Dive Deeper: The Viking Expedition Submarines
When you think of a cruise, you probably picture sweeping ocean views from the deck, beautiful shore excursions, and relaxing in comfort as the world drifts by. But what if your next vacation took you somewhere few human beings have ever gone, hundreds of feet beneath the ocean’s surface?
With Viking’s incredible submarine program, it can. Whether you are navigating the icy expanses of the polar regions or exploring sun-drenched tropical coastlines, here is everything you need to know about taking your journey to a whole new depth.
Where Can You Dive? From Polar Ice to Tropical Reefs
Viking’s underwater adventures span totally different climates and ecosystems. Depending on where you choose to sail, your submarine experience will be tailored to the unique environment around you:
The Icy Depths (Polar & Great Lakes): On rugged expedition itineraries like the Antarctic Explorer, Arctic to Antarctic Explorer, or Great Lakes Treasures, you will board one of Viking’s own yellow, state-of-the-art, DNV-classed submersibles. These custom-designed, six-seater subs offer unmatched panoramic views of pristine ice walls, deep-lake ecosystems, and polar marine life.
Tropical Reefs & Coral (Caribbean, South America, & Hawaii): If you prefer warmer waters, Viking partners with world-renowned submarine operators to bring you unforgettable local excursions. You can slip beneath the waves on the Atlantis Submarine Expedition during a West Indies Explorer cruise, explore the vibrant marine habitats with the Atlantis XII Submarine Experience in Panama and Scenic South America, or even Dive Hawaiian Waters by Sub off the coast of Waikiki during a Viking World Discoveries voyage.
What to Expect On Your Dive
If you are a bit nervous about diving below the surface, don't worry, Viking makes the entire process incredibly seamless, safe, and comfortable.
The Logistics: Depending on the destination, these excursions typically last between 2 to 3.5 hours total. This includes your transfers to the dive site and essential briefings, making it easy to fit into a full day of exploring.
The Time Underwater: For the polar and Great Lakes dives on Viking's proprietary subs, you will spend about an hour total on the excursion, including a thrilling 30 minutes of actual dive time exploring underwater worlds at depths of up to 300 meters.
Safety First: Every submarine features built-in safety systems, multiple redundancies, and strict maritime certifications. They are piloted by highly trained crew members, and guests participate in a quick, straightforward onboard safety briefing before heading out.
Booking & Planning Your Adventure
Because these submarine excursions are highly specialized and space is limited, planning ahead is key to securing your spot.
How to Book: As your travel advisor, I will handle all the coordination for you. I can monitor availability, request your submarine excursion ahead of time, and seamlessly integrate it into your custom voyage itinerary.
Securing Your Spot: Once we officially lock in your dive time, the excursion will be conveniently charged directly to your onboard account.
It is an incredible, rare chance to see a side of the world that very few travelers ever get to experience. Whether you want to glide past an Antarctic iceberg or marvel at a tropical coral reef, a submarine dive transforms a great vacation into an unforgettable expedition.