Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon

A Sparkling Underwater Adventure on Catalina Island’s Semi-Submarine

If you’re headed to Avalon on Catalina Island and craving a close-up look at vibrant ocean life without getting wet, the Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour offers a unique way to explore. For around $53 per person, you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes gliding beneath the surface on a semi-submarine, with the chance to see fish and kelp forests in their natural habitat. With departures available throughout the day, this activity suits families, curious travelers, and anyone eager for a relaxed, engaging glimpse into Catalina’s marine ecosystem.

What we love about this tour is the combination of comfort and discovery—you stay dry inside the submarine’s clear windows while still getting an immersive view of underwater life. Plus, the top deck ride back offers scenic views of Avalon and the surrounding island, making it a well-rounded experience. However, it’s worth noting that the tour duration is somewhat brief, and the experience is only about 45 minutes, so those looking for an extended underwater adventure might need to consider other options.

This tour is especially good for families with kids who enjoy feeding fish or seeing wildlife up close, and for travelers who prefer a low-stress way to learn about marine life in a safe environment. If you’re looking to combine education, fun, and stunning scenery, this semi-submarine tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Short but sweet: 45-minute tour, perfect for a quick, engaging activity.
• Dry viewing: See marine life through clear portholes without getting wet.
• Flexible schedule: Departures hourly from mid-morning until sunset.
• Interactive: Optional fish food torpedoes boost the feeding frenzy.
• Great for kids: Many reviews highlight how kids love the experience.
• Breathtaking views: Includes top deck scenery of Avalon and Catalina’s coast.

Detailed Review of the Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting at the Green Pleasure Pier, this tour takes you about six feet below the surface in a vessel inspired by the USS Nautilus, America’s first nuclear submarine. The semi-submarine SS Nautilus is designed with large viewing windows, allowing a close-up view of Catalina’s underwater gardens, kelp forests, and a variety of fish species. The experience is both educational and relaxing—imagine drifting silently just below the surface, with fish swimming nearby as you peer through the glass.

You’ll depart hourly, with guides providing commentary that enhances your understanding of the marine environment. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience accessible and engaging, especially for children. The reviews mention guides like Marcus and Dave as being particularly helpful and passionate about marine life, which adds a layer of authenticity and enthusiasm to the tour.

The Underwater Experience

Most travelers find the undersea gardens fascinating. The windows are large and clear, providing excellent visibility—many reviews recommend buying the fish food torpedoes offered for extra cash. Feeding the fish often sparks a feeding frenzy that fills the windows with darting fish and kelp swaying in the current. One reviewer even suggests, “Buy some fish food! I was just on one of these in Aruba and it was TERRIBLE!!! The windows were sooooo cloudy you couldn’t see anything… NOT the case with this tour!!!” This highlights how crucial the optional purchase can be for maximizing the fun.

Many comment on the abundance of fish—some even said fish swam right up to the windows—making it feel like you’re in a giant aquarium. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, this close-up interaction makes the experience meaningful. Kids especially love the fish feeding, as noted by multiple reviewers, with one describing it as “super fun” and “the highlight of the trip.”

Scenic Return and Top Deck Views

After descending into the underwater world, the tour’s return journey involves riding on the top deck of the semi-submarine. Here, you’ll get panoramic views of Avalon, the coastline, and the distant hills. Many travelers find this part relaxing after their underwater adventure, with some mentioning how the scenery adds to the overall value of the trip.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes—a duration many reviewers agree is just right for a quick, enjoyable activity. It’s conducted with a maximum of 48 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience. The group size balances well between personal attention from guides and the lively atmosphere of a shared tour.

Price and Value

At $53 per person, the cost is reasonable considering the unique nature of the experience and the quality of the views. Compared to other boat or aquarium visits, this semi-submarine tour offers value for money, especially for families and wildlife lovers. Optional fish food costs extra, but many think it’s worth the small additional expense to see the feeding frenzy and attract more fish.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Arrive 15 minutes early at the Green Pleasure Pier to check in; the tour leaves promptly.
• Weather can impact visibility and comfort—good weather days will give the best underwater views.
• Children must be supervised, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand, especially if you’re sensitive to the movement of the boat.
• Ferry transportation to Catalina is not included, so plan accordingly—buy your tickets in advance for the Catalina Express or Newport Flyer.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like Marcus and Dave, who are appreciated for their friendly and informative narration. Several mention how feeding the fish made the trip more interactive, with some recommending to buy multiple packs if you’re traveling with kids.

One reviewer sums it up well: “This was definitely the highlight of our Catalina trip. The water was clear, the fish were abundant, and the staff made it fun and approachable for all ages.” Conversely, a few mention the windows can be foggy or cloudy, especially if you don’t buy the fish food—so it’s advisable to follow reviews and purchase the optional torpedo.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This semi-submarine experience suits families with kids, marine life enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic activity without the hassle of snorkeling or diving. It’s especially appealing for travelers who appreciate guided commentary and want to learn about Catalina’s underwater ecosystem in a comfortable, dry environment. If you’re short on time or want a family-friendly activity that combines education and fun, this tour fits perfectly.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing enough time to see marine life and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes a guided narration in English and a dry view of underwater life through large viewing windows. Fish food is available for purchase during the tour.

• Do I need to bring my own fish food?
  No, but many travelers recommend buying the optional fish food torpedoes on board for extra fun and increased fish sightings.

• Is transportation to Catalina Island included?
  No, you must arrange your ferry ride—either via Catalina Express or Newport Flyer—to reach Avalon.

• Can I bring children?
  Absolutely. The tour is rated suitable for most travelers, including children. Children must be supervised by an adult.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour is weather dependent. In case of poor weather, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund or alternative date.

• Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
  Most reviews indicate the experience is suitable for most, but it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

• How many people can join?
  Maximum group size is 48 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Final Thoughts

The Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island offers an engaging balance of comfort and discovery. Its clear windows, friendly guides, and opportunities to feed fish make it a memorable activity, especially for families and wildlife lovers. The ability to see marine life without getting wet and enjoy scenic views from the top deck adds to its appeal.

While it’s a relatively short tour, the quality of the underwater sights and the interactive element of fish feeding create lasting memories. Its affordability and accessibility make it a worthwhile addition to any Catalina itinerary, especially if you want a relaxed, educational outing that appeals to all ages.

If you love marine life, are traveling with kids, or simply want a gentle, scenic adventure, this tour is well worth considering. Just be sure to arrive early, buy some fish food, and enjoy the underwater spectacle that Catalina’s environment has to offer.