Catalina Island: Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise

If you’re looking for a fun, accessible way to explore the vibrant marine life around Catalina Island, a semi-submarine tour like this can be quite a treat. We’ve come across this experience through various reviews and details, and it seems to appeal especially to those who love marine wildlife, a bit of education, and a dash of adventure—all in one compact trip.

What we really like about this tour is its close-up view of the underwater environment—you get to see fish and kelp forests from the comfort of a clear porthole, without the need for snorkeling or scuba gear. Plus, the interactive element of feeding the fish from your seat adds a playful touch that kids and adults alike seem to enjoy. But, a quick heads-up: since transportation to Avalon isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get there, which could add some extra logistics and cost.

This cruise is best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed, educational experience with a focus on marine life, or travelers looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn’t require extensive physical effort. If you’re prone to motion sickness, claustrophobia, or high blood pressure, it’s worth considering whether this vessel’s environment is right for you. Overall, it’s a neat way to see Catalina’s underwater treasures without the usual diving gear.

Key Points

• Accessible marine viewing: See fish and kelp forests from inside the semi-submarine’s clear portholes.
• Interactive fun: Feed the fish using a specially designed system, adding a playful element.
• Educational focus: Learn from knowledgeable guides and crew about the marine ecosystem.
• Short but sweet: 45-minute cruise, perfect for a quick, memorable activity.
• Transportation required: Ferry to Avalon isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children and adults, with some physical considerations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Catalina Island Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise?

This tour offers a 45-minute journey aboard a brightly colored semi-submarine called the Nautilus, inspired by America’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. It’s designed with large portholes that allow a close-up look at marine life—a great alternative if snorkeling or scuba isn’t your thing. From the comfort of your seat, you’ll see a protected marine sanctuary, Lover’s Cove, teeming with fish and kelp forests.

The vessel is custom-built, and the experience is both educational and entertaining. The crew, including guides and research teams, share stories and insights about the habitat you’re exploring, making it a good option for anyone wanting a bit of learning with their sightseeing. You’ll cruise through the kelp forest and underwater gardens, with the chance to see a variety of fish up close.

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

The tour begins at the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon, where you meet your crew—an energetic and knowledgeable team who are eager to share their marine knowledge. After a brief safety briefing, you board the Nautilus and set off into Lover’s Cove, a designated marine conservation area. The vessel is built to give everyone a view of the underwater world, made possible through its large, clear portholes.

During the cruise, your guide will point out different fish and plant species, explaining their roles in the ecosystem. Many reviews mention how informative and engaging the guides are. One reviewer, Melissa, appreciated how their guide was “fantastic,” answering questions and keeping everyone entertained with her personality.

The highlight for many is the chance to feed the fish—a feature some travelers love because it adds a sense of interaction. You can launch fish food torpedoes right from your seat, though this does come at an extra cost. Multiple reviews, like Jasmin’s, mention how exciting it is to see the fish go wild outside your porthole.

The cruise also passes through kelp forests, which many find surprising considering how close to shore they are. James noted how “there were so many fish so close to shore,” which underscores how rich this environment is.

What to Expect During the Cruise

The Nautilus is designed to offer a stable, comfortable ride; however, it’s important to note that passengers need to be able to transfer to the vessel and walk down 12 steep steps. If mobility is an issue, this could be a consideration. The ride itself is smooth, but because it’s a semi-submarine, the experience is somewhat restricted in movement, making it ideal for those who prefer not to be in open water.

The 45-minute duration means it’s a quick trip—perfect if you’re short on time or want a snapshot of Catalina’s underwater environment. You’ll likely see a variety of fish and kelp, with most travelers reporting seeing lots of marine life. Laura highlighted the convenience: “Easy to find, on time, saw tons of fish and kelp, and fed fish—it’s good for adults and kids.” The tour is available in different times of day, so you can choose a time that fits your schedule.

The Price and Value

At $53 per person, this tour is quite reasonably priced for a half-hour of close-up marine viewing. When you consider that it’s an accessible, low-effort way to experience Catalina’s underwater habitat without snorkeling gear or diving, it offers solid value. Reviews often mention how kids loved feeding fish and how the guides kept everyone entertained, which adds to the overall experience.

Keep in mind that the cost of transport to Avalon is separate unless you’re already on the island. Ferry prices are not included, so your overall trip cost might increase if you need to take the ferry from L.A. or elsewhere. But if you’re already on Catalina or can easily get there, this cruise is a fun, affordable way to spend part of your day.

The option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility if your plans aren’t set in stone.

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What We Like and What Could Be Better

Most reviews speak highly of the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning wildlife views. Several mention how much they loved getting up close to the fish and the kelp forests, often calling it better than expected. The ability to feed the fish adds a memorable, engaging twist that tends to delight kids and adults alike.

One point to consider is safety and comfort. The vessel’s environment isn’t suitable for those with claustrophobia or high blood pressure, and the walk down steep steps could be a challenge for some. That said, for most able-bodied travelers, the experience is straightforward and smooth.

A minor downside is that ferry transport isn’t included, so travelers need to plan this part of their day. Plus, weather conditions can cause schedule changes, which is common with outdoor activities.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is a perfect pick for families, marine enthusiasts, or anyone curious about underwater life. It’s especially appealing if you want a relaxed, educational experience without the physical demands of snorkeling. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy interactive activities—feeding the fish clearly adds to the fun.

If you’re short on time but want to see a different side of Catalina, this tour fits well into a packed schedule. However, if you’re after a more extensive dive into the island’s scenery or want to combine activities, consider pairing this with other tours or excursions on Catalina.

The Sum Up

The Catalina Island Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise offers a unique, family-friendly way to experience the island’s underwater environment without getting wet or needing special gear. Its bright vessel, engaging guides, and up-close fish encounters make it a memorable highlight, especially for those with young kids or anyone interested in marine life.

While the tour itself is short, the value comes from its accessibility and educational appeal. It’s a good choice for travelers looking for a relaxed, entertaining activity that doesn’t demand a lot of physical effort but still offers striking views and fun interactions.

If you’re visiting Catalina and want a light, fun, and informative glimpse beneath the waves, this semi-submarine cruise is definitely worth considering—just remember to plan your ferry transfer. It’s a trip that many reviewers say they’d do again, and for good reason.

FAQ

Is transportation to Avalon included?
No, the ferry to Avalon is not included in the tour price. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 45 minutes, making it a short but packed activity.

Can I feed the fish?
Yes, fish food torpedoes are available for purchase on board, and feeding the fish is a popular part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is family-friendly overall.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Since it’s an outdoor boat, dress for the weather and bring any personal items you might need.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, for safety reasons, people with claustrophobia, high blood pressure, motion sickness, or other sensitive conditions should consider whether this environment is right for them.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Departures are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions, so keep an eye on updates close to your scheduled time.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or voucher. The booking also allows you to reserve without paying upfront.

Is this experience good for non-swimmers or those who don’t snorkel?
Absolutely. Since you’re inside the vessel, no swimming or diving skills are necessary, making it accessible for everyone who can transfer and walk down the steps.

If you’re after a charming, educational look at Catalina’s underwater world, this semi-submarine cruise delivers. It’s a relaxed, fun way to see some of the island’s marine treasures—perfect for a quick adventure or a family outing. Just plan ahead for the ferry and weather, and you’ll likely find it a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: