Mini-submarine diving in Cozumel: operate your own sub

You operate the submarine; the guide handles the route

Mini-submarine diving in Cozumel is a one-hour activity where you pilot your own personal sub through Caribbean waters with a professional dive master aboard, no diving certification required. The operator picks you up from your cruise ship or hotel, briefs you on safety and controls at a beach resort, then guides you through coral formations and sea life. After the dive, you can stay at the resort to use the beach, pool, lounge chairs and restaurant (some services cost extra).

The Experience

What makes this different from watching marine life from a boat is that you're holding the controls. You meet your bilingual guide at an exclusive beach resort where you get a full safety briefing and learn how to operate the submarine—the controls are straightforward enough that no scuba experience or certification is needed. Then you descend into the Caribbean with your guide aboard, navigating past coral formations and schools of tropical fish. The whole underwater portion runs about an hour.

The submarine fits a maximum of five passengers per dive. If your group is larger, you'll go in two separate runs back-to-back, each with its own guide. The operator arranges pickup from your cruise ship or hotel (you'll need to provide your ship name and cruise line, or your hotel details, so they can time it right for your port call). After you surface, the resort is yours to use—changing rooms, restrooms, beach loungers, a pool and a bar and restaurant where you pay as you order.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide.
• use of the mini-submarine.
• full safety briefing and operational instructions.
• access to resort facilities including restrooms, changing rooms and beach area.
• hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off (arrange details at booking).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Oceanus Activities

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is five or fewer and you want to operate the submarine yourself rather than watch from a boat or glass-bottom vessel. The one-hour dive fits a port call, and the resort facilities afterward give you a place to change and relax before heading back to your ship.

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Top questions

Can I do this if I've never dived before?

Yes. Mini-submarine diving requires no scuba certification or prior underwater experience. You get a full safety briefing and operational instructions before you descend, and your dive master is aboard the whole time.

How long is the actual time underwater?

The submarine dive itself is one hour. Add time for the safety briefing, boarding and the resort facilities before and after.

What happens if my group is bigger than five people?

Groups larger than five passengers split into two separate submarine runs, one right after the other, so everyone gets their full hour underwater.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from the cruise port?

No. The operator arranges pickup from your cruise ship or hotel. You just need to tell them your ship name and cruise line, or your hotel name, so they can time the pickup to get you back before your ship leaves port.

What can I do after the dive?

The beach resort stays open to you after your submarine time ends. You can use the beach, pool, lounge chairs, restrooms and changing rooms. The bar and restaurant are available, though food and drinks cost extra.

Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from diving?

Pregnancy, heart or lung conditions, asthma, epilepsy, back or neck problems, and recent surgery (within six months) are contraindications. Spinal injuries are not recommended. You must be at least 12 years old, at least 4 feet tall, and weigh no more than 300 pounds; maximum age is 75.