on the water, together.

For many members, White’s Cove isn’t just a destination.

It’s part of the Balboa Yacht Club way of life.

MOORING AND TENT RESERVATIONS

Mooring Letter, #	Assignees Name	Assignees	Arrival	Departure
	(Last, First)	Vessels Name	Date	Date

WL - A09	Harrison, Charlie	Govna	21-Aug	23-Aug

HR - B01	Caldwell, Jim	Sacha Marie	24-Aug	27-Aug

HR - B03	Terry, Pam	Matador	21-Aug	23-Aug

HR - B04	Fedoryk, Tony	Daytripper	21-Aug	23-Aug

BYC handles Whites Cove/Hens Rock mooring reservations from Memorial Day to Labor Day

A request to be put on the waitlist for a mooring can be made on the Friday two weeks prior to the weekend you are requesting. If you are going mid-week, you still can not call in until the Friday two weeks prior. Any requests received prior to 0900, will be placed at the bottom of the list.
Please remember everyone who makes a request is on a waitlist.
Owners of the mooring have until the 1500 Thursday before the weekend
to release their mooring. Assignments are made by 1600 on Thursday and posted on the website, on the main bulletin board and the Dockmaster, along with the Front Office will have a copy.
If you happen to leave prior to the posting, please check with the Harbor Master at Whites upon your arrival to see if you have been assigned a mooring. BYC only has a limited number of moorings to assign, so if you do not make the list, that does not mean that there might not be available moorings, through the Harbor Master at Whites upon your arrival. At 2000 on Thursday night, you can also request a mooring through Two Harbors on their website visitcatalinaisland.com.

2026 - First date to put your name on the waitlist is May 8th at 0900 for Memorial Day Weekend.

To make a request with BYC, please email [email protected]
The information needed is the following:
Member Name and cell number
Boat Name
CF or Documentation number
Boat Length
Power or Sail
Arrival and Departure date

Cancellations must be made prior to assignment at 1500 on Thursday. If you do not
cancel in time, Two Harbors will bill you through the Club.
If you are a no-show on your arrival date, the mooring assignment will be given away and you will receive a bill for your assignment.

Tent reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Members can reserve up to two 4-man tents for a period no longer than five consecutive days. See Catalina Rule 4.5.1,in the roster for more details.

Please contact [email protected] for reservations and questions.