Is Ensenada and Catalina Island worth visiting off Carnival Paradise?

[gam888]

Considering going on the Carnival Paradise in August. Thinking of just a 4 day cruise after our trip to Vegas. Read some reviews on Ensenada and Catalina Island and wonder if they are worth a visit. Both of these ports don't seem to have a very unique identity. Are they just ports you go on shore, walk around the typical tourist useless souvenir markets and that's about it? Could anyone share some info about memorable excursions you have done on these two ports? We will be traveling with three old teenagers. Any beach you can go to that is nice sand and not rough water? Is the Carnival Paradise a nice ship? Thanks.

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[love2float]

We were at both those ports with RCCL in 2005. Ensenada is not my favorite port - kind of like Tijauna, but an hour further south - dirty, not a lot to do, forgettable. It a good day to book a massage and enjoy the ship. Catalina on the other hand is charming. Nice shopping district. Had a fun lunch on the pier. Did a great kayak trip - but remember this is the Pacific, not the Caribbean and the water is COLD!!

[kidsfun]

Catalina is a very pretty little island. It has some stunning views from the top of the island; there is a great tour that goes around the whole island. It was a very interesting history, and amazing views. I'd stay on the ship for Ensenada.

[ChrissyBTX]

Is Ensenada safe? I know there are warnings about not going to the border towns in Mexico, but Ensenada isn't that far. I have no clue, I'm just asking. I guess Carnival wouldn't let you off the ship if it were dangerous.

[yogi2929]

Stay in the tourist areas and you will be fine. The problems have been with the drug cartels. The merchants have really cleaned up Ave Lopez. Last year we were there 2-3 times and it looked like the sidewalks had been scubbed!

 

Going again this weekend. 10 of us are planning on walking around.

[yogi2929]

Catalina is wonderful. 26 miles off of LA, it's part of Los Angeles County.

Those reviews are by people who are looking for a 'wild party' experience. Or a lay at the beach and have people serve me drinks.

 

Catalina has a unique ecosystem. Some plants here don't even grow on the other Channel Islands. (The Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on another Channel Island's history)

 

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

 

There are two beaches that are within walking distance to the pier. One is at the base of the Green Pier and the other is on the other side of the Casino building.

 

We've taken the Catalina trolley to the Wrigley Gardens.

http://www.catalinatransportationser...oute_card.html

From the top of the Memorial on a clear day you can see about 100 miles inland. That's where I live.

 

We like Ensenada. Not like the Carribbean ports at all. It is a working port. Not lush and green. It will be brown when you go.

 

No real beaches in Ensenada, there is a tour to a resort up the coast.

Our teens have gone horseback riding in the hills above Ensenada. Family has gone on the winery tour and to La Bufadora.

 

This weekend we are just going to walk around town, get lunch and paletas (popsicles), and just walk. Maybe to the Fish Market. Definetly be going to the supermarket and bakery.

 

Ensenada does have that 'wild party' experience if you want it. We don't and find plenty of things to do.

 

The weather will be in the 80F-90F range in August.

[AZchieffan]

Went to both ports in Oct. Catalina is very charming, great place to spend the day. In Ensenada I went golfing up the coast at Bajamar, one of the best golf course I have ever played. Its called the pebble beach of Mexico. If your a golfer, I highly recommend it.

[sylvis]

We had a great time visiting Catalina with our children and playing mini golf at Golf Gardens, it was a really fun course!

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/acti_golfGardens.php

[chasetf]

Personally I would stay on the ship in Ensenada. Catalina we enjoyed. They have golf carts to rent for a reasonable price and you can get a greater view of the island / port.

[Jen1000]

Considering going on the Carnival Paradise in August. Thinking of just a 4 day cruise after our trip to Vegas. Read some reviews on Ensenada and Catalina Island and wonder if they are worth a visit. Both of these ports don't seem to have a very unique identity. Are they just ports you go on shore, walk around the typical tourist useless souvenir markets and that's about it? Could anyone share some info about memorable excursions you have done on these two ports? We will be traveling with three old teenagers. Any beach you can go to that is nice sand and not rough water? Is the Carnival Paradise a nice ship? Thanks.

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I have been to Catalina many times over the years and it is lovely. It is popular with locals who take weekend trips there.

 

Ensenada, we had a very nice time. We took the ship's La Bufadora Adventure tour (Elation). I would expect the Paradise to have a similar tour. We went to La Bufadora, the old casino and did some shopping. We all enjoyed the day.

