Emerald Bay Trip
(April 12-14, 2024)

Announcements

  • Less baggage: In preparation for our departure Friday morning,
    please make sure your gear is packed in as few bags as possible, preferably two bags.

  • Pack essentials in a small backpack: You will be separated from your bags until we get to the island and announce sleeping arrangements.

  • Able-bodied folks: We're going to need help unloading and loading bags from people's cars to the dock, then from the dock onto the boat.

Required Forms

Please make sure to fill out, sign and return ALL required forms to hq@post283.com or your party could miss boarding the boat to Catalina.

  • Download the REQUIRED FORMS PACKET (right click, “save link as…”)

    Included in the packet are the following required forms:

  1. Medical (Informed Consent, Part A and Health History, Part B)

    • Complete one for every person in your party

  2. Medical Part C

    • Must be signed by a physician for anyone wanting to SCUBA at the camp (regardless of whether you’re SCUBA certified or not).

  3. Adult Release and Indemnification Agreement

    • One for every adult and/or one for each unaccompanied minor under 18 (Signed by parent / legal guardian)

  4. Parental Firearms Permission for Children

    • One for every child in your party whether shooting a firearm or not (If you don’t want your child to shoot a firearm, feel free to note that on the form).

Trip Information

NOTE 1: Don’t bring firearms, bows, projectile launchers, or fire starting devices. 

NOTE 2: We prefer no military uniforms, except for those who will be attending in an official military capacity.

NOTE 3: People need to at a bare minimum bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, towel and hygiene items, as well as wet suits, as the water will be cold. Please review the suggested packing list below.

Friday to Sunday Trip Information

Boat Schedule: Palisades Post 283 is chartering a boat, which will be leaving San Pedro’s Birth 85 at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 12 and sailing directly to Emerald Bay. You must be ready to load your gear onto the boat by 10:45 a.m. It is suggested that you arrive by 10:15 a.m. to give ample time to unloading your car, then parking at the Battleship Iowa parking lot and walking south to be ready to load on the boat by 10:45 a.m.

Return trip on Sunday: The boat will be leaving Emerald Bay for San Pedro at 10 a.m., with a 9:15 a.m. loading.

Saturday to Sunday Trip Information

If you cannot travel to Emerald Bay with Post 283, you will have to purchase a ticket for the Catalina Express sailing Saturday morning to Two Harbors, then travel by water taxi from Two Harbors to Emerald Bay. Arrange your water taxi several days ahead of time by calling 310-510-4253 during business hours. Let the agent know you are traveling with The American Legion and you would like to be put on a boat with others in the group.

NOTE: We are currently not chartering a boat on Saturday, so you will need to make your own arrangements if you’re seeking to travel to Catalina on the Saturday 8:45 a.m. boat. This time of year, all Catalina Express boats travel to Two Harbors with a first stop at Avalon. DO NOT GET OFF THE BOAT AT AVALON!

We suggest checking the Catalina Express website for the latest schedule, which is always subject to change. As of website publishing time, the current schedule is as below:

Catalina Express Schedule:

  • To view the schedule, select “April 1st to June 20, 2024” and “San Pedro / Two Harbors” and click the “Submit” button

  • To book, use the website’s “Book a Reservation” form

Vehicle Unloading / Parking

Friday Departure Only: If you plan on making the morning charter boat with Palisades Post 283, please arrive to allow for time to unload your gear and park. You can unload your vehicle at the end of the 6th Street roundabout, near the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Parking will be at the Battleship Iowa parking lot about a half mile to the north.

Unload Location: 84 Foot of 6th St Berthing, San Pedro, CA 90731

Parking Location: 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731

Saturday Departure Only: If you’re arranging your own travel to Two Harbors, the Catalina Express has its own parking lot and departure dock, located north of the Battleship Iowa.

Location: 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731

NOTE: If you’re returning on Sunday with Palisades Post 283 and its charter boat, you will disembark at the 6th Street dock and will have to arrange for travel or walk 1 mile north to the Catalina Express parking lot, if you parked there.

NOTE: Once you’ve reached Two Harbors, you will take the water taxi you’ve prearranged by calling
310-510-4253.