Immersive diving Catalina Island: 360° ocean film

See what real underwater footage shows you, without getting wet

An immersive dome theater experience on Catalina Island where you watch a 30-minute film shot entirely underwater in 360-degree 8K resolution. The footage wraps around you on all sides as narration and music guide you through kelp forests, encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, bull sharks, sea lions and other marine species filmed across nine countries. Ten percent of your ticket supports ocean conservation groups at the filming locations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Immersive ocean virtual scuba dive

• Enter dome theater
• Watch 30-minute 360° ocean film
• Explore Catalina kelp forests virtually
• See whale sharks and manta rays
• Observe bull sharks and bait balls
• View playful dolphins and sea-lions
• Experience rare dugong footage
• Listen to narration and music

The experience

What makes this different from a standard screen is the dome itself. The footage projects onto the inside of a curved theater that surrounds you completely, so the ocean fills your entire field of vision. Everything you see was filmed on actual dives in 360 degrees, then captured in 8K resolution: the camera caught the whole moment from every angle at once, not edited together from multiple shots. The narration and contemporary music guide you through each scene without overwhelming the visuals.

The 30-minute experience takes you through Catalina's kelp forests first, then out into open water where you encounter whale sharks, manta rays, bull sharks, schools of fish, sea lions, underwater caves and other marine life. The footage spans nine countries across three oceans and a sea, so the marine species and habitats shift as the film moves through different regions. You're watching real underwater footage, not animation or recreations.

The theater includes an introductory orientation before the film starts. Popcorn and water are available for purchase separately if you want them during or after. Wheelchair access is available throughout, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving to Catalina Island.

What’s included

• Entrance into the IMMERSED Dome Theater.
• introductory orientation briefing before the film.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday and Thursday5 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IMMERSED

Is this one for you?This is a 30-minute seated experience inside a dome theater, not an active diving or water activity. Choose it if you want to see underwater footage and marine life without getting wet, entering the water, or needing diving certification or physical exertion.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What marine animals will I see in the 30-minute film?

The film features over forty marine species including whale sharks, manta rays, bull sharks, giant sea bass, humpback whales, sea lions, dolphins and schools of fish, plus underwater caves and kelp forests. All footage was captured on real dives around the world.

How is the 360-degree dome different from watching a regular movie?

The dome theater projects the film onto the inside of a curved screen that surrounds you on all sides, so the ocean fills your entire field of vision instead of appearing on a flat screen in front of you. The 8K underwater footage wraps around you completely.

Does my ticket support ocean conservation?

Ten percent of every ticket price is donated directly to conservation groups affiliated with the filming locations around the world, who work to protect the oceans where the footage was shot.

What should I bring or know before I go?

The orientation briefing is included and happens before the film starts. Popcorn and water are available for separate purchase. Wheelchair-accessible transportation options are available nearby if you need them to reach Catalina Island.