Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Descend 5 feet beneath the surface of one of California’s most extraordinary marine ecosystems, all from the comfort of your own personal porthole in our semi-submersible.
Gaze at Giant Kelp forests rising from the ocean floor as large schools of calico bass, bright orange garibaldi, and the occasional diving cormorant or seal pass by to say hello. The top of the boat always remains above the surface in case you need to head upstairs for some fresh air!
Our captain also offers a harbor cruise on the ride back to the dock so you can look for dolphins and enjoy the ocean breeze while taking in the stunning views of Avalon.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Restrooms are not available while on tour, but are available at the base of the Green Pleasure Pier, so please use before check-in
Please check your email through Viator for your confirmation number and tour information
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Catalina Expeditions Tours
Boat By
Green Pleasure Pier
Tour starting location Gate C
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Options
Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour
Reviews
114 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots of Orange Fish!!
Sharon O,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw LOTS of fish, thanks to the generous feeding tubes!! The temperatures were nice and the ride was fun. All good!!
Very Fun
Ryan M,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fun short excursion when in Avalon. To say we say fish would be the understatement of the year. There were thousands of them all over the ship. My 18 year old son even managed to enjoy himself. Highly recommended!
Great visibility
C8191BXanthonyf,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome view of the sea life when you get to lovers cove. 4 o’clock was a good time for visibility. The man kept us entertained and had lots of information for us about all the fish.
Great Activity for Families!
Sara P,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff was friendly and welcoming, which truly made the experience stand out. While we didn’t see larger sea life like dolphins, sea lions, whales, or sharks, we did get to enjoy a variety of fascinating fish. It was especially fun to watch them gather around the boat during feeding time—they clearly recognize it and come right up! What really sets any experience apart, though, is the staff. Their positive attitude and kindness can make or break a trip like this, and they absolutely made it memorable. For that reason, I’m happy to give this a five-star review.
It was a good experience,...
Asmau B,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was a good experience, I would recommend cleaning the glass from the outside for better view and maybe offering more options in terms of time. Maybe if we go a bit far away from the Island we will see more fish variety.
Disappointed
sisys2026,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Definitely not what I expected. Felt like disneyland submarine ride is longer. We barely rode away from the island and only saw 3 different type of fish. I was very disappointed.
Great Way To See the Kelp Forest and Fish That Live There
ThomasTCat,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unless you are into scuba diving, this probably the best way to see the Kelp Forest and some of the abundant marine life that live in the waters of Catalina Island. The vessel is clean and comfortable, and they take you to where the underwater inhabitants are, and then they feed them. Watching the activity and the many species of fish that gather around is amazing. We were fortunate that it wasn't crowded, and we were able to see through the large portholes on both sides. The beautiful orange garibaldi fish are the highlight of this underwater adventure. Several minutes before we were ready to dock, the members of the crew told everyone to go up on deck so that we could see the beautiful coastline of Catalina Island before disembarking.
Fun and entertaining
Safari676295,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The trip was awesome! Lots of fish to watch. Can get a peek at that underwater life and a boat ride!
FANTASTIC
bevb316,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the reason I come to Catalina EVERY year for my birthday!!🎂🎉🎊. EXCELLENT job that this excursion tour will bring to you!!! We go to Lovers Cove which has been protected since 1960 from fishing of ANY KIND!! The Tour guides chum the fish & HERE they COME🙏🏻🙏🏻🐠🐟🐡Fish of EVERY KIND!!! I love our California state fish the Garibaldi💗!!! Really a GREAT experience!!!
Better than advertised
DebraorAlex A,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was worth every penny. So often you pay for an excursion and don’t see the whale, but we saw SO many fish!! And it was gorgeous. The boat was spacious and comfortable and the captain and guide were friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend it to anyone.
From US$53.45
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Santa Catalina Island Company