The transportation portion of the trip was very stressful, giving little time to get from one place to another. Didn't even get to do the "island tour" because then we wouldn't have had time to eat between the undersea expedition and getting back on the ferry back and we never got information of how to do the tour once we returned from the undersea expedition. It said the tour would be 12 hours, but in reality, it was 8am-5pm. Disappointing to say the least.

A absolutely fabulous day out, one of the best ever day trips. The pick up from Disneys Grand Californian Hotel was spot on time, the tickets were ready at the Catalina Express Terminal , the staff were very helpful and welcoming.. The boat was very clean, boarding and disembarking was quick and efficient, the crossing to the Island was smooth and enjoyable. The scenic tour of the Island was fabulous with a very welcoming and informative driver and guide all in one, once again ticketing was simple and easy, everything on time, The Island was beautiful and scenic, lovely walks along the front, plenty of places to eat, we had sword fish caught locally. Return journey by boat equally efficient and superb. The only downside to the whole day was the fact that the return transport to the hotel was not there waiting for us when we disembarked . Fortunately we had bought a American sim for our UK mobile and were able to ring the shuttle to report that no one was there to greet us. They apologised and said they would send some one. After 45 minutes the shuttle arrived. Because the rest of the day had been so perfect, this failure did not spoil the day. Yet it was uncomfortable waiting there outside the terminal when everyone else who got off the boat had long gone, the Catalina office was closed and no one around, very lonely and empty waiting for that shuttle that should have been there waiting for us.

I was picked up at a hotel at 7:50 a.m. and taken to where the boat leaves in Long Beach. My boat arrived in Catalina at 11:00 a.m. I had to be in line for my scenic drive at 11:45 a.m. The drive was beautiful and was from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. I had to be in line for the boat to go back at 3:20, so I really only had 2 and a half hours to look around after the drive. I shopped, had a quick bite to eat and went to the museum. I wouldn't have been able to fit in the casino as the casino tours interfered with the drive and would have taken up a lot of time. If I could do it again, I'd take an Uber to the Long Beach and buy my own tickets for everything I wanted to do ahead of time. I found the time too short and it is such a beautiful place.