Oahu: Waikiki Submarine Tour

Imagine slipping beneath the ocean surface without getting wet, floating through a glass-topped vessel that takes you on a journey into the depths of Waikiki’s underwater world. That’s exactly what the Waikiki Submarine Tour offers—an accessible, engaging way to see marine life, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs without the hassle of snorkeling or diving.

From the bright, lively coral reefs to the chance to spot green sea turtles and even sharks, this experience appeals to anyone curious about what lies beneath the waves. We love the idea that it’s a comfortable, high-tech adventure that provides plenty of space and great views, but it’s worth noting that some may find the 105-minute duration a bit short, especially if you’re really into marine exploration.

One thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to plan for transportation to the meeting point. Still, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 275 reviews, many travelers find it to be a worthwhile addition to their Hawaii trip. If you’re looking for a memorable, family-friendly activity or simply want to see the ocean from a different perspective, this submarine experience could be just right.

This tour is best suited for those who value guided insights and a close-up view of marine ecosystems—especially if you’re traveling with kids over 36 inches tall or simply want to add a touch of adventure to your Hawaii itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique underwater adventure aboard a real recreational submarine.
• Close views of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.
• Educational commentary enhances understanding of reef ecosystems and shipwrecks.
• Spacious, air-conditioned interior for comfort during the 105-minute ride.
• Visit to sunken ships and airplanes offers an intriguing glimpse into artificial reefs.
• No hotel pickup, so plan your transportation to the meeting point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Waikiki Submarine Tour

If you’re considering this experience, it’s helpful to understand what’s actually involved. The tour takes place aboard Atlantis XIV, the world’s largest hi-tech passenger submarine, which can accommodate up to 64 passengers—making it more spacious than many smaller subs. This extra room means you won’t feel crowded, even during peak times, and the large viewports promise good visibility of the underwater scenery.

The adventure begins with a short walk to the meeting point at Atlantis Submarines Waikiki, located at the Hilton Pier, just in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Check-in requires arriving about 30 minutes prior, giving you time to settle in, review safety instructions, and get familiar with the process of boarding a nearly vertical ladder (about 7 steps). Parking validation is available for $4 for five hours, which is a reasonable rate for the area.

Once aboard, the submarine gently descends to about 100 feet below the surface. The ride itself lasts around 105 minutes, and is complemented by an audio commentary in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean), providing insights into what you’re seeing. Many reviewers mention how the guides are both funny and knowledgeable, making the experience feel more like a friendly tour than just a ride.

The Underwater Scene

As you settle into the air-conditioned interior, you’ll begin your exploration of Waikiki’s underwater world. The large viewports allow for clear looks at coral formations teeming with life. Expect to see Hawaiian fishes, such as yellow tangs, eels, and sometimes even green sea turtles. Several reviews highlight sightings of sharks, including a pregnant one, which can be quite a thrill.

You’ll also visit sunken shipwrecks and airplanes, which serve as artificial reefs attracting marine life and adding an extra layer of interest to the tour. The guides do a good job explaining these sites’ stories and significance, turning your ride into a mini lesson about reef ecosystems, marine safety, and how submersibles operate.

The Experience’s Highlights and Challenges

Many guests rave about the knowledge and humor of the guides. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that their guide was “very funny and very informative,” which made the time fly by. Others appreciated that they could record parts of the experience, like seeing the submarine emerge from the water or catching glimpses of turtles on the way.

On the flip side, some found the tour a bit short, wishing they could spend longer underwater. One review from Austria noted, “It was wonderful, just a little bit too short,” which is a common sentiment when the experience is so engaging.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $168 per person, the tour is a solid value for those interested in marine life and innovative sightseeing. While it’s not the cheapest activity in Waikiki, it offers a different kind of adventure—one that combines education, comfort, and the thrill of being underwater without any diving skills required.

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Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is ideal for travelers who prefer a guided, narrated experience and want a safe, comfortable way to see marine life up close. It’s also suited for those who might not be comfortable snorkeling or diving but still want a water-based adventure. Families with children over 36 inches tall have found it suitable, especially since the tour is well-organized and the guides keep things lively.

Final Thoughts

The Waikiki Submarine Tour offers a compelling mix of comfort, education, and excitement. You’ll appreciate the roomy, climate-controlled interior, the impressive views, and the chance to see a variety of marine creatures—sometimes even sharks and turtles—without getting wet. The guided commentary makes the experience more enriching, helping you appreciate what you’re witnessing beneath the waves.

While the 105-minute length might feel brief for deep ocean explorers, many reviews suggest it’s just enough time to see enough to satisfy your curiosity and get a taste of Hawaii’s marine ecosystems. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, a romantic outing, or a fun way to learn about reef life, this submarine adventure fits the bill.

Just remember to factor in transportation to the meeting point, arrive early, and wear comfortable shoes and a jacket (the interior is air-conditioned). This tour can be a highlight of your trip—especially if you want to see Waikiki’s underwater world without the hassle of snorkeling or diving.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, this tour doesn’t involve snorkeling. You’ll stay inside the submarine during the entire experience.

Is there a minimum age or height requirement?
Yes, children must be at least 36 inches tall to ride, ensuring they can safely navigate the ladder and comfortably enjoy the view.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point at Atlantis Submarines Waikiki.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 105 minutes, including boarding, the descent, and viewing time.

Are there multilingual options for the commentary?
Yes, the audio guide is available in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, in addition to English.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, parking validation can be purchased for $4 for five hours at check-in, making it convenient and affordable.

Would you recommend this for someone who’s afraid of enclosed spaces?
If you’re comfortable in confined spaces and can handle a short, vertical ladder, you should be fine. It’s a well-maintained, safe environment, but if claustrophobia is a concern, consider that before booking.

If you’re after a unique way to see Waikiki’s underwater world with minimal fuss, the Waikiki Submarine Tour is worth considering. It combines comfort, education, and fun, making it a memorable addition to your Hawaii trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: