Catalina Island cruise trip
Written: Sep 11 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fantastic scenery and lots to do!
Cons: Can be expensive depending on what you must have along the way.
The Bottom Line: Great trip that offers scenery, food, and a wide variety of activities
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| gregepin04's Full Review: Catalina Island |
Catalina Island really needs at least a two day excursion. No exceptions. The boat ride to the Island is about 1 1/2 hours and the return trip makes it a solid four+ hours out of the day (including getting to the dock in time).
The ferry ride is about $65 round trip. Food is available onboard, but the waves might make you want to skip that offering...there's lots of good food after the boat docks. Don't fill up with chips and soft drinks on the ferry.
In order to have a leisurely dinner and enjoy the night lights, you really have to stay overnight. Yes, many of the hotels are expensive...but if you simply want to have a nice place to sleep at an affordable rate, there are options. Check out some of the sidestreet hotels(no frills, but a clean room and fresh bedsheets). Rates are as low as $40 a night(usually a two night minimum).
On the boat ride to the island, you will see the dolphins near the island jumping in the wake of the boat. That sets the tone. The harbor is simply off a postcard! Picturesque! Rent a paddleboat to wander the waterways around the boats (or rent a sea kayak if you don't mind getting wet).
Snorkeling is a quick hour or two, and the gear can be easily rented anong the main stretch of shops. Other entertaining sights are the underwater boatride(basically a glass bottom boat half submerged)...pretty cool. The night ride offers a different assortment of marine life, but the day trip has a lot more variety.
Of course, there are also bikes and electric carts to rent, along with bus tours of the Island's inner areas.
Don't miss the old Casino in the harbor. The circular architecture is classic. They have regular movies playing at the full size theater in the casino with live organ music before many of the showings.
Restaurants are everywhere. Quick meals are found all up and down the main street on the water. Everything from fine steaks dinners to fresh fish on the pier...with prices in as wide an array. Your meal can be from $7-$45...your choice. The food is good everywhere that I've eaten. Kids will like the Italian pizza tavern on the water. The "second-day" spagetti on the menu is very good(don't let the name make you skip that meal).
Bring plastic bags! If you rent a sea kayak or like to snorkel, you'll want to keep your wallet dry. Lockers are available along the waterfront for single time use(key will unlock it once...then it's another $3 to use it again. There's no time limit, but once you unlock it, it requires another few bucks to use again.
The best time for dinners are after the last ferry leaves the island for the day(about 8 o'clock). The crowds diminish dramatically and you have a far more peaceful and tranquil setting. No lines and no waiting. Great tables are easily available. That's a big reason to make it at least a two day trip.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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Epinions.com ID:
gregepin04
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Reviews written: 182
Trusted by: 3 members
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