The Nautilus
What to expect
- Experience the seas of Catalina from a different angle in the semi-submersible the USS Nautilus
- Join the captain and his crew on an exploratory mission that is both educational and entertaining
- Take control of the vessel's fish feeding system
- Adventure beneath the waves and discover fish like you have never seen them before
About this Activity
Ok, full disclosure-- it will be more like six feet down, and your captain's name isn't Nemo -- but this is still an epic adventure.
Take a unique glance at the aquatic fauna and flora as you sail through the Catalina Marine Preserve on semi-submersible submarine, The USS Nautilus. You can take a tour during the day or experience the nightlife in the ocean with an evening tour.
Your vessel is equipped with a feeding system so that you'll be sure to see some action. Want to get closer to the fray? For a nominal fee you can be in charge of firing the food cannons!
Note: For safety, you should be in good health and free from claustrophobia or anxiety symptoms, high blood pressure, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.
Key Highlights
Price | $34.00 per guest |
Duration / Session | 45 min |
# Sessions | 1 |
Rating | 16 positive reviews |
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
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Michael P.
The Nautilus May 29, 2017In thirty-eight years of visiting Avalon, the Nautilus stands out as one of the best outings we've done on Catalina. The submarine illusion is amusing (and convincing for children) and the vessel itself is air-conditioned and in excellent shape. The crew are knowledgable about the sea life and environment and enjoy sharing info.
About 20 circular windows provide a comfortable & pretty vantage point into the water.
The first ten minutes, it seems like it's going to be a bust, but then they reach the cove, and the windows teem with every kind of fish. Pay a little extra for "fish food torpedoes" -- highly recommended -- to lure the sea life to your window.
We saw amazing sea life, with the highlight being the astonishing Giant Black Sea Bass (Stereolepis gigas) which weighs six hundred pounds and is longer than most people are tall. We also saw pretty much every type of fish that are currently in the waters of Catalina.
It's a unique experience, and was the most-talked-about event of our recent trip. -
Chris P.
The Nautilus February 14, 2017Had such a great time on the Skyline tour with our guide Meriam. She was amazing, funny, informative and easy to listen to.
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Tracy L.
Safari Island Adventure August 21, 2016We signed up for the Catalina "Lovers Cove Shore Snorkel" excursion through the Carnival Cruise Shore Excursions web sight. The excursion personnel on shore were very helpful and had a positive attitude when demonstrating the equipment and monitoring our excursion group of about 32 people. The major issue contributing to the two star rating is the beach conditions at Lovers Cove, the name of which makes it sound like a tropical paradise.
If you are experienced at snorkeling and have great balance as you "side step" on multiple layers of loose 6-inch slippery smooth river rocks (called pebbles) and resisting the force of the breakers that hit your calves while attempting to get into the water and if you don't mind being on a constant lookout for the frequent glass bottom and semi-submarine boats that can't see you as they come near the beach, you will probably enjoy the clear water and the many fish. About a third of our 32 person excursion group, some who had had very little experience at snorkeling and others who were accustomed to snorkeling near sandy beaches, did not make it past the loose slippery rocks to deeper water to enjoy the cove. I wouldn't recommend a snorkeling excursion to Lovers Cove unless the person has had experience snorkeling from slippery rocky beaches and strong calf muscles. -
Andrea M.
The Glass Bottom Boat May 11, 2016Very cool! A lil pricey but worth it... Snorkeling without getting wet! Buy the food for the fish- super cool!
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Breanne S.
The Glass Bottom Boat April 7, 2016If you want to see the entire island this is the way to do it. It's the only way to see the bison on the island. You can hike to the top of the island to get great views but nothing gives you the whole experience as the jeep tour. The guides are very knowledgable about Catalina and fill you with facts along the way.
Be sure to bring a jacket with as it is an open jeep and can get a bit chilly with the island breeze. Catalina is a tourist trap so you might as well go all the way and take the island tour. Prices can vary for different tour options. -
Monique C.
