Submarine & Land Tours -Catalina Adventure Tours — Attraction in Avalon

Saturday, August 16,2025 we took the Catalina Adventure Tours, Inland Tour. Our experience was phenomenal! We arrived on the late boat Friday, and went to our condo for the weekend. Early Saturday morning we walked to the loading area to check in. That was our first positive encounter with Sergio. He was so gracious and kind as we felt completely disoriented to the island and unsure of all expectations. He helped us relax and quickly completed our Check in. We were anxious to see the truck we would be riding on. That is where we met David. The best way to describe David is warm and welcoming. He helped us board the truck and get situated for the two hour tour. Once the last passengers were checked in and loaded on the truck, David introduced us to our guide, Sergio. His knowledge of the island, and quick wit, made two hours seem like 30 minutes. We learned about Catalina and Avalon from the the flats, all the way up the mountain to the airport. During the entire trip Sergio not only educated us about the island, he entertained us all along the way. We had children on board too. Being inquisitive is just in their nature. Sergio impressed me as he interacted with the children, showing respect by carefully listening to them and responding in a kind and caring way.

Sergio, thanks for your amazing humor and knowledge. David, thanks for the safe ride, and fun music on the way back down! You two make a fabulous team!

Sunday, August 17, 2025 we had the pleasure of taking the submarine tour! When I say pleasure, I am sincere. Our driver Andy, made the trip for us smooth and enjoyable. I suffer from motion sickness, yet this tour was great thanks to Andy! Inside the submarine Marcus, narrated our trip with style. I learned the names of so many fish, and interesting tails about each species that we say. Our favorites were the bright orange Garibaldi and the tiny baby Smelt. We appreciated Marcus’ friendly personality. He made it very comfortable to ask the questions that came to mind during his presentation. He graciously took our picture, and engaged in conversation after the tour. If you go, be prepared to purchase fish food. We were short on cash. That said we were able to buy a few shots. Yet honestly, we saw the fish well, even after our food shots were gone. For us, this submarine ride for viewing fish, was better than the snorkeling we did in Hawaii. Thanks again Marcus for being our guide! You did an...

I'd give zero stars if it was possible.

Basically, you get the privilege of spending a huge sum of money to go in a "submarine" (that does not go underwater) where you get to see the same gray fish over and over again (if you see anything at all).

The tour was nothing like the brochure showed - there was no guide or talking about what we would see, nothing but some gray seabass (or whatever - I wouldn't know, because they never bothered to tell us what we were looking at). There was a TV screen that I assume was meant to show an informational video, but that wasn't working either.

The highlight is feeding the gray fish, which you do by pushing a button when they stop for a feeding session (this is pretty much the whole trip - move from one feeding area to another, 3 times). However, there are signs posted that it costs money to feed the fish - which we didnt notice until our kids had already pushed the button about 100,000 times.

Thankfully, there was no charge (not that they bothered to tell us - so much for a "guided tour") - otherwise the "tour" would have been a complete waste of time and money. Also, half of the food launchers didn't work, but luckily there were only a few suckers on our trip, so we just moved to a working station.

Finally, it turns out when we went out, the conditions were so unsafe (due to wind and waves) no other craft were even allowed out on the water. Why on earth we trusted our lives to this company who cared little more about us than our wallets, I can not say. There was absolutely zero discussion about safety, or what do do in an emergency. I never saw a life vest, but presumably they had some.

Don't expect any service either. I called the phone number listed on the brochure with our complaints - and after being on hold for what seemed to be an eternity, I was able to leave a message with somebody who told me they would look into it and call me right back. Well, 2 months later, I'm not holding my breath.

For the money, you'd be better off spending it on booze and candy for your kids at the little island candy store (or screw it - just throw it away) - as far as Catalina Adventure Tours, don't...

On Sunday, I did the inland tour to Mt. Ada and the submarine tour. I'll start with the Mt. Ada tour first.

The tour was run Aberran who drove the open canopy bus and was narrated by Sergio. Aberran was an expert driver skillfully navigating around the one lane canyon roads and around drivers going in the opposite direction through the canyon paths. He was professional, friendly, and simply capable.

Sergio was beyond whatI expected from a tour guide! His depth of knowledge, his naturally warm, gracious, and effortlessly witty delivery paired beautifully with the rich natural landscape. Being a native, it felt like this was someone showing you their home. He spoke of the natural history, Spanish conquest, Mexican republic, American annexation, ownership by Guilded-Age Industrialists, painful love stories, pet cemetaries, architecture, monuments and much more. I'll remember this tour for a long time. I've always felt Catalina was a special place but now I know why. Such a cool guy.

I had originally missed by submarine ride and sprinted to catch the last one of the day. I literally caught the kindhearted fellow who was closing the booth as the last sub ride of the day was embarking. HE RAN!! Ran to catch the sub, stopped it and made sure I made it aboard! I eventually showed him my ticket from earlier but that's after he went through all the trouble. He could've told me sorry and locked up and went on his way but didn't. That's just so cool!! God bless him,I didn't catch his name but if anyone knows him please let him know how much it made my trip.

The sub was captained by two very cool guys, I was chatting with Marcus who really knows the waters and marine life in the area. I've been on the ride before but it was just as magical. The sun was setting so Marcus invited me and the other couple on board to come above and watch the sunset as we headed for shore.

I left the Island late that night with my heart full. Thank you to the great people of the Catalina Adventures.

See you next year,...