 

Jen in SoCal

[gam888]

Thank you all for replying my post. I thought the 7 day itinerary will be more interesting but of course it's a lot more money. We plan to spend 6 days in Vegas. Thought it would be nice to tag on a small cruise to "get our money's worth on airfare flying from Canada". Since we will be inland for 6 days, would be nice to see some water and perhaps a nice beach. However, since there are only 4 days and 2 ports, it would defeat the purpose of going on a cruise if we stay on the ship when it's docked at Ensenada. That's why I am trying to get an idea if it's worthwhile to select this cruise. Any other information are welcome! We don't plan to drink and party, but would like to see something that is a little different than the typical tourist shops. Is Ensenada really dirty with pushy vendors?

[recyclelady]

We were in the LA area for a wedding a few years ago. The day after the wedding, about 20 of us took the ferry from Newport Beach to Catalina Island for the day. We rented golf carts and had a great time caravanning and exploring the island together!

[Middleager]

Last year we flew to SFO then drove the pacific coast to LA. Took the ferry to Catalina one day, for diving/snorkeling, and rented a golf cart to tour around the island. The ferry was expensive, about $67/p.

 

Then we were joined by BIL and SIL to take the Carnival Splendor cruise, supposed to go to PV, Mazantlan, and Cabo. But hurrican Jimena caused a change. We went to Catalina, Ensenada, and Cabo instead. The second time to Catalina wasn't as interesting anymore. My BIL and SIL were a few dollars short to rent the golf cart, so they didn't even get to see the island that way.

 

In Ensenada, we didn't do the ship tours. Just outside the gate, we negotiate and got a private van to take us to La Bufadora. We went to see the Blow Hole, at our pace. We then went diving/snorkeling from a rocky beach there. The water was cold there, colder than Catalina island, even though it was 2 hr further south.

 

After that experience, we would not take a cruise that goes to those 2 ports (Catalina, Ensenada). The Splendor ship was nice. We booked an inside spa room, so used the spa facilities almost every day.

 

Oh, this year we're also going to Vegas. Will go to GC for 2-3 days, then Vegas for 2-3 days, before driving to Death Valley, then to Long Beach. We'll go on the Splendor again this year, making use of the 25% Carnival gave to us (for the changes last year).

[yogi2929]

Ensenada is a port town. No real beaches to play on. There is an excursion to a Rosarito Beach resort but I have never spoken to anyone who has gone on it.

 

 

 

The ships dock at the Cruiseport Terminal (just above the map's legend).

 

From the ship you walk across the bridge over the arroyo. From there you can go a few ways.

If you go to the left you will be walking along the Malercon over to the Plaza (where the Big flag is) and end up at the Fish Market.

OR you can continue along Blvd Costero.

On the left side you pass the Big Flag in the Plaza and the Big Heads. At any time you can cross the street and up one block to Ave. Lopez Mateas.

 

Ave. Lopez is the main tourist street.

A block up from Ave. Lopez on Ave. Gastellum is the Sonrisa Market. Across the street and slightly up is the Bakery (Panderia).

The Sonrisa has a very clean free bathroom upstairs at the front. McDonalds also has a clean free bathroom.

 

The candy store is on Ave Lopez near Ave Gastellum on the west side of the street.

 

A few stores up from Hussong's is a paleteria (Tropicana). Mexican popsicles are very good and cost about $1 to $1.25 (13-20 pesos).

The grape (uva), pineapple (pina) and strawberry (fresca) ones are very good.

 

It is about a 10 minute walk to Ave Lopez from the ship. There is a shuttle to town for a few bucks per person and a taxi stand in town for the return if needed.

 

 

The quote above and the info below is what I have posted on our roll call-

 

The most dangerous part of the port seems to be crossing Blvd Costero and walking on the sidewalks. We have seen army trucks pass by on patrol and lots of police. There is a Military base just south of the cruiseport.

 

Blvd Costero is 6 lanes wide. Cross at the stop sign. Haven't seen anyone hurt here but use caution. The sidewalks on Ave Lopez are wide 'American' sidewalks, most with wheel chair cutouts. The others are 'interesting'. There are utility boxes set into the sidewalks and most of them are empty and uncovered. Watch your step.

 

We have walked up Ave Gastellum. Past the Sonrisa Market is a Gigante Supermarket (about 2 blocks up) This market is even bigger and there is a Paleteria in there also. And a small pet store. Across the street from the Gigante is a department store. Kindof like a Sears/Mervyns.

 

All the stores in the tourist zone take USD. Though, I would use pesos in the Paleteria if possible. The exchange rate is set each week by the Merchants Assoc. The larger stores belong to this. The rate is about 13-1. The smaller & street merchants will use a 10-1 rate. Depending on the store you might get pesos or USD back. We go to either market, buy some things we cannot get in our local Vallarta Market and get change back in pesos. We use these for the rest of our purchases. The exchange rate is a bit better at the markets, but not by much.

