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Also known as Santa Catalina Island, this rocky destination is about 29 miles southeast of Long Beach, California. It is 143 miles north of Ensenada, Mexico, another popular port of call on short-term Mexican Riviera cruises. The island, which is 22 miles long and eight miles wide at its widest point, has a population of about 4,000 people.
Carnival Cruise Line Opens New Deployment From Long Beach, CA - Travel Agent Central
Carnival Cruise Line Opens New Deployment From Long Beach, CA.
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Take to the Skies on an Aerial Adventure
Kids age 5 and older can participate, making it one of the best family-friendly things to do on the island. Instead, ships anchor outside the harbor and tender passengers to Green Pleasure Pier in the center of downtown Avalon. Visiting Catalina Island by cruise ship is common for short cruises departing from Los Angeles or Long Beach.
Things to Do if Visiting Catalina Island by Cruise Ship
Cars are limited on Catalina (there's a 8-10 year waiting list to own a car on the island). Most folks walk or rent golf carts and bicycles, the preferred modes of transportation. Even the sheriff drives a golf cart fitted with a siren and special high-speed gears (about $30/hour for carts for those 25 and older with a driver's license; $10/hour for bikes).
Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Catalina, third largest of the Channel Islands, feels like a world away. Twenty-two miles west into the Pacific from Los Angeles, the island combines natural beauty with a wide range of amenities and activities. Catalina's most famous landmark, the 1929 Art Deco Casino, dominates the waterfront. Rows of shops, restaurants and hotels stretch along Crescent Avenue and up into narrow streets dotted with bougainvillea-framed bungalows.

Discover more of her stories on her travel website, TheSaltSirens.com. You can go whale watching on Catalina Island during certain times of the year. The island is a great place to see whales as they migrate along the California coast. Dine at the Chef’s Table – For fellow foodies, I highly recommend experiencing the Chef’s Table dinner.
Coastal Wild Dolphin Adventure
Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries\n Ready for your California vacation getaway? The easiest way to get to Catalina Island would be by traveling on a vacation cruise sailing from LA. The stop is more reserved for shorter Mexico voyages or one-off repositioning sailings. If you are going on an Alaska cruise from the West Coast, chances are Catalina Island won’t be on your itinerary.
EXPLORE MEXICO
Visitors can explore the island’s wild side by hiking, mountain biking or taking a guided tour. Anyone wondering what to do in Catalina Island who loves outdoor adventures should consider island-based excursions. Step Beach, although small, is conveniently located right at the harbor front. South and Middle beaches are a short walk to the south of Step Beach. They are mainly concentrated in the island’s only incorporated city at Avalon on the southeast coast and the village of Two Harbors on the northwest coast.
If you are cruising to Catalina Island, you might plan to spend the day snorkeling, hiking, visiting heritage sites or simply relaxing on the beach. There are so many things to do and discover in Catalina Island that it’s difficult to choose, but here are eight great ideas to consider. In one word, Catalina Island, just off the coast of California, is picturesque. Though you'll dock in the tiny city of Avalon, Catalina boasts more than 50 miles of scenic shoreline and offers visitors an impressive number of diversions in which to partake. Beyond the beach, Avalon's historic Art Deco casino (as in event space, not for gambling) is a must-see even if just from the outside. There are lots of excellent shops and restaurants to explore, but keep in mind that a day on Catalina Island can get quite pricy -- even the beach incurs a charge.
Travel to another country – The second stop on this cruise is to Ensenada, Mexico. If you’ve never been, this will be your chance to experience a little bit of local Mexican culture. There are many types of excursions available to book during your time here including horseback riding, ATV adventures, winery tours and more.
Grey whales are seen off the coast in the winter months, and blue whales during the summer. The area is also home to various dolphins that can be seen year-round. Watch some great shows – Looking for something to do after an amazing dinner? Enjoy one of the live musical shows, watch some comedy, sing (or just watch) at the karaoke bar – there are endless entertainment options. The island has a mild and brief rainy season in January and February.
With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and numerous outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that over 280,000 cruisers flock to Catalina Island every year. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. Enjoy world-class customer service – If there’s anything I can really rave about the Carnival cruise, it’s the service! The crew is really service-oriented and will go out of their way to make your trip the best one ever.
The purchase window for certain products and activities closes before to the sail end date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us on board, we'll help you find what you’re looking for. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The panoramic views you’ll get during a Catalina Parasailing Adventure are truly unmatched. Grab a paddle and hop aboard a kayak to explore the island’s remote coastline on the Catalina Kayak Expedition. You don’t need any previous experience, and an expert guide will show you the ropes before you head out on the water.
The Marlin Club, the island's oldest bar, sticks to the nautical theme with ship-shaped architecture, ocean décor and seascape paintings. Order a cocktail and hit the jukebox while you wait for it to be mixed. Catalina Island became a travel destination in 1864 after being purchased by California's wealthiest man at the time, an entrepreneur named James Lick. Lick later sold the island to the Banning brothers, who developed Avalon's Green Pleasure Pier, which is still standing today.
Located 27 miles off the coast of Southern California, it is a popular vacation destination for cruise passengers and those seeking a quick getaway. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. The tour also features a scenic coastal drive and plenty of great information about Catalina’s rich history. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens are nearly two miles southwest of the docks. Although the distance will discourage most walkers, cruise visitors can get there more easily by renting bicycles or golf carts that are common in Avalon.
Cruise ships anchor near Avalon and tender (boat) their passengers to Pleasure Pier at the Avalon docks. The most common Mexican Riviera cruises, which last six days and seven nights, rarely visit Catalina even from the nearby Long Beach. It is never a port of call for cruises out of San Diego, which lies 80 miles to the south. Soaking up all of the outdoor activities in the best part of any California vacation getaway.
The Disney Wonder Will Dock in Avalon – The Log - The Log Newspaper
The Disney Wonder Will Dock in Avalon – The Log.
Posted: Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The island has a zipline facility at Descanso Beach with five lines and a total of 3,400 feet. Zipliners travel up to 45 miles per hour and as high as 300 feet over Descanso Canyon. Requested port of calls marked as "confirmed" below are guaranteed visits, weather dependent.
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