Catalina Island: With kids for a day trip, first time
 

Hi everyone!
I am planning on going over to Catalina for a day trip with my 2 kids (Ages 10), this is our first time. We are planning on taking the ferry from Long Beach at 8.30 , and return on the one at 6 PM.

I have a few questions:

Snorkeling: Is it worth it for me to carry our snorkel gear? Will we be able to snorkel right from the beach in Avalon or Descanso beach? I read that there are lockers that I can rent out. Is it safe for kids in terms of the ocean current?

Descanso beach: I read that they are undergoing renovations. Is it still worth going in spite of the reno? Can I bring my own umbrella? (I have a small collapsible beach umbrella). Can we bring our own food and drinks? (I read that because of the reno, they only have a food truck that is not very good)

Avalon: Any other activities worth doing with the kids that are not very expensive? We might rent a one hour golf cart, but I am still deciding, since I have never driven one.

Thanks!

Alexandra

If you've got gear that you are comfortable with then bring it.
Gear can be easily rented.
At Lovers Cove(turn left after leaving the ferry dock) there is usually a truck with rentals.
Casino Point is also good with very easy entry and exit and you don't have to watch for glass bottomed boats.
It's fun to rent the golf cart . The views from the hills above Avalon are impressive.

AFAIK - the renovations at Descanso Beach Club are complete . . .

If it was me -- I'd maybe do some kayaking instead of snorkel. But that is just me.

Since the boat ride over is fairly long, do your kids get sea sick at all? I would make sure you have dramamine in case they do. I took some and the trip was delightful. We saw schools of dolphins on the way back.

Yes, you can snorkle safely near the Descanso Beach club, or you can just look for the Garibaldi around the docks when you get off the boat! Or do the glass bottom boat.

It isn't hard to drive a golf cart. They'll show you. I think they take cash only.

I wouldn't bother bringing food, Avalon is tiny and there are restaurants everywhere. Bottled water would be a good idea.

Don't over schedule! The boat ride over and back will be the most memorable for the kids probably! Just sitting on the beach , getting an ice cream cone, walking over to the Casino... Just seeing everything and people watching is part of the fun. We used to get a kick out of the fisherman at the sick ringing a big bell if they brought in a marlin or some significant fish... That might be fun if they still do that! We'd run over to "see what we could see!"