Avalon Glass-Bottom Boat

Glass-bottom boats have been a part of Avalon since the early twentieth century, and the ride remains one of the island's most beloved simple pleasures. You board at the pier, settle onto benches with large viewing windows below the waterline, and motor out along the shore to the waters around Casino Point, where the sea floor drops away in a mosaic of kelp, rock and sand. The glass lets you see without getting wet: garibaldi, California's bright orange state marine fish, glide among the fronds, schools of blacksmith and senorita flicker past, and the occasional sea lion or leopard shark appears. It is a family-friendly tour that works for toddlers and grandparents alike.

The boat's route usually covers the protected waters off Casino Point, which has long been a marine reserve and a popular diving site. Guides explain the ecosystem as you go, from how giant kelp can grow a foot or more in a day to why sheephead change sex and how the garibaldi guards its nest. Visibility varies with the season and the swell, and the best conditions tend to come on calm, sunny days when the light penetrates deeply.

Some tours add a short night version in summer, when lights attract fish and invertebrates, and those can be especially magical for older children.Boarding is easy, the seating is comfortable, and there is usually a deck above for views of the Casino and the town.

Tickets are best reserved ahead in summer, when the boats fill quickly. Bring a camera, but remember that glass and reflections can be challenging; a polarizing filter helps, and holding the lens flat against the window cuts glare. Dress for a breeze on deck and bring a light jacket, because the bay can be cool even in summer. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, choose the early trip when the water is flattest and sit near the center of the boat.

This is a good first activity after you arrive. It orients you to the bay, shows you the marine life that you might want to snorkel or dive with later, and takes less than an hour, leaving the rest of the day open.

Compare it with the semi-submarine, which dives below the surface for a closer look, and with the longer coastal wildlife cruises that range farther along the shore. Many visitors do both the glass-bottom boat and the semi-submarine in one day, since they offer slightly different views and moods. Because the boat stays close to the shore, it is a gentle option for anyone who is nervous about the open ocean, and the guide's commentary adds welcome context to the sights.

Think about seasons and timing. In summer the water is warmer and the visibility often best in late morning when the sun is high, while in winter the boat may run less frequently and the water can be rougher but also clearer after storms.

The tour operates most days of the year, and the crew will adjust the route if conditions require. Wear a hat and bring water on hot days, and have small children sit next to the windows with a grown-up beside them. Bring snacks for the wait at the dock if the line is long. When you step off, you will have a good picture of what is under the surface, which makes snorkeling or a diving day far more rewarding.