Booking choice: The Atlantis Submarine, from $151 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
We read the recent reviews on the Viator listing, which carries 1,347 ratings from Viator and Tripadvisor, and set the praise against the complaints. The pattern is clear: the dive delights people who know what they are buying and disappoints those expecting a coral-reef aquarium.
The quick answer
For families, non-swimmers and first-timers, usually yes: it rates 4.4 from 1,347 reviews and is the only way to reach 100 feet off Waikiki without scuba gear. Skip it if you are a confident snorkeller or diver, want bright coral, or think $151 is steep for about 45 minutes underwater.
What do reviewers love?
Doing something they could never do otherwise, seeing turtles and reef sharks up close, and guides who are funny and informative.
Guests prone to seasickness are often surprised: one who gets motion sick even snorkelling "had no trouble on the submarine." Families with young children praise how calm and well organised it is.
What are the common complaints?
The price, days with fewer fish than hoped, only about 45 minutes underwater, uncomfortable seats, and dives cancelled at short notice for poor visibility.
A few reviewers found it slow or "boring", and one noted that sharks and rays are "few and far between". Souvenir photo prices also draw criticism. None of these is about safety or the crew, who are consistently praised.
Still keen? A morning slot and free cancellation up to 24 hours before keep your options open.
Check dates for the Atlantis SubmarineWho will love it?
Non-swimmers, families with children at least 36 inches tall, travellers who get seasick snorkelling, and anyone who has always wanted to ride in a submarine.
- Curious first-timers: the novelty is the point.
- Mixed-age groups: grandparents and kids sit side by side, dry.
- Wreck and history fans: a Navy ship and airplane wreckage at close range.
Who should skip it?
Confident snorkellers and certified divers, coral lovers, anyone who cannot climb a near-vertical ladder, and travellers on a tight budget.
Divers can visit the same YO-257 wreck on scuba, and snorkellers will see more colour in shallow water. If the ladder is a problem, the glass-bottom boat has just one step to board.
Want to be in the water instead? The submarine scooter puts you face to face with turtles, no swimming skills needed.
Explore the submarine scooterIs 45 minutes underwater enough?
For most guests yes: the pilot circles the wrecks slowly and there is time to see everything, but the whole outing is about two hours.
If you expect two hours at the bottom, you will feel short-changed. Think of it as a morning activity with a 45-minute dive at its heart.
How does it rate against the alternatives?
It rates lower than most of the alternatives, mainly because expectations are higher at its price.
| Trip | Rating | From | How you see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantis Submarine Waikiki | 4.4 (1,347) | $151 | Dry, at about 100 ft |
| Glass-bottom boat | 4.6 (2,371) | $46 | Dry, at the surface |
| Submarine scooter | 4.8 (2,426) | $188 | Wet, shallow reef |
| Beginner scuba dive | 5.0 (1,049) | $85 | Wet, sheltered lagoon |
| Turtle Canyon snorkel | 4.7 (2,136) | $99 | Wet, snorkelling |
| Atlantis Submarine Maui | 4.8 (823) | $144 | Dry, past a shipwreck reef |
How do you get the most out of it?
Book early in your trip, choose a morning dive, sit on the shuttle's upper deck, and film rather than photograph through the viewport.
From December to April, watch for humpback whales from the shuttle boat. Use the restroom before boarding, and bring a light layer for sitting still.
So, is it worth it?
Yes, if you want the experience of a real submarine and go in expecting wrecks and fish rather than a coral show; no, if you would be happier in the water.
If you are visiting Maui as well, its submarine rates higher; see Oahu vs Maui vs Kona.
Ready to go 100 feet down? Check the morning slots for your dates.
Check dates for the Atlantis SubmarineFrequently asked questions
Is the Atlantis Submarine a tourist trap?
No, it delivers what it promises: a real dive to about 100 feet past wrecks. It is expensive for its length, and some days are quieter for marine life.
Is the Atlantis Submarine safe?
It is a Coast Guard-approved passenger submarine, and reviewers consistently praise the crew's safety briefing and professionalism.
Is it good for people who get seasick?
Usually yes: the submarine moves smoothly underwater. The short shuttle boat ride can rock a little, so take your usual remedy if you need one.
Ready to book
Choose your dive
Free cancellation on every option, up to 24 hours before (3 days for the submarine scooter). Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure, Waikiki
- Shuttle boat from the Hilton Hawaiian Village pier and back
- About 45 minutes underwater aboard the 64-passenger Atlantis XIV
- Live English narration; recorded audio in Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese
Waikiki Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise
- 60-minute cruise with captain and crew
- Glass viewing panels in the hull
- Bottled water, restroom on board and complimentary photos
