Catalina Island Vacation Packages?

[Beth_M]

I've read the stickies but was wondering if somebody could provide me with some pertinent recent information?

I would like to plan a half week vacation in Catalina. ScubaLuv and CDS were mentioned as dive shops to book packages through. It appears that CDS refers you to another travel operator while you can book a whole package directly through ScubaLuv. Is one recommended over the other? Or would it be cheapest to book everything separately?

I usually dive in Monterey so am accustomed to the cold water. How does one haul all their gear down there, or is it usually just rented? I'm not sure how feasible it would be to haul tanks, dry suits, regs, camera equipment, etc. down on the ferries as there appears to be limited space.

Any an all advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[ItsBruce]

I've never had trouble with gear on the ferry. I've got a hand cart on which I put my gear. I rent tanks on the island.

 

[da squeeze]

the ferries only allow 1 tank to be taken over but casino point usually has a trailer where you can get tank fills. As far as equipment, I didnt have a problem with my stuff

 

[drrragon]

I've read the stickies but was wondering if somebody could provide me with some pertinent recent information?

I would like to plan a half week vacation in Catalina. ScubaLuv and CDS were mentioned as dive shops to book packages through. It appears that CDS refers you to another travel operator while you can book a whole package directly through ScubaLuv. Is one recommended over the other? Or would it be cheapest to book everything separately?

I usually dive in Monterey so am accustomed to the cold water. How does one haul all their gear down there, or is it usually just rented? I'm not sure how feasible it would be to haul tanks, dry suits, regs, camera equipment, etc. down on the ferries as there appears to be limited space.

Any an all advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

You could get different package deals, depending on what you want to do and also when you want to do them.

You also could get a package in Avalon with hotel, boat dive, park dive, and ferry at visitcatalinaisland.com.

You could get a package at two harbors that would include lodging (at the Banning House), boat dive, kayak dive, and ferry at visittwoharbors.com.

You could get separate hotel and dive boat arrangements. It might be a matter of timing when you make hotel arrangements during the summer.

As for hauling your stuff, you probably could. From your hotel in Avalon, you would be able to have a taxi haul you down to the park and pick you up later. There is some locker space if you need it at the park.

If you are on a boat, tanks are supplied. If you are diving at casino point, you can rent.

Not to make you feel pressure, but sometimes it's hard to get the hotel deals you want during the summer, cuz it is pretty popular in Avalon. And in Two Harbors, you have the Banning House which is often booked pretty far in advance, camping, or mooring your own boat in the harbors.

 

[kelpmermaid]

Let's assume that website prices are accurate; a dive trip on the King Neptune runs $110/day and a RT on Catalina Express is $54...

The big variable here is lodging, and pricing there is seasonal and, of course, dependent upon what level of accommodations you'd like. Availability is another matter. Click around a bit, and that will give you some ideas.

The gear hauling thing shouldn't be a problem. I have been known to go over for the day and haul my little steel tank, divebag, and personal gear. Tanks are readily available there, though, as mentioned, and you can get fills at Casino Point and on the King Neptune...

 

[500 PSI]

Dove Catalina last Wed 3-15 througt Friday 3-17 before weather turned cold and windy. We used CDS at the pier shop. Rented tanks and used thier cart for transporting our four tanks and gear. Dove the park one afternoon and on another day continued along path past the auditoruim or just just north of the park for some very nice calp bed shore dives.

We also did one boat dive with them and were treated right! The 42' Newton is clean and captain and dive master were excellect. Many nice hotels right on or 1/2 block from beach and the main pier to select from. Many motels not on internet, just check around, since this time of year they did not seem even close to full. Goood Vis, but COLD be prepared. Enjoy!!!

PS My Thanks to Dr. Bill for his info on island.

 

[drbill]

Highly dependent on what time of year you are coming, since rates are highly variable peak vs off-season and weekend vs weekday.

Others have addressed gear transport issues.

My preference is for Scuba Luv (disclaimer: I work with them on many projects) given their greater flexibility on types of services provided (Nitrox, tech gear, etc.) either shop can do well by you. Scuba Luv's King Neptune is a much larger, more comfortable dive boat especially in cooler weather (large heated cabin). CDS' boat is smaller, faster and fine during warmer weather. Boat staff at both are good.

My advice: call both to see what their package prices are for the dates you indicate. Feel free to PM me after you get the quotes for any comment.

If you come on your own, Hermosa Hotel is a VERY basic and cheap (by Avalon standards) off season. It's the kind of place I'd stay as a starving marine biologist. Seaport Village is newer and nicer, reasonably priced and diver friendly. There are other nice options as well.

 

[genreviam]

Looks like we have the same questions... I am planning a trip in April with my son to Catalina. I priced everything separately, and then called and got package pricing from the dive shop and hotel. Maybe my math is funny, but it looks like I can get a slightly better deal by doing it individually.

Here is what I found for 2 adults: (approx numbers)
Trans to the Island - $100
Dive boat - $110 per person ($220)
Hotel - $50-$100 per night

Dive package - $261 per person. Includes trans, 1 boat dive and 2 days hotel.

I haven't decided whether to stay at the Hermosa or Seaport Village yet, both seem to be diver friendly and "budget" friendly.

Randy

 

[drbill]

Randy-

Depends quite a bit on the hotel of course. I assume the range of hotel prices you have ($50-100/night) represent Hermosa-Seaport Village for two people. Was the $261 per person quote for one of those? I'd call back and mention that you receivd those quotes and wondered what the differences might be.

Ask if the quoted hotel or package prices include the city bed tax, etc. It is somewhat steep out here (12% ???).

Hermosa is VERY basic (unheated I believe although this may not apply to all rooms), but a lot of divers like it (we ARE a cheap bunch!). If the difference in cost isn't a significant factor, I think you'd be more comfortable at the Seaport Village. I might add that they also provide dive gear transportation to and from the dive park (and I believe the dive boats).

 

[genreviam]

Thanks Dr. Bill. I received two different answers on two different calls regarding the hotel in the lower cost package. One was the Hermosa, and the other was the Atwater (which I didn't think was open in April except on weekends?...).

Anyways, I think I'll go with Seaport Village. Your info on gear transport tipped the scales. I'll save my energy for the dives instead of huffing the gear around town!