Submarine Tours in Mauritius: What It’s Like, How Deep & Prices

You don’t need a diving licence — or even to get your hair wet — to explore a coral reef in Mauritius. A real submarine tour takes you down through the lagoon and over the reef in a dry, air-conditioned cabin, watching the underwater world drift past the portholes. It’s one of the island’s most unusual outings and a brilliant one for families, non-swimmers and anyone who’s curious about what’s beneath the turquoise.

A real submarine, not a glass-bottom boat

This is a genuine passenger submarine that descends to around 35 metres — far deeper than snorkelling reaches — operated off Trou aux Biches on the north-west coast. Mauritius is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can do this as a tourist, so it’s a real bucket-list tick.

What you’ll see down there

• Living coral gardens and the reef wall dropping away beneath you.
• Clouds of reef fish, and if you’re lucky, larger pelagics passing by.
• The Star Hope shipwreck resting on the seabed — an eerie highlight that has become an artificial reef.

Big viewing portholes line both sides of the cabin, so everyone gets a seat at a window, with the crew narrating what you’re looking at.

Is it suitable for kids and non-swimmers?

Yes — that’s the beauty of it. The cabin stays at surface pressure and is air-conditioned and dry, so there’s no swimming, no equipment and no experience needed. It suits young children, grandparents and anyone who’d rather watch the reef than dive into it.

What it costs & how to book

The submarine excursion is priced per person (around Rs 5,950 per adult), with reduced rates for children. Spaces are limited per dive, so it’s worth booking ahead — especially in peak season.

→ Book the Blue Safari Submarine Excursion

Make a day of it in the north-west

Trou aux Biches and nearby Grand Baie are the island’s liveliest stretch of coast. Pair the submarine with a Northern Discovery speedboat trip to the northern islands, or a catamaran cruise the next day.

FAQ

How deep does the submarine go? Around 35 metres — deep enough to see the reef wall and the shipwreck, well beyond snorkelling depth.

Do I need to be able to swim? No. You stay dry in the cabin the whole time.

How long is the experience? Allow a couple of hours including the briefing and the boat shuttle out to the dive point; the dive itself is the centrepiece.

Curious to go under? Reserve your submarine dive or talk to a local for the next available slot.