 

 

In Ensenada we will probably go on our 'Food Tour'. Restuarant, Supermarket, Bakery, Paleteria, Candy store, Fish Market. Don't know the order yet. Depends on what time we get off the ship. We will also be there in January also so I'm not too sure what we will be doing.

 

 

Adding - have have gotten tours at the Civic plaza, under the Big Flag and the Big Golds Heads. We have also picked up one van at port to take us on a tour. I do not know how he got in. Usually they don't allow that.

[yogi2929]

Thank you all for replying my post. I thought the 7 day itinerary will be more interesting but of course it's a lot more money. We plan to spend 6 days in Vegas. Thought it would be nice to tag on a small cruise to "get our money's worth on airfare flying from Canada". Since we will be inland for 6 days, would be nice to see some water and perhaps a nice beach. However, since there are only 4 days and 2 ports, it would defeat the purpose of going on a cruise if we stay on the ship when it's docked at Ensenada. That's why I am trying to get an idea if it's worthwhile to select this cruise. Any other information are welcome! We don't plan to drink and party, but would like to see something that is a little different than the typical tourist shops. Is Ensenada really dirty with pushy vendors?

 

2 decent beaches on Catalina in town and there is a ship's excursion to take you to a beach north of Ensenada in Rosarito. Lots of the water line is rocky on the west coast.

 

Is Ensenada dirty? You will be going in August to a drought town. It will probably be dusty. The merchants have really cleaned the tourist area up in the last few years. There will be pushy vendors, just walk by, no eye contact, no speaking, no looking.

I find the 'call girl flyer' people in Vegas to be a lot more annoying, as they shove the pictures in your face. At least the pushy vendors in ensenada don't push items in your face.

 

ETA- The Paradise is the youngest of the Fantasy class ships- a sister to the Inspiration.

[Sherman Oaks]

Ensenada is o.k. I guess, I never felt any danger there at all. Plenty of people around. Don't be in a rush to get off the ship as most shops and the clubs don't open until 10am. La Bufadora? Just say no. Trust me on this....

 

Catalina is pretty nice easy to walk almost everywhere. You can rent four person utility vehicles and explore.

[Middleager]

La Bufadora? Just say no. Trust me on this....

 

Catalina is pretty nice easy to walk almost everywhere. You can rent four person utility vehicles and explore.

 

Why not La Bufadora? You need to give reason.For Catalina, you mean rent a golf cart? Vehicles are strictly controlled/licensed on catalina. They don't like too many people driving. You won't find too many vehicles available for rental. That's why tourists usually rent golf carts,.

[ChrissyBTX]

Here's my 2 cents. Have you ever done a mexican riviera cruise before? If the ports are important to you then I wouldn't go on this cruise. Some people cruise just for the ship experience. I went on a 7 day mexican riviera and I didn't like any of the ports (Matzalan, Cabo & PV). Personally, I love the caribbean cruises. I'm more interested in the ports than the ship itself.

 

Is this your first trip to California? If so, and you're looking to do something else, take a trip to Santa Barbara and/or San Diego if you haven't been. They are much nicer than going to Ensenada.

 

I have not been on the Paradise, so I can't comment on the ship.

[yogi2929]

Why not La Bufadora? ...............

 

http://www.bajaquest.com/sidetrips/sidetrip03.htm

 

La Bufadora is at the mercy of the ocean. When it is calm, it can take about 10-15 squirts to get a big squirt. We've been there after it was stormy, oh my! Every Squirt was HUGE.

 

The problem with La Bufadora is that it is a tourist attraction. Vendor stalls line the way to get to the viewing area. They are pushy. We walk down the miidle of the 'street'. On the way back we might stop for something.

[FightOnRon]

I will be taking this trip in March. I have 4 HAL cruises under my belt so I don't have super great expectations,,but I also think this will be fun afterall its the journey, not the destination. I am taking a friend and his wife on thier first cruise. For me, 4 nights is too short but economy is playing a big roll to why I am on this one and I've always wanted to try Carnival (look at the reviews here on CC for the PAradise).

 

For sure in Catalina rent a golf cart and tour the island on your own. Make sure you go to the botanical gardens and the casino (fee to wander around I think). My wife told our friends they should do one of the touristy tacky things like the glass bottom boat but I think not. If snorkling is your thing (not mine) you may consider that, the water there is awful clear. The deal is there is a limit to the number of autos allowed on the island and there is a super long waiting list. That's why everyone else drives golf carts. You really can walk most of the downtown area but to see the great postcard views you see, that has to be done from the hills, which are easist reached with golf carts.

