Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come aboard Catalina Island's newest semi-submarine, the SS Nautilus, and enjoy a deep sea adventure 1,000 leagues beyond your imagination. The main attraction of this unique vessel allows six feet underwater viewing while staying dry so eager seafarers can get up close and face-to-face with schools of fish anticipating treats fired away from custom designed fish food torpedo buttons. Designed after America's first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, the 45-minute journey is the destination itself as our captain and his crew ventures out on an exploratory mission to the undersea gardens of Avalon Bay.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We are located on Catalina Island, You must secure transportation to the island to take the tour. There are no refunds if you miss the tour
Not wheelchair accessible. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Your tickets will be held at the will-call window for collection on the day of the tour.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infants (2 years old and under) must be ticketed on a USCG vessel; fare is free-of-charge but fees apply
You MUST arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding to check in. We leave promptly at the scheduled time and cannot wait. When booking travel to the island please make sure to give enough time from arrival to island to get to tour departure location.
Late Policy: The Nautilus expedition departs from only one location. If you arrive late, we are not able to provide you with a refund. Our tours are scheduled to provide you with the best experience possible, and we are not able to make any exceptions if you are late.
What To Expect
Catalina Adventure Tours
Explore the Catalina Island's amazing undersea gardens by venturing on an exploratory mission aboard the semi-submersible SS Nautilus. Designed after the USS Nautilus, America's first nuclear powered submarine, this 45-minute 6-feet underwater journey departs from the Green Pier and will cruise to a marine preserved sanctuary known as the Lovers' Cove. Equipped with torpedo buttons, adventurers can create a feeding frenzy right from their viewing porthole for an additional charge. On the way back to the marina, enjoy breathtaking harbor views on the top deck of the submarine. Weather permitting, undersea garden tours depart hourly year round from mid-morning until an hour before sunset. **we highly suggest you secure transportation to Catalina island prior to booking tour to confirm you can get to the tour as the boat to the island sells out quickly. Catalina Express or Newport Flyer for your transportation needs.
Options
45-Minute Semi-Submarine Tour
What‘s Included
English guide
Fish food offered at additional charge during tour. Cash only.
Travel To Catalina Island is not included in ticket price. Tour is located on Catalina Island.
Transportation needed by Ferry to Island -Catalina express or Newport Flyer to get to Island.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
577 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour
Q6270DHdamianl,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, the large underwater viewing windows gave us a close look at colorful fish, kept forests, and marine life without getting wet. Friendly crew shared interesting facts throughout the trip. Definitely worth adding to your trip.
Great fun experience
tarahM2552LV,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with this semi submarine tour. We saw a ton of fish and being able to feed the fish with the torpedo was super fun for our kids. Highly recommended , and special shout out to our guide and captain- brad and rich! Thanks guys!
Beautiful and unique submarine tour
Rowena C,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked in person and the guy was so helpful and nice. Everyone on the submarine had fun. The guides inside were so professional. We spent extra $20 to buy foods for the fishes, so worth it!! We fed and saw so many fishes up close and personal. It’s so nice to see and know that this ecosystem in Catalina are protected, surviving and thriving!
Great Experience!
jbray99,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun adventure for our 8- year-old. The guys were great hosts, there were tons of amazing fish and Marcus was an awesome guide.
The tour was fantastic...
MQBUCKMON,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was fantastic and the tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The underwater scenery was beautiful. Money well spent and I'd highly recommend this tour!
Great Tour
Denise K,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was informative, funny, and kept everyone’s attention. No matter the age, everyone had fun feeding the fish.
Wonderful experience! Do...
Jiayang L,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience! Do remember to book early and check in at the booth before going down. Give at least 10-15 minutes before the experience cause they will start boarding and giving instructions earlier.
Really awesome experience
Jonathan C,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had SO much fun on the semi-submarine tour! 🌊🐠 Such a cool experience and the crew was amazing. My Husband and I loved it and we already can’t wait to bring our kids back to do it with them someday 🤍✨
The tour was nice. It...
Letisha Y,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was nice. It was exactly as stated. It was informative, and you will definitely see various types of fish. You have the option to purchase food at an additional cost to the ticket price. The captain and host were very friendly.
Pay for food or no fish
Alejandro E,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00You go on a submarine but you still need to pay for food to see a good amount of fish, overall I wouldn’t recommend it I would rather spend money on something else like scuba driving or something else
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Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours