What Atlantis Submarines is and how the tour operates

Atlantis Submarines is a tour company that takes passengers underwater in a working submarine to view coral reefs and marine life. The company operates in Hawaii (on Oahu and the Big Island), Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. You board a passenger submarine at a dock, descend to depths between 100 and 150 feet depending on the location, and spend roughly 45 minutes underwater viewing the ocean floor through large windows before returning to the surface.

The submarine holds between 48 and 64 passengers depending on which vessel you board. A trained crew operates the submarine, and a tour guide narrates what you are seeing through speakers inside the cabin. The entire experience, including boarding, the dive, and return to dock, typically takes about two hours from start to finish.

You do not need any training, certification, or swimming ability to take this tour. The submarine is a fully enclosed vessel with air circulation and climate control, so you remain dry and comfortable throughout the dive. Children as young as three years old can go on most Atlantis tours, though some locations have different age or height requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Atlantis Submarines operates in Hawaii, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands, with different submarine vessels and dive depths at each location.
  • The tour lasts about two hours total, with roughly 45 minutes spent underwater viewing coral reefs and fish through large cabin windows.
  • No swimming ability, diving certification, or special training is required; children as young as three can participate at most locations.
  • Prices vary by location and tour type, ranging from roughly $100 to $200 per adult, with discounts often available for children and advance bookings.
  • Motion sickness can occur during the descent and ascent, particularly in rough ocean conditions, so consider taking medication beforehand if you are prone to seasickness.

Locations where Atlantis Submarines operates

Atlantis Submarines runs tours at four main locations in the Pacific and Caribbean. On Oahu, Hawaii, the company operates from Honolulu and offers dives along the Waikiki coast and the Hanauma Bay area. On the Big Island of Hawaii, tours depart from Kona and explore the Kona coast. In Guam, submarines depart from Apra Harbor and dive along the island's coral reefs. In the US Virgin Islands, tours operate from St. Thomas and explore reefs near the island.

Each location has different submarine models, maximum depths, and marine life you are likely to see. The Oahu submarines can reach 150 feet, while some other locations operate at shallower depths. Water clarity, coral health, and fish populations vary by season and location, so what you see on any given day depends partly on when and where you book.

What happens during the tour from arrival to departure

You arrive at the dock 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Staff check you in, assign you a seat, and brief you on safety procedures and what to expect. You then walk to the submarine, board through a hatch, and take your assigned seat at one of the large windows. The submarine is pressurized and sealed before departure.

Once underwater, the submarine descends slowly to its target depth. This descent typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. During descent, you may feel pressure changes in your ears similar to what you feel in an airplane. The guide narrates continuously, pointing out coral formations, fish, and other marine life visible through the windows. The submarine moves slowly to allow passengers to see details and take photographs.

After 45 minutes at depth, the submarine begins its ascent back to the surface, which takes another 10 to 15 minutes. Once docked, you exit the submarine and return to the dock facility. Staff may offer you a certificate of participation or merchandise for purchase.

Physical sensations and motion sickness during the dive

Most passengers experience no discomfort during an Atlantis tour, but some feel motion sickness, particularly during descent and ascent. The submarine moves with the ocean swell, and this motion is more noticeable when you are underwater than on the surface. If the ocean is rough on the day of your tour, motion sickness is more likely.

If you are prone to seasickness or motion sickness in general, consider taking over-the-counter medication such as dramamine or meclizine 30 to 60 minutes before boarding. Ginger supplements or acupressure wristbands may also help. Avoid heavy meals when ready before the tour, and focus your eyes on a fixed point rather than following the submarine's movement. Sitting in the middle of the cabin rather than near the windows sometimes reduces motion sensation.

If you become uncomfortable during the dive, inform a crew member. They cannot surface early for one passenger, but they can move you to a different seat or provide other information. Most people who experience mild discomfort during descent feel better once the submarine reaches its cruising depth and movement stabilizes.

Cost, booking, and what is included

Atlantis Submarines pricing varies by location and tour type. Adult fares typically range from $100 to $200 per person, with children's fares usually 30 to 50 percent lower. Some tours, such as night dives or premium seating options, cost more. Discounts are often available for advance bookings made online, for residents of Hawaii or other local areas, and for groups.

You can book directly through the Atlantis Submarines website or through third-party tour booking sites. Most bookings require payment at the time of reservation, though some sites offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Check the cancellation policy before you book, as policies vary by booking method and location.

Your tour fare includes the submarine ride, the narrated tour guide, and access to the dock facility. It does not include meals, drinks, or merchandise. Some locations have a small gift shop or snack bar at the dock where you can purchase items before or after your tour.

Age, health, and physical requirements

Children as young as three years old can take most Atlantis Submarines tours, though some locations have minimum age or height requirements. Check the specific location's requirements when you book. Children do not need to be strong swimmers or have any water experience; the submarine is fully enclosed and you never enter the water.

Pregnant women should not dive in the submarine. The pressure changes during descent and ascent, combined with the motion, pose risks during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, contact Atlantis Submarines directly to confirm whether your location allows pregnant passengers.

People with claustrophobia or severe anxiety in enclosed spaces may find the submarine cabin uncomfortable. The cabin is not cramped by submarine standards, but it is a confined space with no option to exit until the tour ends. If you have concerns about enclosed spaces, visit the dock facility beforehand to see the submarine and cabin layout, or ask staff whether you can tour the vessel before committing to a full dive.

Photography and what you can see underwater

You can bring a camera or smartphone to photograph through the submarine windows. The windows are large and clear, but reflections from the cabin lights can affect photo quality, especially in darker conditions. Underwater lighting is limited to what natural sunlight penetrates at depth, so photos taken deeper in the dive may appear darker than what you see with your eyes. Many passengers find that straightforward watching through the window and enjoying the experience in real time is more satisfying than trying to photograph everything.

What you see depends on the location, season, and time of day. In Hawaii, you typically see tropical fish, coral formations, and occasionally sea turtles or rays. In Guam, the reefs are often more colorful and densely populated with fish. Water clarity varies; on clear days you can see 100 feet or more, while on cloudy or rough days visibility may be 30 to 50 feet. The guide will point out specific creatures and explain what you are seeing, even if visibility is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim or have diving certification?

No. Atlantis Submarines is a fully enclosed vessel, and you never enter the water. You do not need any swimming ability, diving certification, or water experience. The submarine operates like a bus that travels underwater instead of on roads.

What if I get motion sickness during the tour?

Take over-the-counter motion sickness medication 30 to 60 minutes before boarding. Avoid heavy meals beforehand, and focus your eyes on a fixed point rather than the moving scenery. If you become uncomfortable during the dive, inform a crew member; they can move you to a different seat or provide information, though they cannot surface early.

Can I bring my own camera or phone to take pictures?

Yes, you can bring a camera or smartphone. The submarine windows are clear, but cabin reflections and limited underwater lighting may affect photo quality. Many passengers find that watching through the window in real time is more enjoyable than photographing the entire experience.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Atlantis Submarines operates in most weather conditions, but tours may be cancelled or rescheduled if ocean swells are too large or visibility is too poor. Check your confirmation email for the company's weather policy. Most bookings allow you to reschedule for another date at no extra cost if your tour is cancelled.

Is there a weight or size limit for passengers?

Atlantis Submarines does not publish a specific weight limit, but the submarine seats have armrests and a certain width. If you have concerns about whether a seat will fit comfortably, contact the company directly before booking. Staff can answer questions about seat dimensions and may be able to reserve a specific seat for you.