Atlantis Submarine vs. Glass Bottom Boat on Oahu
Not everyone wants to snorkel or scuba dive, but almost everyone wants to see what’s under Hawaii’s waves. On Oahu, two popular ways to do that while staying completely dry are the Atlantis Submarine and a glass bottom boat. Here’s how they compare.
The Atlantis Submarine
The Atlantis Submarine departs off Waikiki and dives to about 100 feet below the surface, down to an artificial reef area with shipwrecks and sunken aircraft that now host fish, turtles and coral. You sit in a climate-controlled cabin with large viewing portholes while the crew narrates the dive.
- Depth: about 100 feet
- Dive time: about 40 minutes underwater, with roughly 2 to 2.5 hours total including check-in at Hilton Hawaiian Village and a short shuttle boat ride each way
- Good to know: children must meet a minimum height (about 36 inches), all passengers must climb a vertical ladder, and the submarine is not wheelchair accessible
- Best for: families with kids, non-swimmers and anyone who wants a truly unique experience
Book the Atlantis Submarine Oahu tour, or for a special occasion, the private Atlantis Submarine charter.
Glass bottom boats
A glass bottom boat cruises the surface while you watch reefs and marine life through viewing windows in the hull. You’ll see shallower reefs, fish and often sea turtles, plus coastal views from the open deck, and some cruises add sunset.
- Depth viewed: shallow reefs near the surface
- Time: usually 1 to 1.5 hours
- Good to know: easier boarding and a gentler pace; sunset sailings combine the underwater view with Waikiki or Ko Olina sunsets
- Best for: budget-conscious travelers, young children, seniors and anyone who wants a relaxed cruise
Choose from the Waikiki glass bottom boat, the Waikiki sunset glass bottom boat, the Ko Olina glass bottom boat or the Ko Olina sunset cruise.
Side-by-side comparison
- Deeper, more dramatic views: Atlantis Submarine
- Lower price: glass bottom boat
- Shortest time commitment: glass bottom boat
- Most memorable for kids: Atlantis Submarine
- Easiest accessibility: glass bottom boat
- Best with sunset: a sunset glass bottom boat cruise
Tips for either tour
- Morning trips often have calmer seas and clearer water.
- Bring motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive; the shuttle and surface rides can be bumpy.
- Visibility depends on conditions, so think of marine life sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Compare all submarine and glass bottom boat tours at discounted prices, or call (808) 856-3500.
Related guides: Things to do in Oahu with kids
