Local tours

[Sheepdog]

I will be sailing on the Monarch of the Seas Dec 5 to Ensenada. Where do I find the local tour operators at Catalina and the Ensenada Port? I read a related link to these months ago, but cannot find it just now. Any suggestions on what to do?

Edit: Moved to Ports of Call Chat. RF

[Lil' Lori]

About 3 years ago when we were on the Monarch, we took the shuttle that was provided to the main town area. The man who ran the shuttle, said they offered local tours to the bulfadora, (spelling might be wrong). He has we caught the bus, at the place where the shuttle dropped us off. We decided to do it, it was cheaper than the excursion via the ship. The local excursion went fine, no problems. I have been to Catalina several times, being raised in Long Beach. There is an area, where the tours bus/shuttle meets. We just bought our tickets there. We never pre-bought them. However, there wasn't a cruise ship in port either. Good luck, Lil' Lori

[farmerjohn]

We did the same thing in Ensenada. We took the shuttle to the town center and then purchased tour tickets where you exit the shuttle. The tour to La Bufadora was about 1/2 price of what they charged on the ship and the ship may have even been using the same tour company. The tour takes you out into the countryside on the way to the blow hole and you get a nice view of the area.

In Catalina, we went hiking. There is a small office for the park that can give you maps and hiking information. Just ask around and they can direct you to the park office.

However, we ended up hiking farther than we intended. We hiked 3 miles up a ravine to the top of the ridge above Avalon. Then we hiked 3 miles along the ridge, and then 3 miles back down the main road to Avalon. We were completely worn out when we got back to the ship, but it was a wonderful hike with lots of beautiful views. And best of all, it cost us nothing.