Safari Island Adventure January 29, 2016I took the Safari tour and had an amazing time. I learned so much about the island and appreciated the tour guide Manny sharing with his own personal twist. I recommend this tour to anyone who is ready for some adventure and beautiful views.
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Olympia D.
The Nautilus January 28, 2016Took the tour of the island with my girlfriends for my bachelorette. The truck we took to the top of
the island made us feel so adventurous. Our tour guide Manny was so knowledgeable of the island, and is an amazing friendly guide! We saw so many animals, and the views were breathtaking! This was definitely our favorite part of the trip to the island. This tour is a must-do when visiting Catalina! -
Kathleen G.
The Glass Bottom Boat January 28, 2016Soooo much fun! Our guide, Manny, was full of information and stories. We left the tour with beautiful pictures, a new appreciation of the island and with huge smiles from all of the laughter and fun!
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Jack T.
The Nautilus November 15, 2015They said we would see buffalo and we did. The driver on "The General" was lay back and it felt more like your buddy was driving you around giving you all the cool incites to the island and it's history.
The panoramic views from the top will make you feel like you were wasting our time keeping your eyes open down below. (Took about a hundred pictures)
The glass bottom boat and sub where so cool too, It was like a trip to Disneyland but we were seeing the real deal down there (seals and all)
It was our second time touring with Catalina Island Adventures and we will be back again for sure.
Jack-54, Laura 49, Kieth -9
So Cal locals -
MB B.
Safari Island Adventure November 14, 2015We went on the submarine tour and it was pretty neat. The tour costs $45 person and the tour is 45 minutes. They bring you to Lover's cove where fishing is prohibited. Once you're inside the submarine, you can purchased torpedo food shots to feed the fish. They will covered your whole entire glass.
It was quite fun. I'm glad we got to do this while visiting Catalina. -
Cindi R.
The Glass Bottom Boat October 18, 2015The submarine tour is amazing. Air-conditioned and relaxing. For a few bucks more you can feed the fish with fish-food-launching torpedoes. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable. And best of all, we saw a SEA TURTLE!! So cool. Highly recommend.
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Steve L.
Safari Island Adventure July 13, 2015We did the quick glass bottom boat tour, which was a great way to get young kids out to see a bunch of fish. The submarine looks pretty cool too, but a little bit more expensive. Fish food was a great way to get the big fish clusters under your viewing window, but plenty of fish have already been trained to come to the boats in anticipation of being fed, so not necessary if you're not wanting to pay $5 a tube. Btw, you may be able to bring your own bag of frozen peas and feed them, and I doubt anyone would notice...
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Shant A.
Safari Island Adventure May 6, 2014I went to Catalina Island in January 2014 with my wife & daughter & while we were
Enjoying the great weather there, we tried this under water Semi-Submarine tour.
It's about half an hour around Avalon Bay
Where you get to see the marine life through
The thick glass windows and at the same
Time the Captain explains about all the fish
Types around the Island.
We did enjoy the tour especially the part where you get the chance to feed the fishes
Some food through small tubes & they start
To come around the windows to eat and you
Get a chance to take rare under water pictures :)
The crew & captain were nice & I think they
Patient & kind enough to answer all the
Questions the passengers had!
Keep in mind this the only submarine service provider in the Island & they are busy all day long & my advise is to get the
Tickets few hours earlier.
Have fun. -
Dawn L.
The Nautilus March 31, 2017Did not leave comment
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Gary H.
The Nautilus November 25, 2016Did not leave comment
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Sara S.
Safari Island Adventure November 6, 2016Did not leave comment
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John G.
The Nautilus August 10, 2016Did not leave comment
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Dana C.
The Glass Bottom Boat July 13, 2016Did not leave comment
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Michelle Q.
The Nautilus June 8, 2016Did not leave comment
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Adam E.
Safari Island Adventure May 9, 2016Did not leave comment
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Allan G.
The Glass Bottom Boat June 29, 2015Did not leave comment