Atlantis Submarine Tour in the Bahamas: Dive Without Getting Wet

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the mysterious world beneath the ocean’s surface but aren’t ready to scuba dive, the Atlantis Submarine Tour in the Bahamas offers the perfect alternative. This thrilling excursion allows you to descend more than 100 feet beneath the sea — without getting wet — aboard a real submarine.
 

This one-of-a-kind experience departs from Nassau and takes guests on an underwater voyage through vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish schools, and even a sunken ship or two. Safe, air-conditioned, and perfect for all ages, the Atlantis Submarine Tour is a must-do for curious travelers, families, and marine life enthusiasts.

📍 Where Is the Atlantis Submarine Tour Located?

The Atlantis Submarine Tour departs from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and is operated by Atlantis Submarines Bahamas, part of a global network of certified passenger submarine adventures. The tour typically begins at the Prince George Wharf in downtown Nassau, just minutes away from major cruise terminals and resorts.

🌟 Highlights of the Atlantis Submarine Tour

1. 🌊 Dive 100 Feet Below the Surface

The main attraction is descending to over 100 feet beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea in a fully pressurized, climate-controlled submarine. It's the closest you can get to deep-sea diving without ever getting wet.

Comfortable, dry cabin with wide viewing portholes

Certified pilots and tour guides narrating the journey

Smooth and silent descent into the depths

2. 🐠 Explore Marine Life in Its Natural Habitat

One of the most magical parts of the journey is observing marine life in their natural environment. Expect to see:

Parrotfish, angelfish, and grouper

Sea turtles and rays

Live coral reefs teeming with biodiversity

Shipwrecks and ocean-floor vegetation

The submarine is specially designed for marine visibility, offering a panoramic view of the underwater world you wouldn’t get from snorkeling alone.

3. 🚢 Shipwrecks and Reefs

On some routes, the submarine glides past fascinating shipwrecks, including purposefully sunk vessels that now act as artificial reefs. These mysterious underwater structures are now homes to many fish species and serve as living monuments to maritime history.

🎯 Who Should Take This Tour?

Families with children: Kids love the idea of riding in a real submarine, and it’s both fun and educational.

Non-swimmers or non-divers: No need for swimming skills—just sit back and enjoy the show.

Cruise passengers: Convenient shore excursion near Nassau’s cruise terminal.

Couples: A romantic and unusual adventure under the sea.

Photographers and nature lovers: Great photo ops and a unique chance to see wildlife up close.

🕒 Tour Duration and Schedule

The standard Atlantis Submarine Tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, including safety briefings, boat transfers to the dive site, and the underwater tour itself.

Daily Departure Times (subject to change):

Morning Tour: ~9:00 AM

Midday Tour: ~12:00 PM

Afternoon Tour: ~3:00 PM

Advance reservations are recommended, especially during cruise ship docking days and peak travel seasons (December to April).

💵 Pricing and Booking

As of recent data:

Adult tickets: Approx. $110–$130 USD

Children (minimum age is 4 and height 36" or taller): ~$75–$85 USD

Pricing includes roundtrip transfers, submarine ride, safety briefing, and an onboard guide.

👉 Book directly through Atlantis Submarines Bahamas or via local tour operators and cruise ship excursions.

🧳 What to Bring

While you won’t be getting wet, it’s a good idea to bring:

Camera or smartphone for pictures (flash may be limited)

Light jacket – the submarine is air-conditioned

Motion sickness meds if you’re prone to sea sickness (though the ride is usually smooth)

Sunglasses and hat for the boat ride to the submarine

ID and confirmation email for check-in

🐢 Educational Value

Atlantis Submarine Tours are not just about entertainment—they’re also informative and educational:

Guides share facts about coral ecosystems and marine conservation

Children learn how submarines work and the importance of protecting ocean habitats

Raises awareness of the delicate balance of underwater biodiversity

Great for homeschoolers, student groups, and anyone interested in marine science.

🧭 Best Time to Go

Morning tours offer better visibility thanks to strong sunlight

The dry season (Dec–Apr) ensures calm seas and more vibrant underwater colors

During cruise season, tours sell out quickly — book in advance

🚫 Restrictions

To ensure safety and comfort, note these tour restrictions:

Minimum height: 36 inches (3 feet / ~92 cm)

Not recommended for those with severe claustrophobia

No scuba gear or snorkeling allowed during the ride

Limited capacity per dive (around 48 passengers), so reservations are important

🧭 How to Get There

The tour starts from Prince George Wharf in Nassau. If you're staying in downtown Nassau or on Paradise Island, you can:

Walk from the cruise terminal (5 minutes)

Take a short taxi ride from most resorts

Book via hotel concierge or local tour desks

🌎 Environmentally Friendly Adventure

The Atlantis Submarine is powered by batteries, emits no pollutants, and doesn’t disturb marine life. It’s a sustainable way to explore coral reefs while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

🌅 Combine With Other Nassau Attractions

Why not make a day of it? Combine your submarine tour with:

A visit to Paradise Island

Beach time at Cable Beach

A stroll through Nassau Straw Market

A rum tasting tour or local lunch near Bay Street

✨ Final Thoughts

The Atlantis Submarine Tour in the Bahamas offers an unforgettable way to explore the magic of the ocean—safe, dry, and immersive. Whether you're a first-time visitor, a family traveling with kids, or someone seeking something beyond the usual beach day, this submarine adventure delivers a thrilling yet comfortable dive into the deep.

Perfectly combining adventure, education, and relaxation, this tour is one of the top-rated excursions in Nassau and a must-do on your Bahamas itinerary.