Catalina Island: Day Trip with Undersea Sub Expedition

About this experience

Catalina Island Day Trip with Undersea Sub Expedition This comprehensive day trip takes you from Los Angeles to Catalina Island for an underwater adventure that shows off the Pacific's marine life without getting wet. You'll travel by ferry to the island, then board a climate-controlled semi-submersible vessel that descends 5-10 feet below the surface. Through large viewing windows, you'll see garibaldi fish, kelp bass, sea stars, sea urchins, and dense kelp forests as expert guides provide commentary about the underwater ecosystem. The semi-submarine moves slowly along Catalina's coastline for 40 minutes, giving you extended viewing time as marine life swims past your window. Common sightings include bat rays, rockfish, and seasonal visitors like sea lions. The vessel's feeding activities outside the windows attract even more fish for close-up photography opportunities. You can upgrade your experience with the optional Discover Avalon tour, which covers 7.5 miles of the island's historic architecture and scenic viewpoints. What is Included Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels Roundtrip Catalina Express ferry ticket 40-minute semi-submersible vessel tour Optional 40-minute Avalon tour Good to Know The total experience lasts a full day with ferry travel time included. You'll need to arrive early for hotel pickup if you've selected this option. The semi-submarine tour runs approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for all ages, including children who typically love the educational underwater experience. The vessel is not wheelchair accessible, and you'll want to bring a camera to capture both undersea sights and Avalon's waterfront. No swimming ability is required as you stay completely dry inside the enclosed submarine cabin. If you have severe claustrophobia, consider this before booking, though most passengers find the well-lit cabin with large viewing windows comfortable. Food and drinks are not included, but you'll have free time in Avalon for dining and shopping. ID may be required for ticket collection, and your booking confirmation will include the scheduled return ferry departure time. If you're looking for more ways to explore Los Angeles from the water, consider the Newport Beach whale watching cruise or venture inland with a Hollywood celebrity homes tour for a complete Southern California experience.

Highlights

• Ferry crossing from Los Angeles to Catalina Island included
• Semi-submersible descends 5-10 feet to reveal Pacific marine life
• Spot garibaldi fish, kelp bass, sea stars and dense kelp forests
• Climate-controlled cabin with large viewing windows — no wetsuit needed
• Expert guides narrate the underwater scenery throughout the voyage

What is included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Roundtrip Catalina Express ferry ticket
• 40-minute semi-submersible tour
• 40-minute Avalon tour (if selected)

Not included

• Food and drinks

Before you go

[1,[4,"h2",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Discover Catalina Island’s Underwater Wonders"]],[4,"p",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Begin your Catalina Island day trip with a comfortable roundtrip ferry ride across the Pacific to this famous getaway. Once on the island, step aboard a climate-controlled semi-submersible vessel and descend five feet below the surface to watch Catalina’s underwater scenery through wide viewing windows. See a dazzling variety of marine life including garibaldi, calico bass, rockfish, bat rays and sea urchins as they glide past your window."]],[4,"h3",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Your Undersea Sub Expedition"]],[4,"p",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"This unique vessel lets you "],[2,{"href":"https://www.VervTrip.com/los-angeles-tickets/experiences","openInNewTab":false,"smoothScroll":false,"relValues":[],"motionChild":true,"nodeId":"bu6oveJHz","scopeId":"contentManagement"},[4,"a",null,[5,"experience"]]],[5," the undersea environment without getting wet. As you cruise, expert guides will point out the abundant sea creatures that live in the kelp forests and rocky coves around Catalina. Feedings outside the windows attract even more active marine life for close-up viewing and photo opportunities. The smooth ride and clear narration make the adventure ideal for families or curious travelers of all ages."]],[4,"h3",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Upgrade: Add the Discover Avalon Tour"]],[4,"p",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"For a fuller experience, pair your undersea expedition with the Discover Avalon tour. This land-based excursion covers seven and a half miles and offers insights into Catalina’s history, its distinctive architecture and scenic viewpoints around the colorful town of Avalon. It’s a great way to round out your day with a mix of sea and land experiences, offering opportunities for memorable photos and a deeper appreciation of the island’s charm."]],[4,"h3",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Smooth Experience"]],[4,"p",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Your adventure is designed for comfort and convenience with hotel pickup available from selected locations in "],[2,{"href":"https://www.VervTrip.com/los-angeles","openInNewTab":false,"smoothScroll":false,"relValues":[],"motionChild":true,"nodeId":"bu6oveJHz","scopeId":"contentManagement"},[4,"a",null,[5,"Los Angeles"]]],[5,". All transportation and tour tickets are included, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the island’s beauty. The semi-submersible tour lasts about 40 minutes, and the optional Discover Avalon tour also lasts approximately 40 minutes, making this a perfectly paced day out."]],[4,"h3",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"What You’ll See"]],[4,"ul",{"dir":"auto"},[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Thriving schools of local fish and curious bat rays"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Beautiful kelp forests through underwater windows"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Historic and modern Avalon landmarks"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Expert local commentary throughout both tours"]]]],[4,"h3",{"dir":"auto"},[5,"Tips for Your Visit"]],[4,"ul",{"dir":"auto"},[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Don’t forget your camera for both land and sea sights"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Plan for mild walking if you select the Avalon tour"]]],[4,"li",{"data-preset-tag":"p"},[4,"p",null,[5,"Book in advance as spots can fill quickly See more "],[2,{"href":"https://www.VervTrip.com/los-angeles-tickets/experiences","openInNewTab":false,"smoothScroll":false,"relValues":[],"motionChild":true,"nodeId":"bu6oveJHz","scopeId":"contentManagement"},[4,"a",null,[5,"experiences in Los Angeles"]]],[5," on VervTrip. Looking for more? Check out "],[2,{"href":"https://www.VervTrip.com/los-angeles/catalina-island-day-trip-tour-tickets","openInNewTab":false,"smoothScroll":false,"relValues":[],"motionChild":true,"nodeId":"bu6oveJHz","scopeId":"contentManagement"},[4,"a",null,[5,"Catalina driving tour"]]],[5," or "],[2,{"href":"https://www.VervTrip.com/los-angeles/semi-submarine-excursion-tickets","openInNewTab":false,"smoothScroll":false,"relValues":[],"motionChild":true,"nodeId":"bu6oveJHz","scopeId":"contentManagement"},[4,"a",null,[5,"semi-submarine excursion"]]],[5," on VervTrip."]]]]]

Cancellation terms

This ticket is nonrefundable. Rescheduling is not possible for this ticket.