Diving Deep into the Underexplored: Submarine Tours as a New Frontier in Travel
Travel enthusiasts are always seeking fresh, unique, and thrilling experiences to satisfy their wanderlust. Overland, soaring through skies or sailing on shimmering waters, all have been significantly explored. But what about the vast, mysterious underwater world that covers almost 70% of Earth’s surface? With advances in technology and a surge in interest for offbeat adventures, submarine tours are slowly making waves in the travel and transportation industry.
An Overview of the Submarine Tourism
Submarine tourism was initially a cocktail of military technology and opulence, as early submarine experiences were only accessible to the world’s wealthiest. However, advancements in submarine technology and a growing demand for unique experiences have nudged submarine tours closer to mainstream tourism. With approximately two hundred tourist submarines operating worldwide, according to the International Venturers Society, this trend shows potential for massive growth.
Riding The Current Wave: The Growth of Submarine Tourism
Submarine tours have been gaining popularity amongst novelty-seeking tourists and marine biology enthusiasts. Many are attracted to the opportunity to explore the largely untapped underwater landscapes without needing to master scuba-diving skills. Furthermore, increasing environmental consciousness has accentuated the appeal of submarine tours as they offer an ecologically friendly exploration method, leaving little to no impact on the marine ecosystem. These factors have coalesced into a surge in demand for submarine tours in recent years.
Pros & Cons: Delving into the Good and Not-So-Good of Submarine Tourism
Just like any travel style or transportation method, submarine tours have their advantages and disadvantages. They provide an opportunity to witness firsthand the mesmerizing splendor of underwater life, which only a small fraction of people worldwide have seen. However, they present challenges, including safety concerns and potential seasickness. Despite these downsides, promoter’s claim operators prioritize safety and often ensure measures to manage onboard comfort, advocating the positive impact submarine tourism can have on marine exploration and awareness.
Backed by Research: Perceptions and Aspirations
Research indicates increasing curiosity about the underwater world and a willingness to try non-traditional travel methods among the public. A survey conducted by Booking.com found that nearly half of the respondents were enthused about the idea of holidaying underwater. While deep-sea exploration has historically been within the purview of scientists and researchers, submarine tours bring an element of democratization to this mysterious sphere, leading to newfound appreciation and awareness among tourists.
An Ocean of Fascinating Facts
- Some tourist submarines can descend to depths of up to 3300 feet. That’s approximately the height of three Empire State Buildings stacked atop each other!
- The majority of the planet’s biodiversity lies underwater—there’s so much marine life we have yet to discover!
- Submarine tours can vary in duration, typically ranging from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the itinerary and depth explored.
- Some tourism submarines have revolving seats to ensure a 360-degree view to their passengers.
In conclusion, submarine tours offer a fresh avenue for adventure-seeking tourists to fulfil their wanderlust. As the tourism industry continues to explore uncharted territories and seek sustainable practices, submarine tourism attests to its commitment to innovation. While acknowledging the challenges, the lure of the deep ocean, along with technological advancements, positions submarine tours as a potential heavy hitter in the industry, providing an unparalleled underwater experience. So, gear up for some deep intrigue, because submarine tourism is here to make a splash!