Oahu: Waikiki Submarine Tour

Taking a submarine tour in Waikiki isn’t your average ocean excursion. Instead, it’s a chance to glimpse Hawaii’s marine environment from a totally different perspective — comfortably seated inside a modern sub that takes you 100 feet beneath the surface. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who have tried this experience, and it’s clear that it offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and spectacular scenery.

What we love about this tour are the spacious, air-conditioned interior of Atlantis XIV, the chance to see real marine life up close, and the fascinating visits to sunken ships and aircraft. The friendly guides and informative commentary add a layer of fun and learning, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable day.

A possible drawback? The tour lasts about 105 minutes, which is quite short considering how captivating the underwater scenery can be — some might wish for a longer peek beneath the waves. Also, guests need to climb a nearly vertical ladder, which could be tricky for those with mobility issues or back problems.

This experience is best suited for those eager to see Hawaii’s underwater world without getting wet — ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone with a sense of curiosity about marine life and shipwrecks. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour a truly worthwhile activity in Waikiki.

Key Points

• Spacious and modern: Atlantis XIV is the world’s largest passenger submarine, offering more comfort and better views.
• Underwater sights: Expect to see colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, eels, and coral formations.
• Wrecks and artificial reefs: Sunken ships and planes make the exploration even more intriguing.
• Educational and entertaining: Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the experience.
• Family-friendly: Children over 36 inches can participate, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.
• Limited parking and check-in: Arrive early for check-in, and parking validation adds convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Check-in

Your adventure begins at Atlantis Submarines Waikiki, located right on Paoa Place, in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Check-in is 30 minutes before your scheduled departure — a useful tip is to arrive early to secure parking (for about $5 for six hours, subject to change). The check-in process is straightforward, but it’s good to note that guests need to navigate a nearly vertical 7-step ladder into the submarine, which might be challenging for some.

The Boat Ride to the Submarine

Before descending beneath the waves, most travelers enjoy a short 15-minute boat transfer to the Atlantis XIV, cruising out from Waikiki Beach. This part alone is enjoyable, offering scenic views of Diamond Head and Waikiki’s skyline. Many reviews mention how lovely this boat journey is, with the friendly crew making everyone feel welcomed and relaxed.

Boarding Atlantis XIV

Once aboard the world’s largest hi-tech passenger submarine, you’ll notice the spacious interior featuring large, clear viewports. The air-conditioned cabin comfortably seats 64 passengers, giving everyone an unobstructed view. This extra space and larger windows compared to smaller subs mean you won’t feel cramped, and your view of the underwater world is generous.

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The Underwater Expedition

Descent to 100 feet below the surface marks the start of the real magic. As one reviewer, Vasilina, put it, “the first experience on the submarine I was able to record the submarine coming out of the water and water too!” The tour offers a chance to observe Hawaiian marine life like green sea turtles, brightly colored fish such as yellow tangs, and even sharks and eels. Many guests comment on how close-up and clear the views are, thanks to the large viewports.

Sunken Ships and Artificial Reefs

One of the most intriguing parts of the tour is the visit to sunken shipwrecks and aircraft, which serve as artificial reefs attracting diverse marine life. Guides provide commentary about these wrecks, adding context about their history and why they are vital to the local ecosystem. Several reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with one reviewer mentioning that guides like Victoria are “so enthusiastic and love sharing their passion.”

Marine Life Viewing

Expect approximately 45 minutes of underwater exploration, during which you’ll see a variety of fish, turtles, and possibly sharks — a handful of reviewers have even spotted pregnant sharks or small sharks. The marine environment is vibrant and alive, with many noting the larger viewing windows make a real difference. Denise comments, “The crews of both the ship and the submarine were wonderful, funny, and personable,” which highlights the overall friendly atmosphere.

Return and Reflection

After emerging from the depths, you’ll take a 15-minute boat ride back to the starting point, often accompanied by discussions with crew members about what you saw. The experience wraps up at the original departure point, with many feeling it’s a short but highly memorable adventure.

Pricing and Value

At $170 per person, this tour might seem a bit steep at first glance, but considering the modern, spacious submarine and the comprehensive nature of the tour — including the boat rides, expert commentary, and the opportunity to see marine life without getting wet — many guests find it worth the cost. It’s a good value for travelers who prioritize comfort, educational content, and unique views.

Why it’s worth the price:

• The large viewports and air-conditioned interior make it a comfortable experience.
• The chance to see both natural wildlife and historical wrecks up close.
• The friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the value with engaging narration.
• The boat transfer adds a scenic element that complements the underwater sightseeing.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Tour

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and parking validation.
• Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket — the interior is air-conditioned, and you’ll be climbing a ladder into the submarine.
• Children must be at least 36 inches tall; it’s a family-friendly activity.
• Be aware that food and drinks aren’t provided — bring water if you think you might need it.
• If prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication, as traveling over 100 feet underwater can be a bit disorienting for some.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This submarine experience is ideal for families with kids over 3 feet tall, couples seeking a novel adventure, or solo travelers eager for a different perspective on Waikiki’s marine environment. It’s perfect for those interested in marine life, shipwrecks, or artificial reefs, and for anyone who prefers to stay dry but still wants a close-up view of Hawaii’s underwater habitat.

Final Notes

The Waikiki Submarine Tour offers a well-rounded underwater experience that combines comfort, education, and excitement. Its large, modern submarine means you won’t feel cramped, and the views are often described as stunning. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make it much more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s an engaging lesson about Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.

While it’s not a long tour, the balance of boat rides, submarine time, and marine encounters creates a satisfying and memorable outing. The short duration might leave some wishing for more, but what you do see will leave a lasting impression.

If you’re after a unique, family-friendly activity with great value, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a fantastic way to experience Hawaii’s underwater world without getting wet, and the safety and comfort of the large submarine make it accessible for many travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 105 minutes, including boat rides and submarine time.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At Atlantis Submarines Waikiki, located at 252 Paoa Place, in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Is parking available?
Yes, parking validation is offered for $5 for six hours, but you should arrive early for check-in.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a jacket, and possibly water — food and drinks are not provided.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 36 inches tall can ride the submarine. Kids under 12 qualify for reduced fare.

Is the interior climate-controlled?
Yes, the submarine interior is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable viewing environment.

Is the submarine safe?
Absolutely. Atlantis is known for its safety standards and modern equipment.

What marine life might I see?
Expect to see green sea turtles, sharks, eels, yellow tangs, and colorful reef fish.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, audio guides in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are included.

What if I get motion sickness?
Travelers prone to motion sickness should consider taking medication, as the tour involves traveling below the surface.

To sum it up, the Waikiki Submarine Tour delivers a fun, educational, and visually stunning journey beneath the waves of Hawaii. Its combination of large, comfortable viewing spaces, lively guides, and access to shipwrecks and vibrant marine life makes it a standout activity for many visitors. Whether you’re keen on marine biology, history, or simply want a memorable adventure, this tour offers good value and a chance to see Waikiki from an entirely new perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: