Photo: Arpit Mehta, courtesy of Catalina Island Company
October 1, 2026 · By CDM Yachts · 3 min read
Once a year, the quiet village of Two Harbors on Catalina Island's west end fills up with eye patches, tricorn hats, and boats on every mooring. Buccaneer Days is one of the longest-running parties on the Southern California boating calendar, and in 2026 it's the 36th edition, running Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3. If you've ever wanted a reason to take your boat to Catalina, this is the weekend people plan around.
What Buccaneer Days Is
Buccaneer Days is a pirate-themed festival held on the waterfront at Two Harbors. Expect live bands and DJs on the main stage and the Harbor Reef Restaurant patio, pirate costumes everywhere, and a weekend-long party atmosphere. Saturday is the main event day, with a treasure hunt in the afternoon (2:00 to 3:30 PM) and the costume contest at 6:00 PM. Costumes aren't required, but you'll stand out more without one than with one.
A few rules worth knowing before you go:
- It's a 21-and-over event. The event goes 21+ at 10 PM Thursday, 6 PM Friday, and all day Saturday.
- No dogs at any Two Harbors special event.
- It's cashless. Bring a credit or debit card, or pay by phone.
- Event tickets don't include transportation to the island.
Getting There by Private Boat
Arriving on your own boat is the classic way to do Buccaneer Days, and it's why the harbor is so full that weekend. According to the official event page:
- Moorings sell out. Arrive early or book a mooring online in advance. Online mooring reservations require a 3-night minimum, and booking fees apply.
- Arriving Thursday before 8 PM? Hail Harbor Patrol on VHF channel 9 when you get there.
- Questions about moorings go to the Two Harbors Harbor Department at 310-510-4254.
Without a boat, the Catalina Express runs from San Pedro to Two Harbors, and camping packages are available at Buffalo Park and the Two Harbors campground. See the official Buccaneer Days page for tickets and the current schedule.
Taking Your Boat to Catalina from San Diego
From San Diego, Two Harbors is an open-ocean passage up the coast, not a bay cruise. That's where planning makes the difference between a great weekend and a stressful one.
Get the boat ready before you go. An engine, systems, and safety check a week or two before an offshore run is cheap insurance. Our maintenance and service team can look over your boat before the trip.
Don't want to make the run yourself? Our licensed captains run San Diego to Catalina regularly. We can deliver your boat to the island while you take the ferry over, then bring it home after the weekend, so nobody has to make the return run after three days of pirate festivities.
Don't own a boat? Longer and custom routes, including overnight trips, are available by request. Ask when you submit an availability request and we'll tell you honestly what's realistic for your date, group, and vessel.
Planning for Next Year
Buccaneer Days happens every October, and the best moorings and camping spots go early. If you're reading this after the 2026 party, it's not too soon to plan next year's trip. That includes getting your boat serviced and lining up a delivery captain if you'd rather not make the run yourself. Get in touch and we'll help you put it together.
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