Part of Catalina’s lore is that pirates used to hang out around Catalina because it gave them a good place to hide.
Some were illustrious, some notorious. It’s said Sir Francis Drake, Sir Thomas Cavendish and George Compton. In fact, Compton attacked a ship called the “San Sebastian” near Two Harbors. The ship sank just offshore but has never been found.
Part of Catalina’s lore is that pirates used to hang out around Catalina because it gave them a good place to hide.
Some were illustrious, some notorious. It’s said Sir Francis Drake, Sir Thomas Cavendish and George Compton. In fact, Compton attacked a ship called the “San Sebastian” near Two Harbors. The ship sank just offshore but has never been found.
For hundreds of years, the pirates have been gone, pretty much faded into history. For a handful of years though, the pirates have made a comeback in Two Harbors. In fact, hundreds of pirates and wenches will be hiding out in plain sight when The Santa Catalina Island Company hosts the 24th annual Buccaneer Days from Oct. 3 to 6, at Two Harbors, and if you attend, you can be a pirate too.
Island Company guests of the event are invited to don their best pirate costume and set sail for a weekend of great food, cold drinks, live music, a treasure hunt, costume contest and more. The $30 cover charge provides access to four days of swashbuckling fun.
The Island Company has been improving this event that is strictly for the grown up visitor – just like real pirates!
This year’s event they promise will feature more entertainment than ever before with a special “Pirate Pick-Pocket” performance by illusionist Seth Grabel, live bands on all four days and DJs spinning hits late into the night. The Pirate Village will encompass the Harbor Reef Restaurant deck and the plaza below, with multiple satellite bars, treasure hunts and costume contests to provide fun for everyone.
Grabel will be putting on a one-of-a-kind magic show at Buccaneer Days. He combines illusions with acrobatics creating “Acrobatic Magic,” providing fun and entertainment for all ye pirates and wenches.
This year’s VIP “Bacardi Hangout” will be available on Friday and Saturday for an additional $30 per person and includes a private bartender, restrooms and Bacardi Oak Heart swag.
During Buccaneers Days it is highly recommended that boaters plan to arrive early, as all moorings in Two Harbors are first come first serve. For adventurous travelers from overtown, helicopter transportation with Island Express from Avalon to Two Harbors will be available for a special two-person minimum rate of $190 per person round trip or $95 per person one-way during this year’s event.
Otherwise, alternative cross-channel transportation is available from San Pedro and Avalon on the Catalina Express or through Catalina’s rugged interior on the Catalina Expeditions Safari Bus from Avalon for $32 per person ($26 for children) each way.
If you are stuck in Avalon you can hop on the Catallac, which is now part of the Buccaneer Days weekend. Perfect for pirates and wenches to tune up or wind down from their plundering. She is fully equipped with a bar aboard or soda and water for health conscious pirates. This swashbuckling voyage will be departing Thursday – Saturday, with return trips in the evening.
Another option is for you to grab one of the Safari Buses for a wild ride to and from Avalon.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Oct. 3
6 p.m. DJ Dancing, Harbor Reef Patio
7 p.m. Live Band, Harbor Reef Patio “Danny Maiki”
11 p.m. DJ Dancing, Harbor Reef Patio
Friday, Oct. 4
11 a.m. Black Beard Customs Booths open
12 p.m. DJ Dancing, Harbor Reef Patio
4:30 p.m. Live Band, Plaza Stage “The Humble Hooligans”
9 p.m. Live Band, Plaza Stage “Xceptional Music”
10 p.m. DJ Dancing, Plaza Stage “DJ Lady D”
Saturday, Oct. 5
11 a.m. Black Beard Customs Booths Open
12 p.m. DJ Dancing, Harbor Reef Patio
12:30 p.m. Adult Treasure Hunt: Meet at the main entrance for a Treasure Map and Clues to find hidden treasure
1 p.m. Adult Costume Contest Sign Ups: Sign up at the main entrance
2 p.m. Adult Costume Contest, Harbor Reef Patio
3 p.m. Live Band, Plaza Stage “The Humble Hooligans”
4:30 p.m. Magician, Plaza Stage, “Seth Grabel”
9 p.m. Live Band, Plaza Stage “Xceptional Music”
10 p.m. DJ Dancing, Plaza Stage “DJ Lady D”
Sunday, Oct. 6
10 a.m. Live Band, Harbor Reef Patio “Danny Micah”
To purchase tickets and learn more about Santa Catalina Island, visit www.visitcatalinaisland.com/twoHarbors.
