Catalina Island advice?

[travelgrammy]

My husband and I are going on Carnival Paradise in January. Our stops are Catalina Island and Ensenada. I'm hoping to get some advice on shore excursions on Catalina Island. We're late 40s (me) and mid 50s (him), and we both have some health issues so we won't be doing more physical things like snorkling. DH likes things having to do with nature and science, I'm interested more in historical sites, we both like looking at houses. We can participate in moderate walking, but not too much more active than that.

 

Also, does anyone know how badly the island was affected by the fire? I'm wondering if all the shore trips are available right now. Of course there will be several months between now and then, but I'm sure there will still be scars in January.

 

Thanks for your help! I truly appreciate it.

 

Anne

[auburn6]

I think the best thing to do is rent a golf cart and they give you a map and you drive it all around and you see alot of Catalina. There are boat excursions you can go on also. I am going there June 18, 2007. Can let you know more after that.

[skandls]

Besides the golf cart - take a guided tour of the Casino. It is a very interesting building. Check the times - I think they are limited. There is some walking but there are sitting opportunities also.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I had looked at Catalina's website the other day and if you're sticking to Avalon, you may be all right. Access to interior areas may still be restricted to residents only.

[goodml]

I was on Catalina Island last Wednesday and the firefighters were departing in boatloads that day. They had posters in the downtown showing the fire area and that it was 100% contained. From the ship you could actually see the charred area up behind the city. Our table mates rented golf carts and saw everything they wanted to see including the botanical gardens. They didn't comment on being limited by the fire. We just basically walked around the whole downtown and waterfront area and looked at the shops. Paid a little visit to the Cold Stone Creamery :) and sat at the waterfront and enjoyed our dessert. It was a beautiful day and the islanders have posted signs and posters all over the downtown thanking the firefighters.

[corybmcfly]

I was on Catalina Island in September. While I and a buddy of mine rented a jet ski, the rest of our party rented golf carts and toured the town. They had a blast and brought back some amazing pictures. I'm sure you wouldn't regret if you decided to do the same.

[purplehair]

I would also recommend the golf cart rental and the botanical gardens were beautiful. The whole thing is at your leisure. It took us a little over an hour to do the drive around the island and the gardens.

[Darlipoo]

If it is too windy, your ship can't do Catalina and you'll end up in San Diego. Just thought you should be forewarned. We live in S.D> and drove up to L A one year for this cruise and our first stop ended up being San Diego. But we still had fun. But the rates they charge for tourists off the ship on excurtions was highway robbery! If this happens to you, walk 5 mintues down the way and go aboard the Midway. Then walk down about another 10 minutes and visit Seaport Village. If you are more into food and shopping, walk up Broadway about 6-7 blocks to Horton Plaza and Gaslamp district (dozens of restaurants) Go peek into the refurbished Grant Hotel at 4th and Broadway.