Submarines are powerful underwater vessels primarily designed for military and scientific purposes. But today, they are also used for underwater tourism, allowing people to explore the deep ocean safely. Traveling in a submarine is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in the world.
Let’s explore how submarine travel works, where it is available, how deep it goes, how much it costs, and who invented the submarine.
Who Invented the Submarine?
The concept of a submarine dates back centuries. The first workable submarine was built in 1620 by Cornelis Drebbel in England. His early design was a manually powered wooden vessel that could travel underwater for short periods.
Later, in 1775, David Bushnell created the “Turtle,” the first military submarine used during the American Revolutionary War.
Modern submarines developed further in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially for naval use.
How Does Submarine Travel Work?
Tourist submarines are very different from military submarines. They are:
- Smaller
- Designed for passenger safety
- Equipped with large viewing windows
- Operated by trained pilots
Basic Process:
- Passengers board from a dock or a support boat.
- Safety instructions are given.
- The submarine slowly dives using ballast tanks filled with water.
- It moves underwater at controlled depths.
- After the tour, it resurfaces safely.
The vessels are built with strong pressure-resistant materials to handle underwater pressure.
आप किन देशों में पनडुब्बी से यात्रा कर सकते हैं?
Submarine tourism is available in several countries, especially those with rich marine life.
Some popular destinations include:
- United States (Hawaii, Florida)
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Cayman Islands
- Spain
- Egypt
In Hawaii, for example, companies offer underwater tours to see coral reefs and shipwrecks.
How Deep Can Tourist Submarines Go?
Tourist submarines usually travel between:
- 30 meters (100 feet)
- 100 meters (330 feet)
Some advanced research or private submarines can go much deeper, but commercial tourist submarines operate at safe, moderate depths.
For comparison:
- The deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is about 11,000 meters deep.
- Tourist submarines do not go anywhere near such extreme depths.
How Long Is the Submarine Tour?
Most tourist submarine experiences last:
- 45 minutes to 2 hours
The actual underwater time is usually around 30–60 minutes.
It is not a multi-day journey like a cruise ship. Submarine tourism is typically a short adventure experience.
What Is the Budget?
The cost depends on the country and location.
Average prices:
- $100 to $250 per person for a standard tourist submarine ride.
- Luxury private submarine experiences can cost thousands of dollars.
The Maldives and private deep-sea experiences can be much more expensive compared to standard reef tours.
How Many People Travel by Submarine?
Submarine tourism is still rare compared to air travel or cruise travel.
- Less than 1% of global travelers experience submarine tourism.
- It is considered a premium adventure activity.
- Most people choose cruises, flights, or road trips instead.
Because of limited availability and higher costs, submarine travel remains exclusive.
What Makes It Memorable?
Submarine travel offers:
- 360-degree underwater views
- Close sight of coral reefs
- Marine life observation
- Sunken shipwreck exploration
- A unique “floating in silence” experience
Unlike scuba diving, passengers do not need swimming skills. It is safe for children and older adults as well.
Which Country First Used Submarines for Travel?
The first submarines were used mainly for military purposes in Europe and the United States.
The United States later became one of the pioneers in commercial submarine tourism, especially in Hawaii.
Over time, island nations like the Maldives and Mauritius adopted the idea for tourism.
Safety Measures
Modern tourist submarines follow strict:
- Engineering standards
- Pressure resistance testing
- Emergency protocols
- Certified pilot operations
Passenger safety is the highest priority.
Conclusion
Submarine travel is one of the most exciting and rare travel experiences available today. From its invention by Cornelis Drebbel in the 17th century to modern luxury underwater tourism, submarines have come a long way.
Although only a small percentage of people travel by submarine, those who do describe it as unforgettable. It allows us to explore a world that covers more than 70% of our planet—the ocean.
If you love adventure and marine life, submarine tourism can turn your journey into a truly once-in-a-lifetime memory.
