
Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 617 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon worth booking?
Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon is a 0.8-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $64 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 617 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (617)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $64 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- 45-minute submarine tour
- English guide
Not included
- 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 Catalina Island - use Catalina Express or Newport Flyer
What you'll see and do
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. Note: 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.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
Welcome to Catalina! Find us at the Green Pleasure Pier. Check in at our booth at the end of the pier—our ride boards just behind it! Bring your sense of adventure!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Welcome to Catalina! Find us at the Green Pleasure Pier. Check in at our booth at the end of the pier—our ride boards just behind it! Bring your sense of adventure!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catalina Adventure Tours
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 617 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
617 verified traveler reviews for Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Catalina below Sea level
The tour was a nice and accessible exhibition of what goes on below the surface of the ocean around Catalina. Dez, the tour guide was both very nice and very knowledgeable about the area.
via Viator
A Unique Experience
This trip exceeded my expectations. I was hopeful to see a lot of fish, but we were blown away with how much wildlife we saw. In just 45 minutes, we saw 3 turtles, a sea lion, and tons of fish. Our tour guide was attentive, informative, and accommodating. This was a great experience for people of any age.
via Tripadvisor
It was very beautiful to...
It was very beautiful to see all the fishes. Also, the person who provided us with guidance and information was great!!
via Viator
Do it!
If you have little kids, do this! My 2 yr old loved it. Bring $10 cash to feed the fish. But if u don’t choose that option, it won’t matter cause everyone is doing it so the fish surround the windows anyway. My kid just loved pressing the button lol. Nice experience!
via Viator
Best time! Worth the money
Had such a great experience I recommend buying the fish so you can press the button so all the fish come to your window! Loved this experience and so did our teenagers
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 216
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.2.
See everything Catalina Adventure Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon cost?
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Prices start at $64 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catalina Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catalina Island is not rushed.
Is Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 617 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Around 216 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catalina Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catalina Island and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catalina Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Catalina Island?
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Catalina Island packages ferry transfers with glass-bottom boats, submarine and snorkel tours in Lover's Cove, zip lining, Avalon golf-cart tours and inland bison safaris. On Outty we rank every Catalina Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catalina Food Tour, Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?
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May to October, with the calmest crossings in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Catalina Island?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Included: 45-minute submarine tour; and English guide. Not included: 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 Isl; and Transportation needed by Ferry to Catalina Island - use Catalina Express or Newport Flyer. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Welcome to Catalina! Find us at the Green Pleasure Pier. Check in at our booth at the end of the pier—our ride boards just behind it! Bring your sense of adventure! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not wheelchair accessible. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those; and Infants (2 years old and under) must be ticketed on a USCG vessel; fare is free-of-charge. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon?
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Across 617 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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