Step into a 30-minute 360° dome show on Catalina Island that recreates underwater life with 8K footage and surround projection. Ideal for families and conservation-minded travelers, the IMMERSED theater pairs cinematic scale with accessible seating and a commitment to ocean protection.
Step into a 30-minute 360° dome show on Catalina Island that recreates underwater life with 8K footage and surround projection. Ideal for families and conservation-minded travelers, the IMMERSED theater pairs cinematic scale with accessible seating and a commitment to ocean protection.
You step off the ferry into Avalon’s sun-washed plaza and the island’s salt air tugs at your jacket as you walk toward the low white dome at 209 Catalina Ave. Inside the IMMERSED theater, the lights dim, the dome swallows the room, and a thirty-minute virtual dive begins — kelp forests sway as if they’re breathing, manta rays glide with the ease of tides, and whale sharks move like gentle mountains through water.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by IMMERSED, Ocean Wonders · Avalon, California
You step off the ferry into Avalon’s sun-washed plaza and the island’s salt air tugs at your jacket as you walk toward the low white dome at 209 Catalina Ave. Inside the IMMERSED theater, the lights dim, the dome swallows the room, and a thirty-minute virtual dive begins — kelp forests sway as if they’re breathing, manta rays glide with the ease of tides, and whale sharks move like gentle mountains through water.
Catalina is one of the California Channel Islands, shaped by uplift and fault lines and surrounded by cold, nutrient-rich currents that feed dense kelp forests and vibrant marine life. Avalon grew around a small harbor and a 20th-century tourism boom; the island’s fishing, diving and conservation communities have long studied these coastal ecosystems. The show stitches together real 8K, 360° underwater footage with narration and contemporary music to highlight species and habitats — from playful sea lions to rare dugong encounters filmed around the globe — while directing a percentage of ticket sales to conservation partners.
Practical notes: the experience runs 30 minutes; seating ranges from plush courtside-style chairs to beanbags, and the dome is fully wheelchair accessible. Arrive 10–15 minutes early and follow the host’s instructions at the Island Tour Plaza; doors may stay closed between shows. The theater is climate-controlled and family-friendly, but those prone to motion sickness should consider sitting near the dome edge and focusing on the horizon of the projection. Photography is restricted during screenings. If you’re planning a day exploring Catalina, pair this immersive show with a kelp forest snorkeling trip or a short walk up to the Wrigley Memorial for a fuller sense of the island’s marine and cultural story.
easy.
30 minutes.
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and physical abilities
The dome screening runs approximately 30 minutes with additional time recommended for arrival and seating.
Yes — the IMMERSED Dome Theater and all surfaces at the Island Tour Plaza are wheelchair accessible.
Children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and ticketing follows the provider’s rules (one ticket per booking as listed).
Footage includes Catalina’s kelp forests but also highlights marine life filmed worldwide to showcase global ocean habitats.
Avalon rose as a resort town in the early 20th century; the island’s marine research legacy grew with local dive and conservation communities studying kelp ecosystems.
The IMMERSED program donates a portion of ticket sales to ocean conservation groups; visitors should follow local guidelines to minimize disturbance when snorkeling or diving.
IMMERSED, Ocean Wonders operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step off the ferry into Avalon’s sun-washed plaza and the island’s salt air tugs at your jacket as you walk toward the low white dome at 209 Catalina Ave. Inside the IMMERSED theater, the lights dim, the dome swallows the room, and a thirty-minute virtual dive begins — kelp forests sway as if they’re breathing, manta rays glide with the ease of tides, and whale sharks move like gentle mountains through water.
You step off the ferry into Avalon’s sun-washed plaza and the island’s salt air tugs at your jacket as you walk toward the low white dome at 209 Catalina Ave. Inside the IMMERSED theater, the lights dim, the dome swallows the room, and a thirty-minute virtual dive begins — kelp forests sway as if they’re breathing, manta rays glide with the ease of tides, and whale sharks move like gentle mountains through water.
Catalina is one of the California Channel Islands, shaped by uplift and fault lines and surrounded by cold, nutrient-rich currents that feed dense kelp forests and vibrant marine life. Avalon grew around a small harbor and a 20th-century tourism boom; the island’s fishing, diving and conservation communities have long studied these coastal ecosystems. The show stitches together real 8K, 360° underwater footage with narration and contemporary music to highlight species and habitats — from playful sea lions to rare dugong encounters filmed around the globe — while directing a percentage of ticket sales to conservation partners.
Practical notes: the experience runs 30 minutes; seating ranges from plush courtside-style chairs to beanbags, and the dome is fully wheelchair accessible. Arrive 10–15 minutes early and follow the host’s instructions at the Island Tour Plaza; doors may stay closed between shows. The theater is climate-controlled and family-friendly, but those prone to motion sickness should consider sitting near the dome edge and focusing on the horizon of the projection. Photography is restricted during screenings. If you’re planning a day exploring Catalina, pair this immersive show with a kelp forest snorkeling trip or a short walk up to the Wrigley Memorial for a fuller sense of the island’s marine and cultural story.