Aruba Atlantis Submarine Tour: 130 feet down

Descend past the reef and watch the seafloor come into focus

The Aruba Atlantis Submarine Tour is a guided voyage aboard a real, air-conditioned submarine that descends 130 feet below the surface at the Barcadera Reef. You board after a safety briefing, then spend 60 minutes inside the submarine watching fish, lobster and moray eels as the vessel moves from 15 feet of water to depths of 130 feet. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route. The tour runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes total, including check-in and boarding; local taxes are included, and children from age 4 (minimum 36 inches tall) are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Submarine tour and reef exploration

• Check in and safety demo
• Board the submarine
• Cruise through Barcadera Reef

The Experience

The submarine itself is the draw here. It's a real vessel, U.S. Coast Guard approved and fully air-conditioned, part of the world's largest passenger submarine fleet. You check in, get a brief safety demo, and board. The actual time underwater is 60 minutes, and the route takes you through the Barcadera Reef, where the water starts shallow and the submarine descends to 130 feet. A live guide in English narrates what you're seeing as you go.

The reef is home to plenty of fish, lobster and moray eels. The submarine's windows give you a direct view as the seafloor comes into focus below. Because you're in a real submarine, the cabin is compact—some passengers find the spacing tighter than they expected—but that's part of what makes it authentic. The whole experience, from check-in through disembarkation, takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Local taxes are included in the price.

Public transportation options are available near the departure point if you're arranging your own way there. The tour suits all fitness levels, and children as young as 4 can ride as long as they meet the 36-inch height requirement. Food and drinks aren't included, so plan accordingly if the tour runs through a meal time.

What’s included

• Local taxes.
• 60-minute submarine expedition through the Barcadera Reef.
• live English-speaking guide narration.
• U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessel with full air-conditioning.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by De Palm Tours VBA

Is this one for you?The live English guide means you follow the commentary without effort, which works well if you want to understand what you're seeing as the submarine descends. The compact cabin is part of the authentic submarine experience, so book this one if you're comfortable in tight quarters and want the real thing rather than a replica or glass-bottom boat.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

1,260 verified traveler reviews

5 ★967

4 ★164

3 ★74

2 ★24

1 ★31

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I bring my 5-year-old on the Aruba submarine tour?

Children from age 4 are welcome on the Atlantis Submarine, provided they are at least 36 inches (90 cm) tall. Younger or shorter children cannot ride.

How deep does the submarine actually go?

The submarine descends to 130 feet below the surface at the Barcadera Reef, starting in water that is 15 feet deep and gradually moving to the depths where you see the seafloor and the reef life.

How long will I spend inside the submarine?

The actual time underwater is 60 minutes. The full tour, including check-in, safety demo and boarding, takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes total.

What will I see on the reef?

The Barcadera Reef is home to fish, lobster and moray eels. The submarine's windows let you watch them as the vessel moves through the water and descends.

Is the submarine air-conditioned?

Yes, the submarine is fully air-conditioned. However, the cabin is compact, and some passengers find the spacing tighter than expected in a real submarine setting.

What's included in the tour price?

Local taxes are included. The tour does not include food, drinks or hotel pickup and drop-off; gratuities are separate.