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 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.
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.
Options
45-Minute Semi-Submarine Tour
Reviews
554 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excited, excellent...
Leticia C,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excited, excellent service and it's fun. It's a great experience for my family and friends to feed the fish.
The whole experience was...
Jessica Z,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole experience was great! You get so see lots of fish of different variety. Submarine was clean and the staffs are very friendly and informative.
Definitely something to do at Catalina.
David C,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brad did a great job as our tour guide. We enjoyed feeding the fish and learning about their habitat.
Lots of fish
Z1510RAmegc,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The kids loved firing the “torpedoes” and feeding the fish.
Lots of Fish
MeiFang T,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun experience to get to see all the fish that inhabit the island’s waters if you don’t know how to swim or don’t want to get into the cold waters surrounding Catalina Island. You have the option to purchase fish food which will allow a bunch of fish to swarm by your particular window. The guide will explain the various fish you can see in the waters and some fun facts so there’s some educational value as well to the experience. A little note is that you enter and exit the semi-sub via a set of steep stairs so elderly and kids may need someone physically strong to ensure their safety.
A Catalina must!
Amy H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Brandon was fantastic! We saw so many fish. The kids had a great time shooting fish food into the water.
Great way to see a...
Scott D,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see a different side of Catalina and the California coast. Friendly staff, well run tour. Be sure to bring cash for the fish food torpedos!
Fun, Unique Experience for Anyone
James C,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun and unique experience for everyone (adults and children). My wife and I really enjoyed the tour and learning about the local fish populations. Highly recommend!
Confirm your reservation time, Trip advisor sent us the wrong time
crystalnichole2022,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TripAdvisor almost lost our reservation. I’m glad we checked in early! They sent us a confirmation for 12:45. It was actually 12:15. We almost missed it. The actual experience was amazing and I highly recommend if you have kids. Or, even if you don’t have kids. I think my husband and I enjoyed it more than our nine month old son.
The crew was very nice and educated my kids in different fishes. Was very educational, it was very fun.
Antonieta D,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience is very educational for kids They get to feed the fishes See the underwater surface Great for small kids.
From US$56.50
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours