Catalina/Ensenada Excursions/Activities

[MrBanana1240]

We are thinking about planning a 4 night Mexican cruise along with a stay in California before the cruise.

 

What can we do in each port? Are they worth visiting? Any information o the ports will help. Thanks

[PaddleAddict]

I love Catalina Island. I go at least twice a year. It's very charming. I highly recommend an interior tour so you can see the island beyond the town of Avalon.

[rhinomike]

Not much to do at either port. In Ensanada there is some shopping. Clubs if you like to drink and party. We always go down to Buffadora and shop, eat Churros and watch the blow hole.

 

Catalina we just rent a golf cart and drive around.

[cruisinJenF]

Ensenada the winery excursion is really great. It's REALLY beautiful out there, it's like you drive over a hill and BAM gorgeous vineyards as far as you can see. The wine was pretty good too, not to mention the cheese, olives and bread. Really a fun day and really pretty out there. The Bufadora (blow hole) is interesting to see also. All the way across the bay from where the ship docks. Also very pretty views there.

 

Catalina is fun to rent a golf cart and drive all over.

[SadieN]

The West Coast Departure, California Coastal and Mexican Riviera boards all have lots of info.

 

Catalina--

google Catalina Chamber of Commerce for ideas. Lot's of things to do--Interior tours, Wrigley Gardens, Mini Golf, real Golf, Taffy at Lloyd's

 

Read "Island of the Blue Dolphins" for history of the Channel Islands

 

Ensenada-

We were just there on Tuesday with Princess.

The Bufadora is a natural blowhole. It's kindof interesting but it is at it's best right after a storm.

The city is a quick 10 minute walk from the pier.

 

We travel with a group of friends and I think between all of us we have done every excursion in Ensenada--Horseback riding, ATV, Wine Tour, Cooking class etc.

 

If walking check out the Fish market, several museums (one's an 1880's army barracks turned jail) and Hussong's Cantina.

We like the Taquiera right before Hussong's and the paleta (popsicle) place a few doors (lime green building) down the street.

 

Be careful when walking in Ensenada. The building codes are extremely different in Mexico than the States. Off of the main tourist streets the sidewalks have many obstacles, including open utility holes.

 

***

Usually the CE night will be on the day you visit Catalina.

Edited October 26, 2013 by SadieN

[SoCalKJ]

In Ensenada, zip-lining/canopy tour is a MUST! Google Las Canadas Campground for information. While it's not a Carnival sponsored excursion, you can either book it in town or negotiate your own taxi. We've gone twice and it's the best excursion in Ensenada: HANDS DOWN!

 

BTW: you can book the zipline/Bufadora excursions together. Really reasonable combo rate.

[student again]

Has anyone gone from Ensenada to Rosarito Beach off the Inspiration?

 

How much did it cost?

 

Can you do it not on a shore excursion?