Full steam ahead – Australia’s first fully submersible hybrid tourist submarine launches on the Sunshine Coast
Whether it was The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou or just a general passion for the deep sea that first piqued your interest, you’re not alone in your desire to jump aboard a submarine. If you harbour an affection for oceanic adventures, you’ll love this next piece of news – Australia’s first fully submersible hybrid tourist submarine has launched on the Sunshine Coast!
Fish, turtles and even sharks are just some of the marine life you can spot on Down Under Submarines, which is now diving deep into the waters of the Sunshine Coast. This yellow-hued tourist submarine will take underwater daredevils up to 18m below the surface in the waters off Mooloolaba, 1.5 nautical miles out from Point Cartwright. Powered by six battery-operated electric thrusters that produce zero emissions while submerged, the sustainable SUBCAT-30 is a hybrid vessel, meaning it can both dive underwater and travel on top of the water’s surface like a catamaran.
Once onboard, guests undertaking the Submarine Dive Experience will be able to peer outside one of 14 circular windows offering visibility of up to 30m underwater, whilst an onboard guide provides commentary about the submarine and the local marine life. Scared of what lies beneath? Opt for the Yellow Submarine Cruise, which will see the submarine stay at surface level while it explores the cerulean waters just outside Mooloolaba’s main beach at sunset.
The Submarine Dive Experience (which has a dive time of around 30 minutes plus 20 minutes surface travel) costs $253 for adults and the Yellow Submarine Cruise (one hour cruise time) is $55 for adults. Ready for an underwater adventure in the big blue? For more information, swim over to the Downunder Submarines website.
