Catalina Golf Carts

[BigIsland]

How available are golf carts if you do not make a reservation?  Are most taken with the first people ashore from the tender?

[princeton123211]

1 hour ago, BigIsland said:

How available are golf carts if you do not make a reservation?  Are most taken with the first people ashore from the tender?

They can sell out. We've never called on the island on a cruise-- just numerous overnight stays at hotels on Catalina over the years. But I do remember on two occasions, when a smaller/older Carnival ship was anchored there, that they were sold out in the morning. We were able to rent later on in the afternoon when folks were headed back to the ship. 

[ATSEAMYLIFE]

Just like "Princeton" we have only hotel stayed on the island and in January/February when there's nobody around.  We rented with no problem and the outlets seemed to have a lot of cart inventory.  However, with a big ship in port I would guess they could sell out.  If it's something you really want to do then RSVP one.  If you decide to "wing it" then I would walk past the very first rental place and go down to the next one and I think there's another one after that as you walk along Crescent toward the casino.  Keep in mind under CA law they are "motor vehicles" you will need a DL and proof of insurance.  They only allow you to drive on certain roads also, but there's plenty to look at.  

Edited August 13, 2022 by ATSEAMYLIFE

[KimCHouston]

Love

On 8/13/2022 at 12:50 PM, ATSEAMYLIFE said:

Just like "Princeton" we have only hotel stayed on the island and in January/February when there's nobody around.  We rented with no problem and the outlets seemed to have a lot of cart inventory.  However, with a big ship in port I would guess they could sell out.  If it's something you really want to do then RSVP one.  If you decide to "wing it" then I would walk past the very first rental place and go down to the next one and I think there's another one after that as you walk along Crescent toward the casino.  Keep in mind under CA law they are "motor vehicles" you will need a DL and proof of insurance.  They only allow you to drive on certain roads also, but there's plenty to look at.  

Love the golf cart suggestion,  It looks like they are rented out for 2 hours.   Is that enough time to see whatever there is to see?

[ATSEAMYLIFE]

38 minutes ago, KimCHouston said:

Love

Love the golf cart suggestion,  It looks like they are rented out for 2 hours.   Is that enough time to see whatever there is to see?

Yes, you have to stay on the designated roads so two hours is plenty.  

[princeton123211]

36 minutes ago, KimCHouston said:

Love the golf cart suggestion,  It looks like they are rented out for 2 hours.   Is that enough time to see whatever there is to see?

More than enough to do the little circuit-- you are limited to where you can take the golf cart. Think of this as a quick self guided tour around an area you could technically walk if it weren't for some big hills. Some good views from up the hill over Avalon from near the Inn on Mt Ada (the former Wrigley mansion).

 

Once you're done you are within easy walking distance of most of what the town offers. If you plan to take a tour of the Casino or something like that schedule before or after the golf cart tour, not during so you don't burn golf cart time. You can just walk back there once you hand the cart back. 

 

If you want to go further afield and see more of the island they have guided open Hummer tours you can take. 

[sewingbee]

One of the companies does allow advance reservations , so that's what we are planning to do, it's the one that's a little further to walk, but worth it to not be stressed about doing the main thing we want to do on the island

[mauimary]

Renting a golf cart on Catalina is a fun thing to do.  Easily accommodates 4.  Like others have said two hrs is all you need. I would get off early and beeline for the rental.  If you don’t make it with the first batch stand in line or come back later. They had quite a few carts.  

[jcc1025]

Kind of depends on the time of the year. If your going on in the summer season I would reserve one, but if its during fall or winter not around a holiday you can walk up. We were there about two months ago and you could have walked up and gotten one. 

[jrtmouse]

Any idea if they'll allow two adults and three small kids to ride a 4 person golf cart?  

[mattR]

On 1/12/2023 at 3:10 PM, sewingbee said:

One of the companies does allow advance reservations , so that's what we are planning to do, it's the one that's a little further to walk, but worth it to not be stressed about doing the main thing we want to do on the island

Which company takes reservations?

[sewingbee]

8 hours ago, mattR said:

Which company takes reservations?

http://www.catalinaislandgolfcart.com/

[ATSEAMYLIFE]

On 4/13/2023 at 4:25 AM, sewingbee said:

http://www.catalinaislandgolfcart.com/

Make sure to have your DL and proof of insurance.  Golf carts on the island are gas powered and a CA DMV registered motor vehicle.  Without proof of insurance they wanted a huge cash deposit refundable once you came back.  

[ATSEAMYLIFE]

On 3/12/2023 at 10:26 PM, jrtmouse said:

Any idea if they'll allow two adults and three small kids to ride a 4 person golf cart?  

I doubt it as they are CA DMV registered motor vehicle with seat belts.  

[CoW mAn]

I never had a problem