mkgwhite Posted May 23, 2014 #1 Share Posted May 23, 2014 What is the best beach to go to in ensanada and catalina, is there anything else to do at these ports? Can we take a taxi or walk to the beach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted May 23, 2014 #2 Share Posted May 23, 2014 In Avalon go to the other side of the Casino building. The one near the green pier was very rocky on Tuesday. Ensenada has a beach but limited services. I understand it's to the right of the cruise port. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkgwhite Posted May 23, 2014 Author #3 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Any excursions to do in catalina and ensanada? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tncap Posted May 23, 2014 #4 Share Posted May 23, 2014 The wine tour in Ensenada is a whole lot of fun. I don't even drink. :D Agreed. And I do drink. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T. Advisor King Posted May 23, 2014 #5 Share Posted May 23, 2014 We walked into Ensenada with plans just to walk around the street. Then we happened upon a tour shuttle that was going out to La Bufadora. The cost was somethng ridiculously cheap - maybe US$20 or $30. So we said, what the heck and went on an unplanned excursions. Here's the wikipedia entry and first couple of sentences. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bufadora La Bufadora is a marine geyser or blowhole located on the Punta Banda Peninsula in Baja California, Mexico. The spout of sea water is the result of air, trapped in a sea cave, exploding upwards. Air is forced into the cave by wave action and is released when the water recedes I can't say it was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen, so it isn't "can't miss", but it was kind of cool. I also bought a T-shirt for $8, from one of the many vendors nearby, at which point they offered to make it two for $10, which made the second T-shirt only $2, which resulted in me telling the story of my $2 T-shirt to my family about once each week for the next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citylights Posted June 18, 2014 #6 Share Posted June 18, 2014 When we visit Catalina Island, we're planning to rent a golf cart & ride around the island in it. I read somewhere that we can do this for $80 for 2 hours. I figured $40 each is ok for an afternoon of fun on our trip of a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosefloater Posted June 18, 2014 #7 Share Posted June 18, 2014 When we visit Catalina Island, we're planning to rent a golf cart & ride around the island in it. I read somewhere that we can do this for $80 for 2 hours. I figured $40 each is ok for an afternoon of fun on our trip of a lifetime. It's $40 for 1 hour. Thought it was enough time to do the tour on the map they give. You can't take the cart out of Avalon and go into the middle of the island. If you want to go to the Botanical Garden and Wrigley Memorial, take the trolley for $4/1 way and $7/round trip. The town is only about 1-2 miles wide by about 2 miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberta Quilter Posted July 14, 2014 #8 Share Posted July 14, 2014 A couple of questions about Catalina: Can one take the golf cart to the Botanical Garden, or is that considered out of town? How much time should be allocate to seeing the Garden? Does the trolley run after Labour Day? We will be there in early October. Is Catalina a tender port? Our cruise info does not indicate that we will be tendering. If we will be tendering, where is the tender dock? The Green Dock or to the left of it, opposite the Casino? Thanks for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elcydcruiser Posted July 14, 2014 #9 Share Posted July 14, 2014 A couple of questions about Catalina: Can one take the golf cart to the Botanical Garden, or is that considered out of town? How much time should be allocate to seeing the Garden? Does the trolley run after Labour Day? We will be there in early October. Is Catalina a tender port? Our cruise info does not indicate that we will be tendering. If we will be tendering, where is the tender dock? The Green Dock or to the left of it, opposite the Casino? Thanks for your help! Catalina is a tendering port. You will be dropped you off at the Green Pier. Turn right from the Green Pier, walk through town toward the Casino, to the Descanso Beach Club (mentioned in an earlier post [it's just beyond the Casino]). There is a fee to use the beach facilities. And, if you would like to enjoy a local cocktail, I strongly recommend a Buffalo Milk. The Descanso Bar makes one of the best Buffalo Milks on the island. You can take the golf cart up to the Botanical Garden, but allow yourself the 2 hour rental and take your time to enjoy the Gardens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberta Quilter Posted July 14, 2014 #10 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Catalina is a tendering port. You will be dropped you off at the Green Pier.Turn right from the Green Pier, walk through town toward the Casino, to the Descanso Beach Club (mentioned in an earlier post [it's just beyond the Casino]). There is a fee to use the beach facilities. And, if you would like to enjoy a local cocktail, I strongly recommend a Buffalo Milk. The Descanso Bar makes one of the best Buffalo Milks on the island. You can take the golf cart up to the Botanical Garden, but allow yourself the 2 hour rental and take your time to enjoy the Gardens. Thank you very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosefloater Posted July 15, 2014 #11 Share Posted July 15, 2014 A couple of questions about Catalina: Can one take the golf cart to the Botanical Garden, or is that considered out of town? How much time should be allocate to seeing the Garden? Does the trolley run after Labour Day? We will be there in early October. Is Catalina a tender port? Our cruise info does not indicate that we will be tendering. If we will be tendering, where is the tender dock? The Green Dock or to the left of it, opposite the Casino? Thanks for your help! Don't worry. The trolley runs when a ship is in port. Instead of spending money to take a cart up to the Gardens, better to take the trolley to the Gardens for $4/round trip or $7/all day and then, if you still want to rent a cart, do it after the Gardens. The road up to the Gardens is paved. You can't take the carts onto the dirt roads. How much time to spend at the Gardens depends on how interested you are in endemic plants. I could spend a few hours where others would only want to spend 1 hour. Definitely go up to see the Wrigley memorial. If it is clear, you will be able to see Mt. Baldy. Most of the Garden is on a hill. Here is a link for the Botanical Gardens Catalina is a tendering port. You will be dropped you off at the Green Pier. The only 2 piers used for tendering are the Green pier and the one to the right (when looking from Avalon towards the water. This pier is also used for the Catalina Express). Depending on the wind and waves, they might tender at the farther pier by the playground. This happened to us in May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberta Quilter Posted July 15, 2014 #12 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Thanks, Rosefloater! I emailed the Catalina Chamber of Commerce. The Green Pier is no longer used for tenders, only the Cabrillo Mole which is the one on the right (when looking towards the water). I think we won't bother with the golf cart at all. As the trolley runs up to the Garden, we will take that (no sense in renting a cart just to let it sit there while we tour), and walk about when we get back, since the town is small. And, it is much less expensive! I'm travelling with my mother who is 78. She can't walk hilly terrain. What is the Botanical Garden like in terms of walkability? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted July 15, 2014 #13 Share Posted July 15, 2014 (edited) Thanks, Rosefloater! I emailed the Catalina Chamber of Commerce. The Green Pier is no longer used for tenders, only the Cabrillo Mole which is the one on the right (when looking towards the water). I think we won't bother with the golf cart at all. As the trolley runs up to the Garden, we will take that (no sense in renting a cart just to let it sit there while we tour), and walk about when we get back, since the town is small. And, it is much less expensive! I'm travelling with my mother who is 78. She can't walk hilly terrain. What is the Botanical Garden like in terms of walkability? The Garden isn't up and down hilly it's all uphill! If she can make it to the Memorial, there is a ramp to the top. All of Avalon runs uphill from the water. Bummer about the Green Pier not being used as it's right in the flat part of town. We used it in May, but they are doing some repairs to it. The Grey pier (never knew it had a 'real' name) is up a hill when returning to the ship. Hopefully they didn't confuse the small tender boats (in their response) with the Catalina Express boats. Those have used the Grey pier for many years now. Edited July 15, 2014 by SadieN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosefloater Posted July 16, 2014 #14 Share Posted July 16, 2014 (edited) Bummer about the Green Pier not being used as it's right in the flat part of town. We used it in May, but they are doing some repairs to it. The Grey pier (never knew it had a 'real' name) is up a hill when returning to the ship. Hopefully they didn't confuse the small tender boats (in their response) with the Catalina Express boats. Those have used the Grey pier for many years now. It depends whether or not the ship uses its tenders or Avalon's water taxis. The tenders generally don't go to the Green pier. The Garden isn't up and down hilly it's all uphill! If she can make it to the Memorial, there is a ramp to the top.All of Avalon runs uphill from the water. It isn't that hilly, but it is a steady incline going to the Memorial. There is a wide, dirt path (wide enough for a car). At the memorial, there are many landings with places to sit and rest before continuing up. If you take the trolley up to the Garden, you will get a general idea of the incline. Wrigley Memorial.........................................................View from Wrigley Memorial Edited July 16, 2014 by Rosefloater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammen Posted August 4, 2014 #15 Share Posted August 4, 2014 (edited) What is the best beach to go to in ensanada and catalina, is there anything else to do at these ports? Can we take a taxi or walk to the beach? There is no beach that I like in Ensenada, mile marker #38 will be a good one, allow for enough time. Good thing to see, Blow Hole, or Hussongs this hasn’t changed much in 108 years or you can see Papa Papa's, just across the street you might want to stop in for a beer. Fun place. Edited August 4, 2014 by jammen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosefloater Posted August 4, 2014 #16 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Good thing to see, Blow Hole, or Hussongs this hasn’t changed much in 108 years or you can see Papa Papa's, just across the street you might want to stop in for a beer. Fun place. Papas&Beer is now on the same side of the street as Hussongs. It took over Mango Mango location about 2 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie1a Posted August 11, 2014 #17 Share Posted August 11, 2014 