Oahu: Waikiki Submarine Tour

Oahu: Waikiki Submarine Tour Review

Exploring the waters around Honolulu through a submarine adventure offers a chance to see the underwater world without getting your hair wet. This tour, operated by Atlantis Adventures, takes you 100 feet below the surface aboard the Atlantis XIV, the largest passenger submarine available in Waikiki. With its spacious, air-conditioned interior and massive viewports, it promises a comfortable and captivating experience.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of education and entertainment. You’ll learn about marine life, coral reefs, and even history through visiting sunken ships and planes — all while enjoying a smooth, scenic ride. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that participants need to navigate a nearly vertical ladder, which might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with mobility issues. This experience suits curious travelers who want a safe, memorable, and family-friendly glimpse into Hawaii’s underwater universe.

Key Points
– Spacious and Comfortable: The large, air-conditioned interior with huge viewports makes the 105-minute ride enjoyable for all ages.
– Educational and Fun: Guided commentary and an app enrich your understanding of marine life and wrecks.
– Close Encounters: Expect to see green sea turtles, sharks, yellow tangs, and eels, with many reviews highlighting turtle sightings and vibrant fish.
– Family Friendly: Children 36 inches tall and up are welcome, making it suitable for families with kids.
– Natural and Artificial Reefs: The tour visits lively coral habitats and sunken ships, airplanes, and reefs that add to the adventure.
– Value for Price: At $170 per person, the tour offers a unique perspective that combines education, scenery, and entertainment, often highlighted as worth the experience.

The Experience in Detail

A Unique Marine Encounter with Atlantis XIV

The highlight of this Waikiki submarine tour is hopping aboard the Atlantis XIV, which holds up to 64 passengers — a significant size compared to smaller submarines. The large capacity translates into a more spacious interior, avoiding the cramped feeling some other tours can have. The submarine’s interior is modern, comfortable, and climate-controlled, which is a big plus given that some reviews mention how comfortable it was to sit and enjoy the views.

Climbing into the submarine involves navigating a nearly vertical seven-step ladder, and guests are responsible for their own safety and footing. This could be a minor hurdle for some, particularly those with mobility concerns, but for most, it’s part of the adventure that adds a sense of authenticity and thrill.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at Atlantis Submarines Waikiki, located conveniently on Paoa Place, right in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Check-in is recommended 30 minutes before departure — a good time to grab parking validation (for $5 for 6 hours) and settle any pre-ride nerves.

The first part of the day involves a brief water transfer (about 15 minutes), a relaxing boat ride out to the submarine’s starting point. This scenic cruise gives you a chance to enjoy Waikiki’s coastline, Diamond Head, and the general island vibe from the water.

Once at the submarine, you’ll descend into the ocean for approximately 15 minutes before entering the submerged world. The actual underwater experience lasts around 45 minutes, during which you’ll see a variety of marine life — including vibrant coral, green sea turtles, and possibly sharks, as some reviews mention sightings of a pregnant shark and even a small one. Passengers consistently praise the clarity of the viewports and the chance to see real marine animals up close. One reviewer even captured video footage of the submarine coming out of the water with turtles swimming nearby.

After the underwater portion, you return to the surface for another 15-minute boat ride back to land, concluding with a final 15-minute transfer. The entire experience wraps up back at the starting point, making it a seamless adventure from start to finish.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $170 per person covers everything needed for an engaging journey:
– The submarine ride itself, with live commentary throughout (delivered in English, with an app available in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean).
– The educational aspect is highlighted by guides sharing insights about the reefs, wrecks, and marine animals encountered along the way.

It’s important to note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own transportation arrangements to the meeting point. Parking is available nearby, with validation options, which is convenient if you plan to drive.

Authentic Reviews and What Travelers Love

Guests repeatedly mention the knowledgeable guides and the entertaining narration as standout features. One review notes, “Victoria is THE BEST! Love her narration and excitement,” highlighting how guides like Victoria make the experience lively and informative.

Many reviewers also rave about the visible marine life. Seeing turtles, colorful fish, and sharks up close is a recurring theme, with one traveler stating, “We saw two small cute sharks,” and another marveling at observing a pregnant shark. The clarity of the views through the large windows is often praised, with one noting that bigger viewing windows really improve the experience.

The overall atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with guides creating an inviting environment. Several reviews mention the crew’s humor and personable approach, which keeps everyone engaged.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes and a jacket, especially if you tend to feel chilly or want to remain comfortable while waiting or on the boat.
• Children must be at least 36 inches tall to participate, making it a family-friendly option.
• Be prepared to climb into and out of the submarine independently, which might require some agility.
• Food and drinks are not provided, so consider bringing water or snacks if you want to stay energized.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $170 per person, this tour ranks as a premium experience, but one that many find justified by the quality of views, educational content, and the novelty of a submarine voyage. The large submarine’s spacious interior and large viewports mean more comfort and better visibility than some smaller vessels. Many reviews praise the value for the opportunity to see marine life and wrecks without getting wet or diving.

Be mindful of the length — 105 minutes includes travel, underwater time, and transfer. It’s a relatively moderate investment for a memorable experience that blends adventure, education, and scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This submarine experience is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who love marine life and want a safe, guided adventure. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate comfort and clear views over the more adrenaline-fueled water sports. If you’re interested in learning about Hawaii’s reefs, shipwrecks, and marine animals, this tour offers plenty of educational value alongside visual appeal.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding activity, provided you’re comfortable climbing into a submarine via a ladder. For travelers with mobility issues, it’s worth considering whether the ladder will be manageable.

Final Thoughts

The Waikiki Submarine Tour provides a compelling blend of comfort, education, and visual marvels beneath the waves. With a large, air-conditioned interior, knowledgeable guides, and impressive views of marine life and wrecks, it’s a memorable way to explore Hawaii’s underwater scenery without getting wet. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, many reviewers agree that the experience is worth it — especially since it’s suitable for a wide range of ages.

For those seeking a family-friendly, safe, and intriguing adventure that stands apart from typical boat trips, this submarine tour is a strong contender. It offers an authentic glimpse into the vibrant marine ecosystem surrounding Waikiki, making it a highlight of many visitors’ Hawaii itineraries.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 105 minutes, including boat transfers, the underwater ride, and returning to land.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at Atlantis Submarines Waikiki, located at 252 Paoa Place in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Check-in is 30 minutes before the scheduled start.

Is parking available?
Yes, parking validation can be purchased for $5 for 6 hours, making it convenient if you drive.

What is the minimum age or height to participate?
Children must be at least 36 inches tall. No specific minimum age is listed, but kids should be comfortable navigating the ladder.

Is food or drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or beverages. You may want to bring your own water or snacks.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?
Climbing into and out of the submarine involves a nearly vertical ladder, so it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility concerns.

What languages are the commentary available in?
Guides speak in English, with an app providing commentary in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Will I see marine life such as turtles or sharks?
Yes, many guests report seeing turtles, colorful fish, and sometimes sharks, including a pregnant shark. Visibility and sightings depend on the day’s conditions.

In summary, the Waikiki Submarine Tour by Atlantis Adventures offers a safe, engaging, and visually impressive way to explore Hawaii’s underwater world. It’s especially recommended for families, marine enthusiasts, and travelers who value comfort and education over thrill-seeking. With ample positive reviews, it remains a standout activity in Honolulu’s outdoor offerings, promising a memorable glimpse beneath the surface.