Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 607 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 $61 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 607 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 (607)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $61 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 whi
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 9 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 603 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
603 verified traveler reviews for Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful Experience
Of all the "underwater" excursions we have taken on our cruise travels - this one by far is the best! We booked directly on the pier, just walked up to the ticket booth, asked for the next available time, they were boarding right then and had empty seats! Blessed! The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. So much fun to watch the fish swimming by your window, and to know what type they are from the staff explaining the differences in all the fish we saw, which included the California State Fish - the garibaldi. My husband and I made sure you told the operators what a fantastic excursions experience this was --- we highly recommend doing this when in Avalon - you will enjoy it so much!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
Very easy to find the meeting location. We arrived by ferry from Long Beach, and it is on the very recognizable green pier in the center of Avalon. I do not know where cruise ships tender to, but I think it would be easy to get to from there as well. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the sea life local to the area. We saw a TON of fish, a sea lion, and even a sea turtle! Of course, experiences vary, but it was a highlight of our entire vacation. Please note: there is the opportunity on board to purchase separately fish food to fire out into the water to attract fish - cash only and ranges from I think $3-25, depending on how many shots you want to fire. I would recommend doing that, though, as it brought a ton of fish over - totally worth it, but just factor that into your cost up front.
via Viator
Exhilarating
It was awesome - definitely something to experience. Gliding high above the waters was peaceful and beautiful-
via Viator
Great way to see the Billabong
We stayed at the lodge, so it was very easy and convenient to just walk down to the boat. This type of cruise is the perfect way to see nature close with an expert guide. Especially interesting if you are a birder.
via Tripadvisor
Great family experience, "dry" alternative to snorkeling
Excellent views. Engaging host. Fun experience all around. Beautiful fish and kelp, and pressing the button to feed them was amazing, to see them flock to the window. Great dry alternative to snorkeling ;)
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
- Price range
- $61 to $64
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 212
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why 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 $61 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 607 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 212 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.
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