questions about Catalina island

[Thiad]

We did the camping trip a few years back at Hermit Gulch in their tent cabins. It was lovely, but yep, it's a hike (and it's up the hill - not fun with a lot of gear). The campground and tents (they had wooden floors) were nice. You can get taxi to haul your gear up which you might find helpful.

Here's the link:

Hermit Gluch Campground - Visit Catalina Island

 

[drbill]

During these months there is also tram service to the campground which is also operated by the only taxi company in town. For a group I'm not sure if it is cheaper to go in a single taxi or by tram.

A little bit pf history. Back in the late 70s the company I managed (Catalina Island Odyssey) was putting on a major film festival in the Casino building. We felt the need for a reasonably priced campground as a lower cost alternative to the hotels and were given permission by the Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICo) to start one in the old Bird Park. After we closed our doors in 1979, the SCICo moved the operation up to Hermit's Gulch and have continued it. Nice to have that facility available for visitors to the island.

 

[webjr]

Don't forget to give us a trip report. Would like to know more about the Seaport Village.

We stayed there last year and were very happy. Its a clean room and friendly people. All a diver needs. They even cooked sausage and eggs for breakfast last year.
2 days to go!
26 miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is awaiting for me...

 

[decidedlyodd]

The reviews on TripAdvisor for Seaport Village Inn are pretty horrendous.

Seaport Village Inn (Avalon, CA) - Inn Reviews - TripAdvisor

It works for some people, but apparently not others.

 

[drbill]

Seaport Village is popular with divers. They are very dive friendly... even take you and your gear to and from the dive park. Can't ask for more. Many Catalina hotels don't compare to mainland ones (although some are better). Things are a bit more basic here.

Webjr, despite the famous Four Preps song, at the closest point Catalina is 19.7 miles from the mainland, and about 22 miles from Long Beach. The individual who wrote the lyrics said 26 sounded much better... and it is about the distance from Newport Beach.

 

[webjr]

Seaport Village trip report- It was everything I remembered from the first trip. A clean room to sleep in. Very friendly people. Breakfast included hot scrambled eggs, potatos, and the best homemade salsa. Of course they also shuttle gear back and forth to the point for you. It is a little run down but if somethings broken they fix it immediately. The shower is HUGE, great for rinsing gear or 'other' recreational activities The only downside I can think of is the uphill walk back from town. It is at the top of a very steep hill. Even that has a good side though, I ate everything in sight and still lost 5 lbs in 6 days. If you're looking for something fancy this ain't it. If you want a simple divers hotel hosted by the friendliest people this is it.

 

[blue steal]

Thanks for the report on the seaport village inn. Do they pick you up and take you to the ferry?

 

[bperc]

Yes they do. You just have to let them know what time your ferry arrives and they will be there to pick you up with your gear. Great service with a smile.

 

[webjr]

Thanks for the report on the seaport village inn. Do they pick you up and take you to the ferry?

If you book through their website book the "boat package" . That is NOT a dive boat package. It is the Catalina Express. They include the ferry price in the package and arrange it for you. When you consider round trip ferry for 2 = 140 ? that makes the package a great price.

 

[blue steal]

Thanks webjr for the information. I'll check into the package.
Was deciding between the Hermosa Hotel and the Seaport.
Seaport seems to offer a bit more for the diver.
Catalina express has a 63 dollar fare for seniors (over age 55).