We will be in Catalina Island from about 8 am to around 3-3:30 pm on Sept 1, 2009.  I know I found somethings on Catalina several months ago when I booked this, but can't find much about it now.  Has anyone been lately & have any suggestions.  Really like doing on our own, instead of a group tour, so any instructions would be helpful. I remember seeing somthing on renting golf carts, any recommendations on where & cost?

Try this website. It is from their Chamber of Commerce. http://www.catalinachamber.com/island/activities/land

 It has been years since we have been there, but love Avalon. Wrigley Monument is beautiful, good food at Buffalo Nickle Restaurant (though I hear now that service is spotty), golf carts were a great way to get around the island. Let me know how it was after your visit. We are cruising in December and it is one of our ports. I think we are going to do the Glass Bottom Boat excursion.

Golf carts are hella expensive on Catalina, and there are only a few places you can take them as a majority of the island is closed to public traffic. Two hours is probably more than you would need one. There are a few cart rental concessions in Avalon, and they are easy to find.

The surface temperature of the water will be near its annual peak if you enjoy snorkeling. There is a protected marine park next to the casino (it is not a gambling casino) where you can watch SCUBA diving students. Bubble Gum and Lover's Coves are good snorkeling spots, but watch out for the glass bottom boats.

I liked the interior tour. Yes, it was a group thing, but fun and informative. Likewise, try the glass bottom boat tour over the semi-submersible if you are not snorkel-inclined.

Shopping, dining, and drinking opportunites abound.

The Sea Lion Rock excursion is nice if you don't mind bouncing around on a small boat. 

~ MattInSoCal