when does busy season start at Catalina?

robint · Apr 17, 2012

We are thinking of heading over for 4-5 day trip, staying on the island, doing a couple days boat diving and a day shore diving, but we want to avoid huge crowds. Is there a best time? June? July? August?

We are thinking of staying at Seaport, since everyone here gives them such good reviews. Other than that, not sure about restaurant recommendations, budget wise food options with maybe one night splurge?

robin

blue steal · Apr 17, 2012

Hey Robin:
Week days M-F will avoid most crowds plus the seaport is much cheaper M-Th.
After Memorial day things will start to pick up, but by July it will be busy.
Water is still cool right now.
Hope to see you when you over this way.

Leejnd · Apr 17, 2012

Another factor to consider for crowds is the cruise ship schedule. Avalon has become quite a favorite stop on certain cruise lines. Here's a link to the 2012 cruise ship schedule in Avalon: Catalina Cruise Ship Schedule - Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce Every Tuesday Avalon will be choked with Carnival passengers, but fortunately they're gone by late afternoon. There are also a few scattered stops by other cruise lines that may impact your plans.

If water temps matter to you, the water will definitely be warmer the later in the year you go.

blue steal · Apr 18, 2012

Hey Robin.
If you are going to dive out at the casino point park, there is an outdoor restaurant called dockside cafe/Pedros bar right next to the casino building. They serve pretty decent food.
Plus there is a fill station next to casino, $7 fill. Lines can be long on weekend and if you bring your own tank, but if you rent, then you can just exchange tanks and your good to go.
Seaport village Inn is up the hill, closest to the "park". I have been told that they will not only pick you up from the ferry dock, but take you back and forth to the park.
Not sure if I would worry to much about cruise ship pod people. They probably won't be diving or even snorkeling for that matter.
Don't forget to read the sticky on Catalina. Rates for parking at Long Beach are $15 per day.

Leejnd · Apr 18, 2012

blue steal:
Hey Robin.

Not sure if I would worry to much about cruise ship pod people. They probably won't be diving or even snorkeling for that matter.

True that - really all they do is walk down to the park and gape in awe at the divers, and ask questions like "What are you looking for down there?"

blue steal · Apr 18, 2012

The souvinir shops and ice cream shops are busy, and maybe, just maybe there will be a brave snorkeler or two.
Other questions are do you see any sharks down there? How long can you stay under the water?
Don't forget to check the catalina express website for the new times.
Prices are 70.50 for adult and 64 for senior (over 50 or 55), although there are coupons available for up to 7.5 off, does not apply for seniors though.
Hey if you are lucky you may even get to dive with the famous, or is that infamous Dr. Bill.

Leejnd · Apr 18, 2012

"What's in your tank?"
"Have you ever run out of oxygen down there?"

I'll bet Dr. Bill could give us a rundown of hilarious questions asked by tourists down at the dive park!

robint · Apr 18, 2012

Leejnd:
"What's in your tank?"
"Have you ever run out of oxygen down there?"

I'll bet Dr. Bill could give us a rundown of hilarious questions asked by tourists down at the dive park!

We get those same lovely questions here in New Mexico, diving in a fresh water spring...
are there sharks down there? Duh!
what is there to see?
can I borrow your tank? I just wanna go look around?
is there are treasure down there?
any dead bodies down there?

~sigh~

thanks for all the help everybody. Our water temp here is 62 degrees year round, so that is my comfort limit in a 7mm with a hooded vest. Ron has a drysuit.

We have only done 5 trips to Calif, all during Aug-Sep timeframe, and only diving from Great Escape, Peace, or Spectre.... this trip we think it will be fun to stay on Catalina and dive that island exclusively for 3 full days. I am not sure yet if we will drive out (12 hours each way) or fly out (we have some free tickets on Southwest we can use).

robin

fnfalman · Apr 18, 2012

Yep, what they said.

Park starts to get busy around late May. However, on weekdays, it should be sweet. Dive in the park both day and night during the weekdays and then hit the dive boats on the weekend.

keithbt · Apr 18, 2012

As weird as this sounds, any holiday weekend the park is dead...SssHHH its our secret.....

when does busy season start at Catalina?

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