Submarine yachts: exciting explorer yacht charters with on board subs

Some destinations are so remote, so untouched, that just getting there is only part of the story. To truly explore the unexplored, you need to look beneath the surface – literally. A new breed of explorer yacht charter now offers just that: deep-sea discovery with on board submarines. These submarine yachts are the ultimate adventure platforms, offering you an unmatched opportunity to access the mysteries of the deep in complete safety and comfort.

Whether you’re gliding silently past coral pinnacles in the South Pacific or exploring an Antarctic ice shelf from beneath, superyacht submarines open an entirely new dimension of yachting. Here's how you can take your next journey beyond the horizon – and beneath it.

Why charter a yacht with a submarine on board? 

Chartering a yacht with a submarine isn’t simply about ticking a box on your list of extraordinary experiences – it’s about transforming how you interact with the natural world.

Total immersion: A private submarine yacht lets you go far beyond snorkelling and scuba diving. Dive 100–1,000 metres below sea level and witness a hidden world few people on Earth have seen.

Ultimate exclusivity: Unlike tourist subs or shared excursions, this is your own private dive. Just you, a companion, and a trained pilot experiencing a tailored adventure in complete privacy.

Scientific-grade tech with luxury touches: Today’s luxury submarine yachts are equipped with sophisticated submersibles engineered for exploration yet designed with panoramic acrylic domes, reclining leather seats, and even climate control.

Unrivalled destinations: Whether it’s spotting six-gill sharks off the coast of Australia or navigating lava tubes near Tonga, a yacht submarine enables once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

What explorer yachts are available with on board submarines?

What is it like to dive from a superyacht? 

Launching a submersible from a superyacht is like preparing for a moon landing –except it’s tailored entirely for your comfort. You’ll board the sub from the yacht’s beach club or platform, briefed by the on board dive master or sub pilot. Once inside, you descend in complete silence, suspended in a transparent cocoon surrounded by 360-degree views.

As dappled sunlight begins to disappear the deeper the sub sinks, and the water turns from sapphire to indigo, an otherworldly world of bioluminescent life, underwater canyons, and historic shipwrecks begins to reveal itself. The experience is cinematic – like starring in your own Blue Planet episode.

What is the difference between a yacht with a submarine and a yacht with a submersible?  

The two biggest differences between a submarine and submersible are autonomy and viewing potential. While the terms are often used interchangeably, technically:

• A submarine is a self-sufficient vessel capable of travelling long distances underwater and resurfacing on its own

• A submersible, commonly found on explorer yachts, is deployed from a host vessel and relies on it for support

That said, most superyacht submarines fall under the submersible category: high-performance, pilot-operated, and perfect for recreational and scientific exploration.

What are the different types of subs available?

Submersibles have come a long way in the past decade. Smaller, lighter, and with the capability to dive deeper and travel faster, today’s range of subs makes any yacht and any scenario ideal for exploration. Though varying between the number of passengers, manoeuvrability, pilot controls and custom design, the one mainstay is that they all deliver an incredible experience to explore beyond the surface.

Six-person

SEAmagine’s Aurora-6S is a six-person sub that dives to a depth of 1,000m, meaning the whole family can explore what lies beneath together. Explore a whole new world in the comfort of air conditioning and lounge chairs.