 

Ensenada is a tough one. After some research I have narrowed it to the 2 winery tour , or the jeep tour. My friend is interested in the Gold Coast tour. I have read a couple of reviews from others on different sites and the winery tour seems to be a hit, especially the one that gives you a bottle at the end. Also another hit is the one where you rent an ATV and go nuts in the hills. My DW is thinking about staying in the ship and doing some spa deals. I would consider the horseback tour, but I have never been on a horse and am not starting now. Yes, Ensenada is not Mazatlan and it's not fancy.

 

Carnival has its own forum which is rather clumsy to navigate through, but if you go there you can find out other opinions on what to do in Ensenada.

[Rosefloater]

Stay in the tourist areas and you will be fine. The problems have been with the drug cartels. The merchants have really cleaned up Ave Lopez. Last year we were there 2-3 times and it looked like the sidewalks had been scubbed!

 

Going again this weekend. 10 of us are planning on walking around.

 

There are also cameras and undercover police in the area.

 

We had a great time visiting Catalina with our children and playing mini golf at Golf Gardens, it was a really fun course!

http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/acti_golfGardens.php

 

I tried to find this on the map. Where exactly is it? Is it near the Tour Bus Plaza?

 

For sure in Catalina rent a golf cart and tour the island on your own. Make sure you go to the botanical gardens and the casino (fee to wander around I think). You can take the trolley up the Gardens. If you rent a golfcart, don't waste the rental time for a visit here. There are tours operated by Discovery Tours. They are located at the end of the Green Pier on the street. If you can, take the 'Behind the Scene' Casino tour. My wife told our friends they should do one of the touristy tacky things like the glass bottom boat but I think not. It's good once. Book on the pier. They sometimes offer kids rates for adults.

 

Ensenada is a tough one. After some research I have narrowed it to the 2 winery tour , or the jeep tour. My friend is interested in the Gold Coast tour. I have read a couple of reviews from others on different sites and the winery tour seems to be a hit, especially the one that gives you a bottle at the end. ...I would consider the horseback tour, but I have never been on a horse and am not starting now. Yes, Ensenada is not Mazatlan and it's not fancy. I have done the winery and the horseback tours. The winery tour is good. At 1 winery (La Cello), you mainly see where they store the vats & then do wine tasting (This is where you get the bottle of wine) . At the other winery you are taken all over the grounds. When we were there in August, we saw them extracting the juice.

 

For the horseback tour, they team you up w/ a horse based on riding ability. The ranch is about 1/2 hour north of Ensenada in the hills. Great views of the bay. March should be a good time to do this. Take the morning tour, because there is no shade and it is warm. After the tour, you are given a snack (possibly tacos which were good). You can also purchase a picture of you on your horse (cash only)

 

Carnival has its own forum which is rather clumsy to navigate through, but if you go there you can find out other opinions on what to do in Ensenada.

 

You can also type in Ensenada in the search engine on CC . or go to the Mexican Riviera board

[Collz]

Being a Southern California native, I've spent lots of time in Catalina and Ensenada. I think they both offer something different. Catalina has wonderful history, a great little downtown area and it's kind of fun to browse around. Rent a golf cart and see the view from Wrigley Mansion. Take a tour of the Casino or spend the day at Descanso Beach. Take the island tour and see the herd of buffalo descendents that are left over from a silent movie that was filmed there ages ago.

 

Ensenada is a port town. Have spent lots of weekends there and at Rosarito Beach. Others are right. No good beaches. But it's not bad for the day. Take the tour to La Bufadora. Go to Hussongs for a Margarita. It's about an hour to Rosarita, but if they have a tour there, it's a nice little Resort town with a beautiful beach and a great little shopping area.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to go on the cruise. I think after a few days in Vegas it will be fun to take a little cruise and realax.

[DarthGrady]

We did the 4 day on Paradise back in '08. We had a good time overall, but I prefer the Caribbean. Catalina was nice, we got to see wild dolphins around our tender which was very cool.

 

In Ensenada we shopped a little, but mostly drank the day away at a little restaurant. The fish tacos were great, and we didn't get dysentery! :D

 

She was the nicest of all the Fantasy class ships we have been on. Its also the newest, so that made sense. The cabins sorely needed the EOF renovations, I don't know if those have been done yet though.

[lds26]

We are going to Ensenada next month as well. I was wondering what temps we should be expecting. Any input???