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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Reviews
520 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Underwater Tour on Catalina Island
David P,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding undersea viewing experience highlighted by very friendly & professional staff / crew. This was definitely one of the best tours I’ve ever booked on Viator, and was easily the highlight of our Catalina Island trip. (Insider tip - definitely worth buying the optional fish food to “torpedo launch” in front of your viewing window which attracts all the fish !)
A Must Do!!
Garret M,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience. Kind, knowledgeable guides and many opportunities to see fish and other aquatic life!
Fun experience for my family!
joslinstar0279,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were on a cruise in June of 2025 and my son saw the submarine. He asked to go to Catalina for his 13th birthday this last Friday. I was able to find a $5 off code online which helped. It was a little expensive for our family of 4, but we splurged because it was his birthday! The crew was very nice and friendly. We purchased some food torpedos for the fish, which was fun to do. My suggestion, bring cash because you pay once you're on the sub and they only take cash. It was cool to see the fish up close and see them get excited for the food that was shot out for them. Thank you for a fun time :)
Fun seeing the fishies!
460debbiei,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was well organized, but it was very difficult to understand the announcements. The PA system was too boomy on the bottom end (too much bass and not enough treble). And some of the windows were clearer (cleaner? Less scratched?) than others. It was great seeing the fish up close, though!
Loved watching the fish...
Rahaf O,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved watching the fish swim up to the semi submarine. It was a great experience that is recommended for all ages.
Must do it.
pareshjoshi888,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a fun and unique experience. Particularly feeding fish is a fun. Everyone with us were cheering and enjoying
Ok tour for kids with little unprofessionalism
Freedom54037915345,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00my kid accidentally opened something to eat, Brad was rude and yelling at him, I know, the policy is no food or drink, it was not written anywhere or mentioned, there are other kids who were chewing other stuff as well. Apart from that, the tour was ok, we only see one type of fish across the 3 spots they take, it was a good experience for kids won’t recommend for couples, maybe overpriced for what I got, can’t complain as my kids were neither too excited nor felt super bored.
My 10 year old loved this...
Robyne B,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My 10 year old loved this experience. There is an option to buy fish food on board and must have cash.
Onboard the yellow submarine
Regina G,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great fun for children and adults. The captain and deck hand were very helpful and knowledgeable. We saw a ton of fish very exciting. The narrative during the activity was captivating and interesting. The kids think you’re actually in a real submarine. They have a song on the door stating experiment in progress, and light up that look like radars. Very fun for kids. Great activity for the whole family.
Great Trip
Peter G,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organized boarding process, happy to see the no eating rule reinforced as one family arrived with a takeaway box and started to eat it. Fish surrounded the boat within minutes of stopping. Matter of luck what you see. Have to pay cash for the food which amusingly you fire out. I guess if it was unlimited and free the supply would be gone very quickly.
From US$53.00
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Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours