The Atlantis Submarine in Aruba takes passengers 150 feet (45 metres) below the Caribbean Sea in an air-conditioned submarine — no swimming, no diving certification, no getting wet. You board a surface boat in Oranjestad, transfer to the submarine offshore, and descend to the ocean floor to observe Aruba’s underwater world through large portholes. Sea turtles, reef fish, coral formations, and a deliberately sunk shipwreck are all visible.
What the Atlantis Submarine Experience Is Like
The submarine departs from the Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad. You take a short surface tender (boat) to the submarine, then board through a hatch and take your seat at a large porthole window. The descent takes approximately 5 minutes. Once at depth (up to 150 feet/45 metres), the submarine cruises along the ocean floor for approximately 45 minutes before ascending.
The submarine is climate-controlled and comfortable — similar in feel to an airline cabin. The portholes are large enough for unobstructed views. Commentary from the submarine pilot identifies the marine life and formations you’re seeing.
What You See
The route passes over a deliberately sunk shipwreck (the Aruba Star) that has become an artificial reef covered in coral and inhabited by marine life. Reef fish schools, barracuda, sea turtles, eels, and stingrays are commonly seen. The coral formations at 100+ feet are intact and healthy.
Who the Submarine Is For
The submarine is specifically designed for travellers who can’t or don’t want to snorkel or dive — non-swimmers, older travellers, children, those with physical limitations, or anyone who simply wants to experience the underwater world without any physical activity. Age minimum: 4 years old. Weight limit applies (check with operator).
Practical Information
Operator: Atlantis Submarines Aruba
Departure: Renaissance Marina, Oranjestad
Duration: Approximately 2 hours total (45 min underwater)
Cost: Approximately $109 adults, $69 children
Reservations: Book ahead — only 2-3 departures per day
For non-swimmers or those who want to see Aruba underwater without diving or snorkelling, the Atlantis Submarine is absolutely worth it. The 45-minute underwater experience at 150 feet with sea turtles, reef fish, and a shipwreck is genuinely impressive. At $109/adult it is premium pricing, but the experience is unique.
The Atlantis Submarine descends to approximately 150 feet (45 metres) — the ocean floor in that section of the Caribbean off Aruba’s coast. The submarine route lasts approximately 45 minutes at depth.
Yes – the minimum age is 4 years old. The submarine experience is excellent for children and requires no swimming ability or physical activity. The large portholes at a low level are well-positioned for children to see through.
All Aruba tours | Scuba diving guide | Snorkelling guide
The Atlantis Submarine — Full Detail
The Atlantis submarine departs from a pier near the Renaissance Resort in Oranjestad. Passengers board a surface tender boat for a 5-minute trip to the submarine. The submarine holds approximately 48 passengers plus crew and descends to 100-150 feet (30-45 metres), cruising slowly along the Barka Reef and past sections of the Antilla wreck. The entire underwater portion lasts 45 minutes.
What you see: the Antilla wreck sections, healthy coral with sea fans and brain coral, green and hawksbill sea turtles (common sighting), stingrays resting on the sandy bottom, schools of blue tangs, parrotfish, and barracuda. A guide narrates over the intercom throughout.
Practical Details
Adult: $109 | Child (4-12): $69 | Under 4: not permitted (minimum age 4). Total duration 2 hours including transport. Departure from the Atlantis dock near the Renaissance Resort, Oranjestad — 15 minutes by taxi from Palm Beach.
Yes — particularly for non-swimmers, families with young children, and those who want to see the Antilla Shipwreck and marine life from a comfortable, air-conditioned submarine without diving or snorkelling. Sea turtles and stingrays are commonly sighted.
Antilla Shipwreck guide | Scuba diving
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