Undersea Expedition: Viewing Catalina’s Garibaldi and Bat Rays from Lover’s Cove

AVALON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Undersea Expedition: Viewing Catalina’s Garibaldi and Bat Rays from Lover’s Cove

Aboard the Sea Wolf and Emerald semi-submersibles operated by the Santa Catalina Island Company, this excursion takes you into Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve to observe Catalina’s vibrant marine life from a climate‑controlled cabin.

Undersea Expedition: Viewing Catalina’s Garibaldi and Bat Rays from Lover’s Cove.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Avalon
Operator
Santa Catalina Island Company
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on an undersea expedition in Avalon that places you inside a spacious, climate‑controlled cabin with personal portholes aboard the Sea Wolf and Emerald semi‑submersibles. From these vessels you can explore Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve and witness the vivid marine life the area is known for, including Garibaldi and bat rays, in one of the world’s healthiest marine environments.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

Semi‑submersibles with comfort and access

The Sea Wolf and Emerald semi‑submersibles provide a spacious, climate‑controlled cabin and personal portholes that let passengers watch underwater life without getting wet.

THE MARINE LIFE

Garibaldi, bat rays and a thriving reef

Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve is home to abundant species; on this trip you can expect to see bright Garibaldi and bat rays among other marine life in one of Catalina’s healthiest underwater habitats.

THE SETTING

Lover’s Cove: protected and accessible

The excursion centers on Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve off Avalon, offering protected waters that support clear viewing and concentrated marine biodiversity.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

You board a semi‑submersible in Avalon and settle into a climate‑controlled cabin fitted with individual portholes. The vessels move into Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, where passengers can scan the underwater scene for Garibaldi, bat rays and other life while remaining dry and comfortable—free to move about the cabin and peer through personal viewing ports.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this excursion suits—and who should check first.

1
Sightseers and non‑diversIdeal for visitors who want an underwater experience without diving, using semi‑submersibles to view marine life from a dry, climate‑controlled cabin.
2
Family groupsSuitable for families seeking accessible underwater viewing in protected waters; check with the operator for any age or supervision guidelines.
3
Wildlife and nature observersA good match for travelers focused on marine life observation—Garibaldi and bat rays are among the species highlighted on the trip.
4
Those with limited mobilityThe trip uses semi‑submersibles with cabin access; travelers with mobility concerns should confirm boarding and accessibility specifics with the Santa Catalina Island Company before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The semi‑submersibles feature a spacious, climate‑controlled cabin and personal portholes for viewing; bring any personal items you need for comfort aboard the vessel.

Operator & Location

This Undersea Expedition operates out of Avalon and is run by the Santa Catalina Island Company.

Expectations on board

Passengers will view marine life from within the cabin aboard the Sea Wolf or Emerald semi‑submersibles while the vessels operate in Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Which vessels are used for the Undersea Expedition?

The excursion uses the Sea Wolf and the Emerald semi‑submersibles.

Where does the trip take place?

The trip operates out of Avalon and visits Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve.

Who operates the Undersea Expedition?

The Santa Catalina Island Company operates this excursion.

What marine life might we see?

Passengers can expect to see species such as Garibaldi and bat rays in the preserve.

What are the viewing conditions on board?

Viewing is inside a spacious, climate‑controlled cabin with personal portholes that allow passengers to observe underwater life without getting wet.