If you’re headed to Catalina Island and looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that gets you close to marine life without getting wet, a semi-submarine tour from Avalon is hard to beat. This 45-minute adventure offers a glimpse beneath the waves, with excellent opportunities to see fish and kelp in a preserved marine sanctuary.
We love the way this tour combines comfort with curiosity — you stay dry while still feeling like you’re part of an underwater expedition. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience accessible and educational for all ages. Plus, the chance to feed fish right at the window is a simple but surprisingly delightful highlight.
A potential consideration is that the tour stays at about five to six feet underwater, so it’s not an intense diving encounter. For those seeking a deeper dive or more extensive marine exploration, this might feel a little limited in scope. Also, securing transportation to Catalina ahead of booking is essential, as the ferry to the island sells out quickly.
This experience suits families with kids, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants a relaxed, engaging introduction to Catalina’s underwater environment. It’s ideal for those with limited time but a desire to see a vibrant slice of marine life without the expense or physical demand of snorkel or scuba excursions.
Key Points:
- Short & sweet: Just 45 minutes, perfect for a quick but meaningful underwater peek.
- Dry viewing: No need to get wet, making it accessible for all ages and those with limited mobility.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable staff provide engaging commentary, enhancing the experience.
- Feeding fish adds fun: Feeding the fish with optional torpedo food is a favorite activity, especially for kids.
- Limited depth: The tour stays at 5-6 feet underwater, so it’s more about viewing than diving.
- Transportation matters: You must book ferry rides to Catalina in advance, as the boat sells out quickly.
👉 Check out our guide to the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Los Angeles
Contents
- Key Points:
- Starting Point & Logistics
- The Journey to Lovers’ Cove
- What’s Included & What’s Not
- The Underwater Experience
- The Return & Top Deck Views
- Timing & Duration
- Price & Value
- Criticisms & Tips
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Los Angeles
- More Tours in Los Angeles
- More Tour Reviews in Los Angeles
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Los Angeles we have recnetly reviewed
Starting Point & Logistics
Your journey begins on the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon, where you’ll meet your semi-submarine, the SS Nautilus — inspired by America’s first nuclear-powered submarine. This setting is perfect because it’s right on the waterfront, near public transportation options, and easy to find. Remember, you need to arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in. The tour departs promptly, and late arrivals aren’t eligible for refunds, so plan ahead.
Booking the tour through Catalina Adventure Tours is straightforward, with confirmation sent immediately, and tickets held at the will-call window. Group sizes are capped at 48 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience and plenty of room to view the underwater world.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Los Angeles.
The Journey to Lovers’ Cove
The semi-submarine departs hourly, typically from mid-morning until an hour before sunset, and each trip promises a voyage to Lovers’ Cove, a marine sanctuary known for its clear waters and abundant fish. The boat itself is designed to resemble the iconic USS Nautilus, complete with torpedo buttons to add an interactive element (for a small extra charge).
What’s Included & What’s Not
The guide is included in your ticket, providing narration in English about the marine life and features of the local ecosystem, which many reviewers found helpful and engaging. However, fish food—sold on board for cash—is an optional extra. Many reviews highly recommend buying the “fish torpedo,” as it amplifies the spectacle by attracting more fish and creating a feeding frenzy right at your window.
The Underwater Experience
Once at Lovers’ Cove, the real magic begins. The semi-submarine stays just 6 feet below the surface, offering unobstructed views of kelp forests and schools of fish. Several reviewers describe the windows as large and clear, unlike some other glass-bottom boat experiences with foggy or cloudy views. One reviewer noted, “LARGE and CLEAR windows made picture taking possible,” which is a significant plus.
During the tour, you’ll see a variety of fish species, and if you’ve purchased fish food, you can create a feeding frenzy. Multiple guests have shared how much fun it is to see fish swarm around the windows, sometimes even swimming right up to the glass. “Feeding the fish was super fun,” reports one traveler, while another said, “The fish KNOW it’s there and you’ll see SO MANY more fish if you participate!”
The Return & Top Deck Views
After the underwater portion, the semi-submarine surfaces, and the best part begins: the ride back to Avalon offers panoramic views of the island and harbor. Many reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is from the top deck, especially when the weather is clear. You’ll get a different perspective of Catalina’s rugged coastline and busy harbor from this vantage point.
Timing & Duration
The entire tour lasts about 45 minutes, which many find just right. It’s enough time to enjoy the underwater views and the harbor scenery without feeling rushed. Because of its short length, it fits well into a day of sightseeing and is particularly suited for travelers with limited time or young children.
Price & Value
At $53 per person, this tour is a reasonable expense considering the quality of the experience. Reviewers consistently mention its good value, especially since it’s suitable for all ages and offers a unique view of Catalina’s marine environment. The added fun of fish feeding and the friendly guides enhance the experience, making it feel much more interactive than simply sitting in a boat.
Criticisms & Tips
Some guests note that the fish food is overpriced and that the number of “fish food blasts” can be limited if multiple families are participating. For example, one reviewer mentioned, “$20 to feed the fish, but only 8 blasts,” suggesting that bringing cash for the optional activity is wise. Others point out that the tour can be repetitive if you’ve seen the same species before, but most agree that the fun of feeding fish and the views outweigh that.
Weather plays a key role; poor conditions might result in tour cancellations, so checking the forecast and planning accordingly is wise. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as the tour does involve slight movement and being underwater.
This semi-submarine adventure is perfect for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxing, educational experience. It’s especially popular with those who love marine life but prefer not to snorkel or dive. The guided narration and interactive fish feeding make it appealing for children, while adults will appreciate the scenic views and the chance to learn about Catalina’s underwater habitats.
It’s also a good option for travelers who have limited time but want a memorable highlight. The tour’s affordability and short duration mean it’s easy to fit into a day’s itinerary alongside other Catalina activities like exploring Avalon, visiting scenic spots, or enjoying local dining.
Ultimately, the Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour offers a delightful way to see Catalina’s underwater beauty without getting wet. The blend of friendly guides, clear views, and the fun of feeding fish makes it a worthwhile experience. It’s simple, well-organized, and priced fairly for what you get: a colorful, family-friendly glimpse into the island’s marine life.
We recommend it most for those traveling with children, first-time visitors, or anyone curious about Catalina’s underwater environment but hesitant about snorkeling or diving. The tour delivers a straightforward, enjoyable adventure that many visitors find to be a highlight of their trip.
Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
“I was sooo amazing and our host Marcus was great! The views were amazing and so relaxing to see all the natural sea life”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s very popular with families and kids love the fish feeding activity.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 45 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the underwater views and harbor scenery.
Do I need to bring anything?
You might want cash to buy fish food, and comfortable clothing is recommended. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. Poor conditions might lead to cancellation.
Can I buy fish food on the boat?
Yes, it’s available for cash at an additional charge. Many guests highly recommend buying it for a better experience.
How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Do I need to book transportation to Catalina in advance?
Absolutely. The ferry to Catalina sells out quickly, so secure your tickets via services like Catalina Express or Newport Flyer before booking the tour.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The review mentions the guide being helpful, but the semi-submarine’s design might not be fully accessible for everyone. Confirm beforehand if assistance is needed.
What makes this tour stand out compared to other Catalina activities?
Its underwater visibility, knowledgeable guides, and interactive fish feeding set it apart. Many reviewers say it’s a “must-do” activity.
What if I miss my tour?
Tickets are non-refundable if you’re late, so arrive early. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This semi-submarine tour offers a straightforward, engaging way to experience Catalina’s marine life. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking a scenic boat ride, or just want a fun story to tell, it’s an adventure that’s worth considering.
