The Caribbean is a dream destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The region has warm waters with superior visibility, and gorgeous underwater reefs and dive destinations. But not every traveler is interested in going through the necessary training to be a certified scuba diver. As far as snorkeling goes, some may find snorkeling too restrictive to the sea's surface, and lacking the other-worldly experience of exploring aquatic depths. For these travelers there's an increasing range of options, from diving beneath the sea in an Atlantis submarine, to motoring under the surface riding an underwater motor scooter.
Underwater Scooters
This is one of those new developments that takes a moment or two to get your mind around. Imagine riding underwater in a scooter — something that would be more appropriate in an action movie rife with special effects. Instead, it's available to practically any tourist visiting the island of St. Thomas, in the US Virgin islands. Aqua Adventures offers underwater adventure via B.O.S.S. — also known as a Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter. This custom-built, motorized underwater scooter utilizes the same principle as turning a glass upside down and submerging it underwater, trapping air under the glass. As the scooter descends, a seal is formed and additional air is supplied to the rider via a scuba tank. The environmentally-friendly B.O.S.S. scooters are powered by an electric motor and descend eight feet below the surface and are designed not to tip over. In fact, it's not even required that participants know how to swim, since they are accompanied at all times by trained staff. The minimum age is 10, and minimum height is four feet.
Similar to B.O.S.S., Aquafari utilizes underwater scooters that work on the same principle. The self-propelled submersible scooters glide over Curacao's reefs, where participants view myriad sea creatures. Aquafari also has a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
The submersible scooter adventure takes a slightly different tack on Aruba, where the underwater vehicle resembles a toboggan. SEABOB Aruba is open to all skill levels from beginners to experienced snorkelers, and offers underwater adventures along Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach and the Arashi Reef.
SeaTrek Underwater Helmet Walk
Some people may prefer to walk, instead of drive a scooter underwater. The SeaTrek Underwater Helmet Walk on Aruba's De Palm Island allows divers to don helmets and amble 20 feet below the surface in near-zero gravity. The excursion is along a specially built 375-foot walkway. Like the scooters, it's not even required that participants know how to swim. Underwater sights along the way include a submerged Cessna 414 airplane. There's a minimum age of 8 years old.
SNUBA
SNUBA stands for Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus. SNUBA has been growing in popularity as a middle ground activity between snorkeling and scuba diving – one which requires no certification. On Aruba's De Palm Island – something of a water activities playground – participants can join a SNUBA excursion that explores coral reefs and a submerged shipwreck. In SNUBA, the diver is connected to a boat via an air hose, allowing easy breathing in an experience that mimics scuba diving without the use of lots of gear. Newbies are welcome, and the minimum age is 8 years old, making it a great adventure for families. There's also the option for SNUBA Doo, which is a specially designed SNUBA experience for kids four to seven years old, in which they use a flotation vest that keeps them bobbing on the surface, while viewing family and fish below.
Atlantis Submarines
Back in 1986, Atlantis Submarines began offering undersea tours aboard a submersible submarine in the Cayman Islands. The company has since expanded to offering the attraction in Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, Curacao, and St. Martin, as well as Hawaii and Guam, while still remaining in the Caymans. This is an authentic submarine dive at a depth of 100 feet. In Grand Cayman, the tour explores the underwater world of Cayman's National Marine Park, where the vessel glides along above coral canyons teeming with colorful fish. The submarine holds 40 passengers, with ample viewing conditions inside the sub's glass-walled observatory. For an extra measure of drama, there are options for night excursions below the sea.
Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine
The Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine, also from Atlantis Submarines, is a great option for those who feel claustrophobic at the thought of being under the surface in a sub. The vessel cruises five feet above the water and is only semi-submerged. On Aruba, the experience can be had at De Palm Island, where the craft explores the Arashi Reef, and allows viewing of marine life through large windows, with the piece de resistance being the chance to view Antilla, a shipwrecked World War II German vessel.
Love diving to explore shipwrecks? The Caribbean has plenty of them! See our picks for the best in the carousel below.
