~A Mini- Adventure ~ On A Mini-Island~
Written: May 10 '00 (Updated May 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: something excitng and different to do
Cons: none
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| donnatheo's Full Review: Catalina Island |
Catalina Island is one of my favorite mini-getaways. As a matter of fact I went there on my honeymoon. Catalina Island is a very small island off of the coast of Southern California; twenty -six miles from the Long Beach Harbor to be exact.
Catalina Island is lush, and green. It does look semi-tropical due to the imported palm trees and flowering plants in the beach areas. But the inland part of the island looks much like California and a lot of it is kept as a nature reserve and is kept uninhabited by humans. There are a lot of wild animals in these preserves including deer, goats, boars and pigs.
Part of the excitement of going to Catalina Island is taking a Cruise line across the San Pedro Channel. It is only 26 miles but takes a couple of hours. As a teenager I went several times. It was a blast. We would run around the ship and feel the wind on our faces. We would go upstairs and then down stairs to the snack bar and buy stuff. Sometimes
there was a live band for entertainment. Along the way we saw whales, dolphins and flying fish. I never got sea sick on these trips, but I have been sick on smaller vessels.
Cars are not allowed on Catalina island. There are other modes of transportation on the island like mopeds and bicycles. There is also the two seater bicycles. The first fight of my marriage occurred on one of these bicycles built for two, but that is a story for another epinion. I will give you a clue about our first marital discord; one of us (the one in the back) was not pedaling....
There is lodging on the island, several really nice hotels and a few more affordable ones. We stayed at the Atwater Hotel. Get it, “At---Water”! I have also been to a week long summer camp on the island. It was a co-ed camp when I was about 15. I had a blast. Girls had their own separate part of the camp and boys were on the other. The only time
we met up was during meals and activities.
The island is crowded on summer weekends, but is usually quiet all other times. The weather is mild and much like Southern California. May through June is gloomy, but this makes for mild temperatures which are great for hiking. If you are looking for hot sunshine go in the later months of the summer.
There is plenty to do on Catalina Island, but the best things have to do with the water. There is plenty of beaches and swimming. You can rent boats of all kinds, and go on glass bottom boat rides ($24.50 a person). There is also great snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, camping and hiking. There is also a theater, great restaurants and shopping.
The most exciting ride you can go on is the new sub-mersible two seater submarine. It is called the Seamobile and it explores the undersea world of Lover’s Cove and other parts around the islands’ coast. The sub can go a depth of 150 feet, but usually stays at around 40 feet. The Seamobile submarine costs $100.00 for a 30 minute ride. But this ride is so unique and a trendsetter for the island it would be hard to find this type of ride anywhere else. The sea life is spectacular off the island, as a matter of fact, Catalina was recently named one of the top 10 dive spots in North America.
Catalina Island is an exciting adventure for anyone. It can be as short as a day trip or as long as a week. Try it, you’ll like it! Call The Catalina Island Visitors Bureau (310)510-1520 for more info. For more information on the Cruises to the island call (800)228-2546.
Recommended:
Yes
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