Santa Catalina Island

Archive for June, 2010

Hiking to Little Harbor From the Isthmus at Catalina Island

Question: I am going on a 5 day, 4 night cruise to Ensenada Mexico, any suggestions on what to do and…?

…not do while there?
Cruise dates 4/21/08 to 4/25/08. Will visit Catalina Island, then on to San Diego, and from there we wil go to Ensenada Mexico. I don’t know if I can spend US dollars or if I need to have pesos, I also want to know what are typical do’s and don’ts.

Answer: hi, we just got back from a cruise which visited the Mexican Riviera, Baja and the Sea of Cortes. We had a wonderful time! U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, infact the vendors still prefer it over pesos. The current exchange rate is 10 pesos to the dollar, so it is esy to calculate value. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or wander off the beaten path and you’ll have a great time. Make your puchases in stores and not from street vendors. Remember to bargain, bargain, bargain. A good starting point is about 2/3rds of the asking price. Don’t go over 90% of it. If you know someone who likes to bake, pick up a large bottle of vanilla, as it’s dirt cheap in Mexico and very expensive here. Try to learn a few words of Spanish, although everyone there knows enough English to get by. Don’t drink any unbottled water (agua), but eat as much as you like. ENJOY…

Cruise – Phimmasone Family 3rd Day – Catalina Island

Question: is Avalon (city in Catalina Island) small enough to walk everywhere?

i was wondering if its a short walking distance to get to where ever you want to go in Avalon or it would be highly recommended to ride a bike or drive a golf cart around town cause not every place in Avalon is close?

Answer: The town of Avalon is roughly one square mile. Part of the fun of Avalon is being able to walk everywhere and not having to get in a vehicle. There is a trolley that will take you around to different spots if you wanted to get up to the botanical gardens (that’s where a golf cart would come in handy.) and I think it costs a dollar each way. If you’re just going to be mostly on the front walk where all the dining, shopping, entertainment, beach, pier and Casino are, take the time and enjoy the walk. You’ll appreciate the exercise after a buffalo burger at Eric’s on the Pier, a Big Olaf at Olaf’s Ice Cream or any of the yummy treats at Lloyd’s candy shop- check out their gourmet caramel apples!!! Have fun!

Catalina Island Bike ride