The Atlantis Submarine is the way to see Aruba’s reefs and shipwrecks without getting wet. It dives to about 130 feet off Oranjestad, past coral, fish and sunken wrecks, while you sit in an air-conditioned cabin in front of a large porthole. If you want something lighter, the semi-submarine from Palm Beach stays at the surface while you watch from a glass hull below the waterline. Here is how the two compare and which to book.
- Depth
- About 130 ft (Atlantis); the semi-sub stays at the surface
- Duration
- About 1 hour 45 minutes including the boat transfer (Atlantis)
- Departs
- Oranjestad (Atlantis); Palm Beach (semi-sub)
- Ages
- 4 and up on the Atlantis
- What you see
- Barcadera Reef, coral, tropical fish and several shipwrecks
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24 h on most bookings
Book the Aruba submarine tours
Atlantis Submarine or semi-submarine?
| Atlantis Submarine | Semi-submarine (Seaworld Explorer) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A real passenger submarine that dives below the surface | A boat with a glass-walled hull under the water; it never submerges |
| Depth | About 130 ft | A few feet below the surface |
| Departs | Oranjestad, with a boat transfer out to the dive site | Palm Beach area |
| What you see | Barcadera Reef, coral and several shipwrecks | Shallow reef, fish and the Antilla wreck area depending on the route |
| Best for | A true once-in-a-lifetime dive, non-swimmers, grandparents | Young kids, anyone claustrophobic, a cheaper hour out |
| Price on our booking card | About $151 | About $63 |
| Rating | 4.6 stars, 1,200+ reviews | 4.4 stars, 650+ reviews |
What the Atlantis dive is like
- Check in at Oranjestad and board a transfer boat for the short ride to the submarine.
- Climb down into the cabin. Every seat faces a large viewing port, and the cabin is air-conditioned.
- Descend to around 130 feet. The pilot follows Barcadera Reef, and a guide narrates what you see: coral, schools of fish and shipwrecks sitting on the sandy bottom.
- Surface and transfer back. The whole trip takes about an hour and 45 minutes.
Departures are typically late morning and early afternoon, when the sun is high and visibility at depth is best. The operator states that the submarine is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping and inspected yearly by local authorities, with a surface vessel in constant contact.
Before you book
- Book a midday dive. Overhead sun means the most light on the reef.
- Kids: the Atlantis takes children 4 and up. For younger children, the semi-submarine is the better fit.
- Claustrophobia: the cabin is narrow. If tight spaces bother you, choose the semi-sub, where you can step back up onto the open deck at any time.
- Seasickness: the submarine itself is calm at depth, but the transfer boat can rock. Take something beforehand if you are prone to it.
- Photos: turn off your flash and hold the lens close to the port to cut reflections.
- Cruise passengers: the Atlantis leaves from Oranjestad, a short walk or taxi from the cruise terminal. See our cruise port guide.
Is the Aruba submarine worth it?
Yes, if you will not snorkel or dive but want to see what is under the water. It is the only way to reach 130 feet without scuba certification, and kids and older travellers love it. If you are a confident swimmer, you will see more colour per dollar on a snorkeling tour or a catamaran cruise, because coral is brightest in shallow, sunlit water. Certified divers should look at scuba diving in Aruba instead.
Pair it with
A walk through Oranjestad after the dive, lunch downtown, or an afternoon at Eagle Beach. Travelling with children? See Aruba family activities.
