Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

45-Minute Semi-Submarine Tour

Reviews

4.35

507 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

343

Way better than a Glass Bottom Boat!
Sean H,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Being in the window, face to face with the fish, and having them swarm for food, at eye level, is an awesome experience!
Great!
JessicaRogelio,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I loved it and my kids that are 21, 16 and 13 loved it too. It was fun for all ages. Just make sure you have cash for the food. I wish they took Zelle for the food or you could pay on your debit card at the window.
Great Experience!
P1062UUdavida,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We celebrated a special day and really enjoyed the Yellow Submarine trip; I had met the ship's Captain at the kiosk an hour before our trip and he was very friendly and helpful. During the trip our guide was friendly and made sure everyone was enjoying their trip.
A unique and intimate view of Catalina's aquatic life!
Y3372TSthomasm,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Joe and Captain Dave were lovely hosts and tour guides! I'd highly reccomend the ride to any and all, you get a truly unique and intimate view of the aquatic life of the island in a 45 minute excursion!
Excellent Experience on the Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour
Grant Y,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I joined this tour as part of a company outing, and it turned out to be the best submarine experience I’ve ever had. The water was exceptionally clear, offering a beautiful view of the marine life below. There were so many fish—some even swam right up to the windows, making the experience feel incredibly immersive. I highly recommend bringing some cash to purchase fish food, as feeding the fish adds an extra layer of interaction and excitement. Overall, it was a well-organized, enjoyable, and memorable tour that perfectly showcases the charm of Catalina Island.
Mermaid Festival with the Undersea Adventure Experience
Judith H,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fun watching the fishes through the window of the semi-submarine boat. The boat doesn’t feel constricting and I felt safe enjoying the experience. Our adventure was made extra special with the surprise appearance of Madison the Mermaid who; it was magical and awesome.
Feed the Fish
connief292,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Loved every single second. It was magical to see the fish and the kelp. I also learned about the Catalina Island Conservancy. Take cash to feed the fishies.
Great for kids.
KIMBERLY M,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great time for the whole family. Kids (7 and 2) loved chumming the water with the fish food! Staff was excellent!
Great experience. Crew...
s10blazerman4x4,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience. Crew was outstanding, narration was helpful. Guide knew which fish were which was awesome.
Fun and unique
C2026DKelenas,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
It was fun. However, the windows on our side were pretty cloudy, and it really affected the quality of the photos we took. Comparing them to pictures taken from other windows, it was a noticeable difference. For a tour where viewing is the main attraction, clearer windows should be a priority. I am attaching comparison pics. But a fun tour overall, about 30 minutes total, goes out to Lover's cove and back. Saw a lot of colorful fish of different shapes and sizes. The guide was pretty funny, he told us when to fire the food torpedos :)