Oahu: Waikiki Submarine Tour

Imagine descending beneath the ocean’s surface without getting wet, gliding through crystal-clear waters in a spacious, high-tech submarine. That’s precisely what the Waikiki Submarine Tour offers—an opportunity to glimpse Hawaii’s vibrant marine life, sunken ships, and reefs in a safe, comfortable environment. Whether you’re a marine enthusiast or just seeking a unique adventure, this tour promises a fascinating look at the underwater world that surrounds Honolulu.

What we love about this experience is the combination of comfort and excitement—you get to see marine life up close without a snorkel or dive gear, and the submarine’s large viewports promise great visibility. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and engaging commentary make the journey informative and entertaining. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to coordinate your transportation.

This tour is especially well-suited for families, first-time submarine riders, or travelers who prefer a stress-free way to explore beneath the waves. If you’re curious about the marine environment of Waikiki but aren’t keen on snorkeling or diving, this is a practical, memorable alternative.

Key Points

• Unique experience in a real submarine offering a different perspective on Hawaiian waters
• Close-up views of marine life including turtles, sharks, and colorful fish
• Sunken ships and artificial reefs provide intriguing stories and visuals
• Spacious, air-conditioned interior ensures comfort during the 105-minute voyage
• Guided commentary and app enhance understanding and engagement
• No hotel pickup means planning your transportation to the meeting point

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Waikiki Submarine Tour

What’s the Experience Like?

The Atlantis XIV, the submarine used for this tour, is the largest in its class, capable of holding 64 passengers. This means more space to relax, and a less crowded feel compared to smaller submarines, which often carry just 48 people. The ride lasts about 105 minutes, or roughly an hour and a half, which is enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

Once aboard the Atlantis XIV at the Hilton Pier, you’ll start with a quick check-in process—be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid any last-minute stress. The boat ride from the pier to the submarine is straightforward, and parking validation is available, though at a small fee. The boat departs in the morning or afternoon, giving flexibility depending on your schedule.

What’s Underwater?

Descending to 100 feet below the surface in a submarine is an adventure in itself. The interior is spacious and climate-controlled, allowing you to sit back and absorb the views through large viewports. Travelers frequently comment on how comfortable and well-equipped the submarine is—plenty of space, good air circulation, and excellent sightlines.

Once submerged, you’ll see a vibrant seascape of coral formations and a variety of Hawaiian fishes. Reports from guests highlight spotting green sea turtles, sharks, and yellow tangs. Several reviews mention the thrill of seeing a pregnant shark or spotting manta rays and other marine creatures. The experienced guides provide commentary throughout, explaining the significance of what you see, whether it’s a sunken airplane or a coral reef teeming with life.

Sunken Ships and Artificial Reefs

One of the intriguing aspects of this tour is the visit to sunken ships and planes. These artificial reefs are deliberately submerged for marine habitat and add an element of history and curiosity to the voyage. Guests have enjoyed seeing these wrecks, and many say it’s an added layer of interest beyond just marine life.

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Guided Commentary and App

Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with funny and informative commentary. Several reviews praise the guides’ personalities and expertise—one guest even noted how their guide’s humor made the experience memorable. An app is included to help you identify the marine species and learn about the reefs, making this a more interactive and educational experience.

What’s the Cost and Is It Worth It?

At $168 per person, the tour is priced in line with other marine excursions in Waikiki. Considering the comfort of the large, air-conditioned submarine, the included commentary, and the chance to see such a variety of marine life up close, many travelers find it offers good value. The experience is also a great alternative for those who aren’t comfortable snorkeling or diving but still want an underwater adventure.

Who Will Love This?

Families with children over 36 inches tall, first-time visitors to Waikiki, or anyone interested in a relaxing, informative, and visually stunning blue-water experience will enjoy this tour. It’s particularly popular among travelers who value guides’ knowledge and sense of humor, making the trip both fun and educational.

Practical Tips

• Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and parking validation.
• Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket—the interior is climate-controlled, but the deck can be chilly.
• Children age 12 and under qualify for child’s tickets—a good option for family trips.
• Be prepared to navigate a nearly vertical 7-step ladder to board and exit the submarine.
• No hotel pickup means you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the Hilton Pier.

Overall Impression

This submarine tour balances adventure, comfort, and education. It’s particularly appealing for travelers wanting to see Hawaii’s underwater world without the physical demands of snorkeling or diving. The large vessel and professional guides deliver a reliable, enjoyable experience, evidenced by consistently high reviews.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families with children, first-time visitors, or anyone eager for a different perspective on Waikiki’s marine environment. If you’re interested in a safe, relaxed way to see reef life and sunken wrecks, and enjoy engaging guides, this is a solid choice. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer climate-controlled comfort over open water activities.

However, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or prefer hotel pickup and drop-off, you might want to explore other options or plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, the tour does not include hotel transportation. Guests must meet at the Atlantis Submarines Waikiki meeting point at the Hilton Pier.

How long is the tour?
The submarine ride itself lasts approximately 105 minutes, providing plenty of time to enjoy the sights underwater.

What is the minimum age to participate?
Children must be at least 36 inches (92 cm) tall to ride. Children 12 and under qualify for child tickets.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for the check-in process, and a jacket because the interior is climate-controlled but can be cool. It’s also wise to bring a camera for photos.

How many people can the submarine hold?
The Atlantis XIV comfortably seats 64 passengers, making it a less crowded experience than smaller vessels.

Is there an audio guide?
Yes, the tour includes an app with commentary available in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, enhancing understanding and engagement.

Final Thoughts

The Waikiki Submarine Tour offers a unique glimpse beneath the surface of Hawaii’s waters, combining comfort, education, and adventure. With its spacious design, friendly guides, and vibrant underwater scenery, it’s a great choice for families, curious explorers, or anyone wanting to see marine life without the hassle of snorkeling.

You’ll leave with wonderful stories of turtles, sharks, and shipwrecks, all from the comfort of a high-tech submarine. This experience is a solid investment in a memorable Hawaiian adventure, especially for those who value professional guides and authentic encounters with the ocean’s hidden treasures.

To sum it up, the Waikiki Submarine Tour is a practical, engaging, and visually impressive option for exploring Hawaii’s marine environment from a safe and comfortable platform. Ideal for travelers of all ages who want to add an extraordinary story to their Hawaiian holiday, it’s a worthwhile choice that balances fun, learning, and value.

You can check availability for your dates here: