Aruba Submarine and Semi-Submarine Tours
There’s a hidden world beneath the surface of Aruba’s beautiful beaches that’s just as captivating. For those seeking to explore the depths of the Caribbean without getting wet, two unforgettable tours offer a unique way to discover Aruba’s underwater wonders: the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Tour and the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise.
Let’s take a deeper look at these two options to help you determine if one of these Aruba submarine tours are right for you.
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1. Atlantis Submarine Tour: Dive Into the Deep
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the ocean’s depths in a real submarine, the Atlantis Submarine Aruba offers the perfect opportunity. This thrilling excursion takes you 130 feet below the surface of the turquoise waters to explore shipwrecks, reefs, and marine life.
What to Expect
The Atlantis Submarine Aruba is a state-of-the-art vessel, fully air-conditioned and certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and Aruba’s Director of Shipping. With a capacity to dive to depths of 130 feet (about 40 meters), passengers get a front-row seat to the wonders of the ocean floor.
The tour begins at the Atlantis Store in Oranjestad, where you check in and receive a safety briefing. From there, you board a surface vessel that takes you to the Atlantis Aruba Submarine, ready to embark on your underwater adventure.
Once submerged, you’ll glide through the Barcadera Reef, home to colorful fish, moray eels, and bright coral. Along the way, you’ll also get an up-close look at several fascinating shipwrecks. Expert guides provide informative commentary, making this tour both fun and educational.
Key Highlights
- Barcadera Reef: A beautiful underwater landscape teeming with marine life.
- Shipwrecks: Dive to explore Aruba’s sunken history and encounter schools of fish and other marine creatures.
- Safety and Comfort: The submarine is equipped with an air ballast system for emergency resurfacing and a wireless communication system to ensure passenger safety throughout the dive.
Tour Details
- Ages: 4+
- Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Departure Times: 11:00 am
- Meeting Point: Atlantis Store, L.G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad
- What to Wear: Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes (the submarine is air-conditioned).
- Important: Children must be at least 36 inches tall and 4 years old to join.
2. Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise: Underwater Views, No Dives Required
For those who prefer to stay above water but still want to see Aruba’s underwater life, the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise is an excellent choice. This 90-minute excursion allows you to observe the colorful marine ecosystem from the safety and comfort of a semi-submarine vessel.
What to Expect
Departing from De Palm Pier at Palm Beach, the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine offers a unique experience where the hull of the boat sits just 5 feet below the surface. The vessel’s glass-walled viewing area allows you to gaze into the clear waters and watch the marine world unfold.
This tour takes you to the famous Arashi Reef, one of the best places to snorkel in Aruba. You’ll also visit the SS Antilla, a massive German freighter that was sunk during WWII, now home to a thriving ecosystem of fish and other marine life. The tour provides informative commentary from your captain and marine experts, so you’ll learn about the reef’s history, marine life, and ecosystem as you explore.
Key Highlights
- Arashi Reef: A prime spot for marine life, including fish, lobster, and moray eels.
- The Antilla Shipwreck: One of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean, partially submerged in 60 feet of water.
- Comfort and Safety: The semi-submarine is fully air-conditioned for a comfortable, dry experience while providing clear views of the underwater world.
Tour Details
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Departure Time: 11:30 am
- Meeting Point: De Palm Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, Aruba (between the Hilton Resort and RIU Palace)
- What to Wear: Casual clothing and comfortable shoes (the vessel is air-conditioned).
- Important: No age restrictions. All guests must be able to climb stairs.
Why Choose a Submarine Tour in Aruba?
Both the Atlantis Submarine Aruba and the Semi-Submarine Aruba provide an extraordinary opportunity to see the wonders of Aruba’s marine environment. Whether you want to dive deep into the Caribbean Sea aboard a real submarine or prefer to stay dry while observing the underwater life from a semi-sub, both tours offer unique experiences for all ages.
- Atlantis Submarine: Best for those who want a deep dive (literally!) and an immersive experience exploring shipwrecks and reefs.
- Semi-Submarine: Ideal for guests who prefer a dry experience but still want to enjoy stunning views of marine life and shipwrecks.
No matter which option you choose, these submarine tours are unforgettable ways to discover Aruba’s underwater world. So, don’t miss out on one of the island’s most exciting adventures!
Book Your Adventure Today
Ready to explore Aruba’s underwater beauty? Book your Atlantis Submarine or Semi-Submarine Aruba tour today and dive into an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves!
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