Environmental Page

Atlantis Sub Tour Explores Maui’s Undersea Magic

LAHAINA – Maui has long been revered as the Magic Isle for its extraordinary appeal and abundance of natural beauty, but its undersea world is just as compelling as seen by the wondrous marine life off the Lahaina coastline.

Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind tour experience on Maui that gives people a close-up view of the island’s exotic tropical reefs – along with hundreds of fish species. It’s like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time!

“Maui has such a special aura and our sub tour only heightens the excitement of being on this magnificent island because of all the marine activity and beautiful sights under the water,” said Jim Walsh, General Manager of Atlantis Submarines Maui.

The sub tour experience begins at historic Lahaina Harbor, where the Holokai shuttle boat carries guests on a scenic and comfortable excursion to the dive site. The views of Maui and Lanai are breathtaking! Atlantis’s experienced crew transfers guests into the 65-foot, 48-passenger sub, where they relax in a spacious, air-conditioned cabin that presents a large viewing portal for each seat and lots of head and legroom.

Boasting an unblemished safety record and operating the most technologically advanced passenger submarines in the world, Atlantis takes Maui’s undersea explorers down, down, down to depths of 150 feet! The quiet, battery-powered sub descends into a natural habitat that is a frenzy of activity. Schools of tropical fish of all shapes, sizes, colors and personalities race about. Eels prowl amidst the coral reefs. The excitement is fueled by the unpredictability of what’s coming next. No one can say for sure! (During winter, guests report frequent sightings of humpback whales passing the sub as they make their annual migration to the islands.)

Adding to the tour’s fun – and value – is the narrative provided by the co-pilot. Guests are treated to a guided tour that’s entertaining, educational and keeps them engrossed in all the magic of Maui’s marine activity.

CARTHAGINIAN ARTIFICIAL REEF ADDED TO SUB TOUR EXPERIENCE
To enhance its sub tour experience and help improve the marine environment, Atlantis created an artificial reef in December 2005, using the Carthaginian replica whaling ship. Artificial reefs have a proven track record of ecological benefits.

The sunken Carthaginian, which needed major repairs and would have been scuttled at sea otherwise, is anchored to a sandy bottom in 95 feet of water that is devoid of coral reef. The resulting artificial reef will develop into a self-sustaining habitat for indigenous fish, coral and other marine life. Stay tuned!

Walsh commented, “The artificial reef is great for the further development of marine life in the area and makes our sub tour even more enjoyable.”

Along with Lahaina, Atlantis offers sub tours off Waikiki on Oahu and Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. Since it began operations in 1988, Atlantis has entertained and educated more than five million guests statewide about the islands’ undersea wonders. The sub tour has been highlighted by National Geographic and Travel Channel, and featured by Newsweek as a “High-Tech Adventure” for exploring new frontiers in travel.

Hawaii is the largest sub tour operation in a worldwide organization that includes St. Martin, Aruba, Barbados in the Caribbean; Grand Cayman and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Cancun, Mexico; and Guam.

Rates: Atlantis Submarines offers six undersea adventure tours daily, departing from Lahaina Harbor each hour from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check-in time is 30 minutes before departure. The entire tour lasts about one hour and 50 minutes. Cost is $99.00 for adults and $45.00 for children (36” tall up to 12 years of age). Price does not include 3% harbor fee and 4.166% state excise sales tax. Transportation is available for an additional cost from West Maui and South Maui for the 9:00 a.m. tour only.

Online Savings: Guests booking online at www.atlantissubmarines.com will save 10% on the sub tour.

Rules: No smoking is permitted on the shuttle boat or submarine. Dress comfortably; guests must be able to navigate a nearly vertical 7-step ladder in and out of the submarine. Children must be at least 36” tall to participate.

Information: Call toll-free at 800.548.6262 or from Maui, 808.667.2224. Visit the website at www.atlantissubmarines.com.

Atlantis Tour Packages Put the Fun in Maui!
Maui is such a popular travel destination it has been named the world’s top island for an amazing 12 straight years by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. A big reason for its enduring popularity is all the thrilling activities to enjoy.
Atlantis is in the business of making Maui fun, and does so by offering a variety of tour packages that complement its sub adventure with other exciting and memorable activities that are ideal for all ages and save money at the same time. 

MAUI VALUE PASS
Another great value! This package offers four fun attractions – Atlantis Sub Tour, Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii Nature Center, and Maui Tropical Plantation – at one discounted price. Cost is $109.00 for adults, $49.99 for kids.

SUB TOUR AND LUAU PARTY
A luau is a must for any Maui visit. This value-added package combines the Atlantis Sub Tour with a traditional Hawaiian feast at a dazzling oceanfront setting on Kaanapali Beach, courtesy of Royal Lahaina Luau. The luau comes complete with lei greeting, Polynesian music and dance, imu (underground oven) ceremony, all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar for island beverages, and a gorgeous Hawaiian sunset. Cost is $149.00 for adults, $80.00 for children.

SUB ADVENTURE AND WHALE WATCH CRUISE
Explore the ocean both under and above the water! These two adventures allow visitors to enjoy two separate activities as guests explore the depths of the ocean aboard the Atlantis Submarine and then experience a close up view of whales on the Whale Watch Cruise. Cost is $109.00 for adults, $52.99 for children.

SUB TOUR AND DINNER – AT THE HARD ROCK!
This package allows guests to experience the Atlantis sub tour and receive a $25 gift certificate to enjoy dinner or buy merchandise at the Hard Rock Café on Front Street in the heart of Lahaina.  Cost is $109.00 for adults, $53.00 for children.

UNDERSEA AND AIR ADVENTURE
Experience Maui’s tropical beauty both undersea and in the air. This package combines the Atlantis Sub Tour with three tour options by Sunshine Helicopters:

• West Maui Package. See the wondrous coastline of Lahaina and Kaanapali that once drew seafaring whalers and adventurers, and is now a wildly popular destination. Cost is $291.00 for adults, $233.00 for children.
• Hana/Haleakala Package. On Maui’s east end, nature has created two geological treasures. Hana is a remote, lush paradise of serenity, while awesome Haleakala Crater touches the clouds with its 10,000-foot summit. Cost is $376.00 for adults, $318.00 for children.
• Circle Island Package. See everything the Magic Isle has to offer and the inspiration behind the popular phrase, Maui No Ka Oi! (Maui is the Best!). Cost is $426.00 for adults, $368.00 for children.

Reservations can be made by calling Sunshine Helicopters at 800.622.3144.

About Atlantis Submarines
Atlantis Submarines has nine locations worldwide including Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico and Guam. In Hawaii, Atlantis operates five submarines in Kona, Maui, and Waikiki. The company also owns Honolulu-based Atlantis Navatek Cruises, offering sunset dinner cruises aboard the high-tech, revolutionary Navatek I, along with seasonal luncheon whale watch cruises from December to April. For more information, visit www.atlantissubmarines.com.

CONTACT:
Loreen Matsushima
Director of Public Relations and Advertising

Atlantis Submarines
1600 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1630
Honolulu HI 96814
Phone: 808.973.9815
Fax:    808.973.9840
E-mail:   lmatsushima@atlantisadventures.com
                             

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