4 Days on Catalina: Naos' Trip to Catalina Island

Adventure, Connection, and the Magic of the Naos Yachts Flotilla

There’s something incredible about sailing away from Los Angeles. The city shrinks behind you, and a wide expanse of open water lies ahead. For our group of Naos sailors, this year’s ~~ Catalina Island Flotilla~~ trip to Catalina Island wasn’t just a four-day weekend getaway — it was a full reset. A time of adventure, reconnection, and a reminder of why we love the ocean and choose sailing as a lifestyle.

Highlights from Our 4-Day Weekend in Catalina Island

Our flotilla kicked off on a crisp Thursday morning. Five boats departed Marina del Rey and began a 45-mile jaunt across Santa Monica Bay and the San Pedro Channel toward Avalon, on the east end of Catalina Island. A soft marine layer lingered, but, astonishingly, visibility was incredible. In fact, we could see the island the entire way across, a steady visual guide on the horizon.

Boats and crews quickly settled into a casual rhythm. On deck, we sipped hot coffee and tea and took turns at the helm. Those on the bow snapped selfies and scanned for wildlife as the sun peeked out and the island gradually grew closer. You’d be surprised how quickly the hum of the city fades,replaced by the smell of the sea, the boat’s movement against a warm California breeze, and the lap of the perfect blue Pacific Ocean.

Halfway across the channel, we spotted dolphins — first just a few, who flirted with our hulls and disappeared, then entire pods leaping and weaving under our bows. Cameras pointed. Cheers rose. We tried to coax them into perfect social-media-worthy performances — but of course, the dolphins had their own agenda. The whole thing was a good reminder: sometimes the best moments happen when no one — dolphin or human — is trying too hard.

Our flotilla’s first stop was Avalon, the colorful heart of Catalina Island. After six hours of sailing, we dropped our mainsails, rolled genoas, and motored into a town that looked like a postcard from the Mediterranean: boats anchored in turquoise water, hillside houses with white stucco and red tiled roofs, sun-bleached cliffs.

After securing our moorings, we dinghied ashore and explored. Some wandered Avalon’s winding streets, visiting shops, cafés, or grabbing ice cream; others walked uphill and found quiet overlooks to soak it all in.

That evening, Naos organized a welcome gathering at a local restaurant. Over tacos and margaritas, new friendships took root. We swapped sailing stories, compared passage notes, and shared laughs that would echo throughout the trip. Our sailing résumés were varied — some were seasoned salts who’d previously made ocean passages, others were learners or new sailors who’d only recently crossed Santa Monica Bay —but the bond was real.

The next morning, we said goodbye to Avalon and our fleet of five boats sailed 16 nautical miles upwind to Isthmus Cove. A fresh breeze, rolling seas, and more dolphins made for an exhilarating day on the water. The kind of day that renews your love for sailing, adventuring with friends, and exploring Southern California’s natural beauty — steady, challenging in just the right ways, and always full of gratitude and wonder.

From Avalon to Two Harbors

If Avalon is Catalina’s “big city,” Two Harbors is her “tiny village” — a quieter, wilder side of the island. And we took full advantage: sunrise beach yoga, kayaking to hidden coves, exploring translucent shallow water and kelp forests, hiking to sweeping ridge-top views.

As we hiked the Cat Harbor Overlook Trail, conversations flowed naturally — easy, meaningful exchanges between new friends, punctuated by heavy breathing, laughter, and the occasional “I’m good! I’m just resting!” Hikes on Catalina are as challenging as you want them to be, but the reward is always worth it: spectacular panoramic views of the island’s rugged backside, where rolling hills and deep canyons meet steep cliffs that drop like stars into remote sand beaches. At the summit, we exchanged high-fives, took group photos and a deep breath. Then, on the easy walk down, we shared our amazement that a place as wild and wondrous as Catalina is right here in Los Angeles’ backyard — not to mention the fact that we’d sailed here.

At every step, there was a casual atmosphere of camaraderie — a shared love of sailing, sure, but also a spirit of adventure, whether wandering trails, walking beaches, or trading stories over happy hour.

We spent two days and two nights at Isthmus Cove. After each magical day of exploring, adventuring, and re-centering, we’d gather for casual bites and sunset drinks aboard Catalina Breeze, our Lagoon 42. As the light faded, the wind settled and the island water turned to glass. Whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances, a fascinating kind of connection happened — unhurried, unfiltered, unforgettable.

​​Why Flotilla Sailing with Naos Feels Different

One of the greatest gifts of the flotilla — and something that makes Naos Yachts’ upcoming Channel Islands trip especially exciting — was the peace of sailing in a group. Whether it was crewmates helping to raise sails, advice on mooring balls, routing tips, or buddy boat radio calls, Naos’ team was always nearby. Their presence took the edge off the worries, allowing everyone to relax, lean into the adventure, and build skills along the way.

For some sailors, it was their first multi-day cruise. For others, a welcome return to a life they love. Either way, the flotilla offered a perfect balance of structure and freedom: suggested activities, but plenty of space to explore at your own pace.

The boats themselves were part of the magic. Whether aboard a Lagoon 42, an Excess 11, or a Beneteau monohull, each crew got a true taste of the ease, performance, and joy that a luxury sailboat is designed to deliver. Onboard our Lagoon 42, we had more than enough space for six passengers, with private cabins, a fully stocked kitchen, and a sunny deck perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.

As we sailed back across the channel on the flotilla’s final day, our sails were full and our group was quieter. With sails on a beam reach, a group of us sat together on the leeward rail, our bare feet dangling over the blue water. Chatting, laughing, and looking back at the island, we reflected on a shared sense of gratitude and contentment. We had traded the noise of daily life for the rhythms of the sea, the pull of Catalina Island, and the company of people who understand what a gift that truly is.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Planning a trip to Catalina Island or a nearby destination for a weekend getaway? Join Naos Yachts for their next flotilla adventure and discover how sailing together can turn a simple trip into something extraordinary.

Sail Further. Explore More. Together

This June, Naos Yachts invites you to level up your adventure with our Channel Islands Flotilla. We’ll sail to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa Islands — a more remote, wild destination than Catalina, filled with epic coastal beauty, rugged anchorages, and unforgettable memories.

With the support of Naos’ expert team and buddy boats alongside you, this adventure is absolutely within reach. Come sail farther, explore deeper, and experience the magic of California’s true island wilderness. Spots are limited — reserve yours today!

All photos by David Blake Fisher.