Smuggler's Cove is a shallow bay with a mixed cobblestone and sand beach. The cove affords good anchorage in northwesterly winds and during the summer and fall months. During the winter, the cove is open and unprotected from southeast storms. Watersports and landing from a boat can be very challenging here due to shorebreak and currents. Proceed with caution. No lifeguard on duty. 

Place Name
Smugglers Cove received its name from the widespread smuggling around the back side of the island by sea otter traders and others, known as contrabandistas during both the Spanish and Mexican years (1769-1848).

According to Pier Gherini [1966]: “Smugglers’ Cove referred to an era in early California history when custom duties were evaded, and apparently Smugglers’ Cove was used as an interim stopping place prior to the entry at mainland ports.”

Helen Caire [1993] further describes this era: “Monterey became the capital of Alta California, and its port alone was open to foreign ships. The only source of revenue for California, the tax on imports, was of great importance. Many foreign vessels tried to dodge it, often successfully, reducing Spanish revenue while enriching themselves. Smuggling flourished, especially since the contrabandistas brought goods, which the californios wanted, and indeed, many of which they really needed. Soon the chief aim and heaviest traffic of the traders was the beautiful fur of the sea otter. It is certain that the islands were used as bases of operations on the southern coast, as Smugglers’ Cove on Santa Cruz Island and a bight of the same name on San Clemente [Island] testify. By 1834 the deserted islands were not visited except by smugglers and sea otter hunters.”