Catalina Island: Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise

If you’re headed to Catalina Island and crave a unique way to see the vibrant marine environment just off the shore, the Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise might be a perfect addition to your itinerary. This 45-minute tour takes you into the protected Lover’s Cove marine sanctuary aboard a colorful, custom-built vessel that resembles the historic USS Nautilus. It’s a blend of education, entertainment, and a truly close-up look at the underwater world that’s both accessible and fun.

What we really like about this experience is the interactive element — you get to feed fish directly from your seat and see marine life at a very close range without getting wet. Plus, the vessel’s design, inspired by a historical submarine, adds a cool, nostalgic vibe. However, one point to consider is that transportation to Avalon (the departure point) is not included, so planning your ferry ride is key to enjoying this adventure. This cruise is ideal for families, curious travelers, or those who just want a different perspective on Catalina’s marine environment without snorkeling or scuba gear.

Key Points

• Unique semi-submarine experience offers a close-up view of marine life.
• Interactive feeding adds a fun, engaging element, especially for kids.
• Educational and entertaining with insights from guides and research teams.
• Comfortable yet active experience requiring walking down some steep steps.
• Ferry transportation to Avalon is separate, so plan accordingly.
• Good for families and those interested in marine ecology without getting wet.

An In-Depth Look at the Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise

When considering a tour like this, the first thing that catches your eye is the design of the vessel. Modeled after the USS Nautilus, the vessel is a bright yellow, semi-submersible craft that floats just below the water’s surface. It provides windows—called portholes—through which passengers get a clear view of the underwater scenery. The design makes it accessible for those who might find snorkeling or diving intimidating, offering a window into the ocean without the need to swim.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour takes you through Lover’s Cove, a cherished State Marine Conservation Area. The fact that it’s a protected sanctuary means you’re likely to see a variety of marine creatures in their natural habitat, and the tour’s focus on education enhances the experience. The captain and crew, including guides like Jill—who is praised for her spunky personality—share insights about the sea life, kelp forests, and local ecology as you glide through calm waters.

The cruise’s duration of 45 minutes is relatively short, but enough to give you a good taste of Catalina’s underwater beauty. The routes cover three different spots, bringing you close to kelp forests and ocean habitats. As one reviewer pointed out, “It was better than expected, who knew there were so many fish close to shore.” The tour guides are known for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience both informative and lively.

Marine Life and Viewing Windows

The real highlight is the opportunity to see marine creatures up close. You are encouraged to look through your personal porthole and, if you choose, feed the fish using a specially designed feeding system (available separately for purchase). Some guests, like Melissa, noted that the guides kept the trip engaging and fun, answering questions and sharing stories about the fish and kelp forest. Others mentioned the variety of fish seen, although some found that the types of fish varied from trip to trip.

The feeding activity is a fun addition, as it often triggers exciting feeding frenzies outside the windows. Several reviews highlight how kids especially love the chance to toss fish food torpedoes (sold on board), turning the cruise into an interactive game. One guest joked that the fish “frenzies” were the highlight, especially with the extra cost for feeding.

Comfort and Practicalities

Since the vessel requires walking down approximately 12 steep steps, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of a walk. The vessel is designed for safety and stability, but the steep steps could be challenging for some, especially those with mobility issues.

Considering the short duration, this cruise is a perfect quick addition to a day exploring Catalina. It doesn’t include transportation to Avalon, so you’ll need to take the ferry separately—either from Los Angeles or other nearby locations. The tour departs from Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon, and you’ll want to arrive a bit early to check in, especially since you need to get printed tickets before boarding.

Price and Value

At $53 per person, this tour is quite reasonable given the experience. Compared to snorkeling or scuba diving, which can be more costly and require equipment and training, this semi-submarine offers a cost-effective, low-effort, high-reward way to see marine life. It’s particularly appealing for families or travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided experience without the physical demands of water sports.

Many reviewers felt the value was good, especially with the opportunity to hear engaging stories from guides like Jill or to see the kelp forest from a unique vantage point. Considering the interactive feeding, educational commentary, and the novelty of the vessel’s design, it’s a memorable way to spend part of your Catalina visit.

What Some Travelers Loved and Noticed

Guests consistently praised the guides and crew. Melissa called her guide “fantastic,” while Chuong appreciated Jill’s “blast” of a personality and her fun songs. The captain, Rich, was also noted for giving a smooth ride. These personal touches make the experience more engaging and help keep everyone entertained.

On the flip side, some travelers mentioned that windows could be cleaner, which affects visibility. A few noted that the fish variety wasn’t as abundant or diverse as anticipated, and others expressed disappointment in the extra cost for feeding the fish, which they felt was a little unfair given the ticket price.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early to check in and collect printed tickets.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the steep walk down to the vessel.
• Bring light layers; while the boat is covered, it can be breezy.
• If you want to feed the fish, remember to purchase the food on board.
• Be mindful of health considerations—the tour isn’t suitable for those with claustrophobia, high blood pressure, or motion sickness.
• If planning to combine this with other Catalina activities, be aware that ferry transportation is separate.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This semi-submarine experience is ideal for families with children who love marine animals but aren’t ready for snorkeling. It’s also excellent for travelers seeking a relaxing, educational activity that offers close-up views of underwater life with minimal physical effort.

If you’re interested in learning about the local marine environment from friendly guides and enjoy interactive elements like fish feeding, this cruise provides plenty of entertainment. It’s especially good if you want an affordable, quick adventure that won’t take up a whole day. However, those with mobility issues or who prefer high-adrenaline activities might find it less suited.

The Sum Up

The Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise on Catalina Island offers a unique, accessible, and entertaining way to get a glimpse of the ocean’s underwater world. Its bright, nostalgic vessel, combined with knowledgeable guides and interactive features, makes it a standout experience for families, curious travelers, and marine enthusiasts alike. For just over $50, you gain a 45-minute immersion into the kelp forests and fish habitats that surround Catalina, all from the comfort of your seat.

While it’s not the most extensive or high-adventure activity, the charm lies in the up-close views and the chance to learn about marine life in a relaxed setting. And, if you’re lucky, you might catch a feeding frenzy outside your window that’s hard to forget. Just remember to plan your ferry trip carefully, arrive early, and wear comfortable shoes for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This cruise isn’t just about seeing fish — it’s about making marine life accessible and fun for everyone. If you’re visiting Catalina and want a memorable, family-friendly activity that combines education with interaction, this semi-submarine ride could be just what you need.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own fish food?
No, fish food is available for purchase on board if you want to participate in feeding the fish during the tour.

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

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing enough time to see several spots and enjoy the views.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is especially fun for kids who enjoy marine animals and interactive activities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll need to walk down steps to board the vessel. Light layers can help if it’s breezy on the water.

What if I have health concerns?
This tour isn’t suitable for those with claustrophobia, high blood pressure, or motion sickness. Participants should be in good health to handle the walking involved.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

In summary, the Catalina Island Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise delivers a charming, educational peek beneath the waves, making it a worthwhile addition to your Catalina adventure — especially if you’re traveling with family or simply eager to see marine life without getting wet.