San Nicolas Island

[PhantomSailor]

I am new to sailing and was wondering if any of my fellow Californians could give me any input as to how close one can get to San Nicolas Island without it being a problem with the Navy, Coast Guard, law enforcement etc...

Of course, since one can't go ashore, one would have to anchor. Was also thinking about encircling the island just to see all of it.

Of course, this is all inspired by the novel Island Of The Blue Dolphins.

Thanks!

[Lepke]

The entire area is under radar watch. In my experience, when you enter a restricted area, even with permission, the Coast Guard soon shows up.



From Coast Pilot 7:

[PhantomSailor]

I'm wondering if one were to stay 5 miles off the shore, if that might assuage CG from coming close....

[japawil]

Restricted area is anywhere within 300 yards from shore.

[Don C L]

I have a friend who works there once in a while and he says they are pretty strict but given that the regs say not closer than 3 miles, I would think 5 miles should be fine. I haven't tested it though.

[Training Wheels]

I spent a night there once. On a tug. On the beach. We got pulled off the next day!