Dive into a Dry Underwater Experience!
Barbados is a Caribbean gem, with beauty that extends far beyond its pristine beaches and historic towns. But did you know that some of its most magical sights are hidden below the surface? If you’re craving a little adventure but not too keen on getting wet, then the Atlantis Submarines Barbados tour might just be your perfect escape.
This one-of-a-kind experience lets you explore the vibrant marine life and reef systems off the coast of Barbados—all from the comfort of a real submarine. Yup, an actual, fully submerged, air-conditioned submarine! In this guide, I’ll share exactly what to expect on the Atlantis Submarines Barbados tour, along with insider tips and my own experience onboard.
Who Is the Atlantis Submarine Barbados Experience For?
We booked our tour directly through the official Atlantis Submarines Barbados website and found it was a mix of travellers just like us. Some were independent explorers, others were cruise ship passengers on a day tour, and a few were hotel guests on a group excursion.
Tickets were:
- $120 USD per adult
- $60 USD per child
At the time, there were also combo tickets available—like the Down & Under Cave Combo, which included entry to Harrison’s Cave (totally worth it if you want to double down on the underground experience!).
Where Is It & How to Get There
Atlantis Submarines Barbados operates out of the Shallow Draught Marina in Bridgetown, just a few minutes from Kensington Oval. There’s ample parking onsite if you’re driving (like we did), but most of the others on the tour arrived in groups, by shuttle bus.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, get your tickets, and listen to the safety briefing.
When Can You Go?
The Atlantis Submarine Barbados runs several dives daily. Although the exact schedule can vary slightly, here’s the typical lineup:
- Daytime Dives: multiple slots, on he hour between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Night Dives: Available every other day (For a completely different vibe!)
We opted for the first tour at 10:00 AM, which felt like the perfect start to the day.
The Full Experience – What to Expect
The whole journey takes about 2 hours, including:
- Early arrival and check-in
- A 20-minute boat ride out to the submarine
- About 1 hour of underwater exploration
The Atlantis Submarines Barbados tour trip kicks-off with a relaxing boat ride where you’ll meet your guides, get a safety rundown, and enjoy some scenic views of the Barbados coastline. Once aboard the Atlantis XV submarine, the real fun begins!
What It’s Like Inside the Atlantis XV Submarine
I’ll be honest—I expected it to feel cramped, but it was surprisingly spacious. Each window (or porthole) has seats for two, and the layout is well thought-out. We had 35 passengers onboard (it holds up to 48), and it never felt overcrowded or claustrophobic.
Top Tip: For the best seat, sit at the front near the captain—you’ll get both a side porthole and a front-facing window. If you board the ferry and stick to the left side, you’ll be among the first to enter the submarine and can snag these prime spots!
What I Saw on the Atlantis Submarines Barbados Tour
Every underwater trip is different, but we were lucky with clear visibility and plenty of marine life. As we cruised over Silver Bank Reef, we spotted:
- Bright schools of tropical fish
- Grazing sea turtles on seagrass beds
- A rare Spotted Eagle Ray
Highlight: The Lord Willoughby Shipwreck
This was my first time seeing a sunken shipwreck, and wow—it was mesmerising. Sitting about 130 feet (40 meters) deep, the Lord Willoughby is usually only accessible to advanced scuba divers, but we got a front-row seat, dry and cosy inside the sub. Seeing the wreck come into view, silhouetted against the sandy reef, gave me chills in the best way.
Pro Tips for Your Submarine Adventure
- Arrive early to check in and grab the best seat
- Sit near the captain for a front porthole and extra legroom
- Bring a camera or phone with good low-light settings (windows can create glare)
- Don’t stress about seasickness – the submarine ride is smooth and calm, there is only gentle rocking when diving and ascending.
- Ask questions – the crew is super knowledgeable and hilarious
Safety First (And Always)
In the wake of the 2024 Titan submersible tragedy, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. But Atlantis Submarines put my mind at ease right away.
During the briefing, they emphasised that the Atlantis XV has completed over 22,000 dives without a single incident. The crew is professional, well-trained, and honestly, made the whole experience even better with their wit, sea shanties, and Disney soundtrack selections. (Yes, we absolutely heard “Under the Sea” while under the sea.)
Final Thoughts: Is the Atlantis Submarines Barbados Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. I 100% recommend it.. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, this is a unique and unforgettable way to explore the underwater world of Barbados. It’s the perfect combo of education, entertainment, and pure wonder—and all without getting your feet wet.
If you’re heading to Barbados and want to try something completely different, the Atlantis Submarines Barbados tour is a must-do. Just don’t forget to book early, bring your sense of adventure, and maybe snag that front-row submarine seat!
Just remember – if Katy Perry can call herself an astronaut after 11 minutes in space, then after an hour cruising the Bajan sea floor in a submarine, you’ve absolutely earned the title of Submariner. And let’s be honest – under the sea, sometimes it’s better, when you’re not wetter, take it from me!
“Under the sea, sometimes it’s better, when your not wetter, take it from me!”
If you are interested in more things to do in Barbados, check out my 3 Day Barbados Itinerary or Complete Barbados Travel Guide.
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Got questions or your own Atlantis Submarine story? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what you saw beneath the surface!