How far is the San Pedro Channel, otherwise known as the Catalina Channel? This map shows the swim distance as 20.2 statute miles or 17.55 nautical miles.
The absolutely shortest distance (from Arrow Point on Catalina Island to Long Point on Palos Verdes on the California coast) is 19.6 statute miles or 17.03 miles. However, the Arrow Point start is not practical under Catalina Channel Swimming Federation rules which require an onshore start.
Arrow Point is a sharp cliff face that does not allow for an onshore start. Doctor’s Cove on Catalina island to Long Point on the California coast is almost exactly 20 miles.
Something that over 200 soloists have done since 1927.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.