Are Maui submarine tours worth it? For many visitors, the answer is yes. A Maui submarine tour offers one of the most unique ways to experience the island, taking passengers more than 100 feet beneath the surface to explore coral reefs, tropical fish, sunken shipwrecks, and more—all without getting wet. The team at Parrish Maui is happy to share what makes this excursion worth adding to your Maui vacation itinerary.
Who Should Take a Maui Submarine Tour?
Atlantis Submarines Maui’s tours give visitors a chance to witness the ocean floor up close. Unlike snorkeling or scuba diving, this excursion requires no swimming skills, which makes it an ideal outing for families, multi-generational families, and anyone who wants to see marine life without braving open water. Guests board an open-air shuttle boat for the ride out to the dive site, then transfer into an air-conditioned submarine equipped with large viewing ports for unobstructed views of the reef below.
What Is a Maui Submarine Tour Like?
Stepping aboard an actual submarine is not something most people ever get to experience, and that is part of what makes this tour so memorable. After the shuttle boat reaches the dive site, guests climb down a steep ladder into the vessel and take a seat beside one of the large, round portholes lining each side of the cabin. As the submarine begins its descent, the natural light overhead fades and gives way to the blue-green glow of the open ocean. The cabin stays cool and quiet because the submarine runs on battery power rather than a noisy engine, leaving nothing to distract from the view outside the glass.
What Marine Life Will You See?
Once submerged, riders descend past schools of yellow tang, parrotfish and eels as the vessel glides along the ocean floor. One of the most memorable stops on the route is the Carthaginian II, a sunken whaling ship that has become an artificial reef teeming with color and life. Depending on the season and ocean conditions, keen-eyed passengers may even spot a white tip reef shark or, during the winter months, a passing humpback whale on the ride out to the dive site. The full experience, including the shuttle ride and the time underwater, generally runs about two hours, making it easy to fit into a full day of island exploration.
Is the Submarine Claustrophobic?
Although passengers descend into a real submarine, the cabin is air-conditioned, well lit, and equipped with large viewing ports. Most guests find the experience surprisingly comfortable, even if they have never been in a submarine before. If you are concerned about enclosed spaces, the crew can answer questions before boarding so you know what to expect.
Our Recommendation
If you are traveling with young children, grandparents, or anyone who is not comfortable snorkeling, a submarine tour is one of the most memorable ways to experience Maui’s underwater world. It offers a perspective few visitors ever see, without requiring you to get in the water.
Where to Stay Near Lahaina Harbor
Parrish Maui’s villas in West Maui are just a short drive from Lahaina Harbor, where your submarine tour departs. Additionally, our rentals include everything discerning travelers need, from full kitchens to private lanais.
When you are ready to plan your getaway, browse our accommodations and reserve your stay online. For more information, call our team at 877-854-9070.