"Swim" With Fish in Redondo Beach's Unique Semi-Sub

By C. MacDonald

Redondo Beach, Calif.--Be "wowed" by the darting rays, fast bass and other fish swimming with your semi-submersible underwater viewing boat, "Looking Glass," which operates on weekends at Redondo Beach Marina.

Two seven-foot horizontal windows near the boat's bottom allow you to join the underwater extravaganza without getting wet. Captain Lloyd explains the fish and the world down under seldom seen by most people. It's fascinating to "swim" along with a large school of colorful fish and view the ocean floor, whose growth allows some fish to blend in and hide from predators.

Before descending into the semi-sub's bottom, guests ride topside and view sea lions basking in the sun and other marine life. Kids are particularly fascinated by the adventure, discovering new fish and enjoying the captain's friendly and inspiring narration.

"The popular Looking Glass tour is very entertaining," said JoAnn Turk, president of the King Harbor Association. It's located next to the kayak and pedal boat rentals, off the International Boardwalk.

"When your boat returns, you can visit the unique shops and dine at one of several excellent restaurants that look out at the harbor," Turk said.

To find out more about the exciting underwater viewing tour, go to www.fastkayak.com and scroll down to "Looking Glass." And while you're visiting Redondo Beach, be sure and pick up (at businesses) the excellent Harbor & Pier Walking Map. You'll find so many fun things to do, you might end up spending a week having a blast in Redondo!