from where the tender will let you off. Will probably be crowded and the water is quite cold. Golf cart rentals have all kinds of restrictions on where they can go, mosly on the outskirts of Avalon. The are not allowed to go across the island or even to the airport. If you rent it for 2 hours you can probably do two complete round trips. Ensenada beaches will require a cab. Nothing close to the cruise ship pier. The downtown area is fairly nice, clean, and about a 10 min. walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwigirl12 Posted August 15, 2014 #18 Share Posted August 15, 2014 I'm contemplating spending a few hours at the Descanso Beach Club, near the casino as it seems to have lots of positive reviews on various sites. :)I might even book the package that Carnival offers which includes transportation, use of a chaise, an umbrella and towel and a "free" smoothie. Stand up paddle boards and kayaks are also available at the club for a reasonable fee. It costs $24 to hire a paddle board for an hour which is a lot cheaper than in my city. Otherwise I like the idea of renting a golf cart and exploring the island. As for Ensenada, I'm contemplating the beach resort excursion where you get to swim (beach and pool), visit a small museum, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and then get dropped off in town to do a little shopping and take in the atmosphere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted August 15, 2014 #19 Share Posted August 15, 2014 Call the club to check prices. Descanso Beach is a 10 minute walk from the pier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xbatt8 Posted August 16, 2014 #20 Share Posted August 16, 2014 I'm contemplating spending a few hours at the Descanso Beach Club, near the casino as it seems to have lots of positive reviews on various sites. :) It is a nice place to go. You should be aware, however, that they are doing a good bit of remodeling there and the restaurant is closed. They are using a very sub-par and overly expensive food truck for their food services. It would not surprise me if the free smoothie were a prepackaged supermarket version. If you check out their website, you can price out the beach chair and do the math on the excursion. With it being a 10-15 minute walk from the pier, you may want to go it on your own. And be sure to eat before or after your trip to the beach. Lots of great places to eat 5 minutes before you get to Descanso. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted August 16, 2014 #21 Share Posted August 16, 2014 It is a nice place to go. You should be aware, however, that they are doing a good bit of remodeling there and the restaurant is closed. They are using a very sub-par and overly expensive food truck for their food services. It would not surprise me if the free smoothie were a prepackaged supermarket version. If you check out their website, you can price out the beach chair and do the math on the excursion. With it being a 10-15 minute walk from the pier, you may want to go it on your own. And be sure to eat before or after your trip to the beach. Lots of great places to eat 5 minutes before you get to Descanso. Bob We usually end up eating at the hamburger place on the corner on the land side of the shoreside street. You'll see the metal chairs in the patio. Excellant chili on the burgers and dogs. The Arcade has very good thin crust pizza. We always stop a Lloyd's for taffy. Also, there are two Vons (Safeway) in Avalon. The larger one has a deli counter for sandwiches. Do no t know about the smaller one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepp Posted August 19, 2014 #22 Share Posted August 19, 2014 (edited) Ensenada has a really great zipline/hanging bridge place. Not tough to get to, exciting lines and bridges, good staff, inexpensive too. http://www.lascanadas.com/en/Canopy-Tour-Zipline-in-Ensenada-Baja-California.php Edited August 19, 2014 by shepp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwigirl12 Posted August 20, 2014 #23 Share Posted August 20, 2014 It is a nice place to go. You should be aware, however, that they are doing a good bit of remodeling there and the restaurant is closed. They are using a very sub-par and overly expensive food truck for their food services. It would not surprise me if the free smoothie were a prepackaged supermarket version. If you check out their website, you can price out the beach chair and do the math on the excursion. With it being a 10-15 minute walk from the pier, you may want to go it on your own. And be sure to eat before or after your trip to the beach. Lots of great places to eat 5 minutes before you get to Descanso. Bob Thanks for letting me know about the restaurant being closed and the remodeling. I had read reviews talking about renovations months ago but had no idea they were still going on. ;) Also glad to hear that there are lots of places to grab lunch within walking distance of the beach. @SadieN Thanks for your suggestions! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda the Book Lover Posted September 5, 2014 #24 Share Posted September 5, 2014 We usually end up eating at the hamburger place on the corner on the land side of the shoreside street. You'll see the metal chairs in the patio. Excellant chili on the burgers and dogs. The Arcade has very good thin crust pizza. We always stop a Lloyd's for taffy. Also, there are two Vons (Safeway) in Avalon. The larger one has a deli counter for sandwiches. Do no t know about the smaller one. You made me smile when you mentioned Safeway. The last time there my DH and I gathered up a few snacks for the ship. Saved on the goodies with my discount card;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now