The best submarines for superyachts
More than 80% of the world’s oceans remain unexplored but discovering the depths might be easier than you think. Built to cater from one to six guests and tailored to fit the weight and height restrictions of a superyacht tender garage, a personal submarine lets you explore the underwater world like never before. Dive into our edit of the best submersibles on the market…
U-Boat Worx Nexus
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Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx has added a new nine-person model to its line-up of deep-diving subs. With a maximum depth of 200m, the Nexus can operate for 18 hours, diving up to 10 times a day. Two designs have been revealed in the new series, both featuring an extra-large elliptical acrylic pressure hull and revolving seating arrangement for cinematic style viewing. An extra-large hatch has also been included on board the Nexus, allowing passengers to keep their dignity while entering and exiting the submersible.
Triton 600/2
Meet Triton’s smallest and lightest submersible to date. Weighing just 2,500kg and standing 1.47m tall, the 660/2 packs the power of Triton’s pro flagship submersible into a svelte new design which can slot into most superyacht tender garages without a hitch. The perfect size for owners looking to pilot their own submarine, two people can dive down to a depth of 200 metres and power along the seabed at a top speed of four knots for up to six hours. With numerous customisation options on offer, you can even tailor the sub to match its mothership.
NEMO Submersible
NEMO is the smallest member of the U-Boat Worx fleet, offering a slick, deep-diving sub in a lightweight 2,500kg package. Designed with the yacht market in mind, the NEMO submersible can dive to depths of 100 metres with room for two, and at 2.3 metres wide requires less storage space than a pair of Jet Skis. Meanwhile, a simple launch and recovery system allows for ease of operation thanks to a single lifting point. At the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, U-Boat Worx a single-seat version of the NEMO submersible named NEMO 1.
This three-person submarine is capable of diving to 457m and offers some clever onboard extras. The Aurora-3C is able to tilt at surface, providing a stable platform for boarding when stepping across from a superyacht. And by moving the hatch away from the top of the window and into a separate compartment, the model offers a greater field of view. The submarine’s low height and even lower hoist point make an ideal for setup in confined spaces – say a superyacht tender garage – without compromising on comfort, practicality, and performance. The Aurora-3C also offers extras including a robotic arm, HD video systems and a fly-out rover with HD camera. You can even customise the colour.
Project Neptune
Project Neptune is the result of a collaboration between submarine specialist Triton and British car marque Aston Martin. This three-person submersible combines all the practical and technical elements of deep-sea exploration with a level of finesse and style that’s quintessentially Aston Martin. Able to dive to 500m, Project Neptune offers a bulbous cabin for panoramic views and a sleek, compact multihull silhouette for optimal speed and style under the waves. While a top speed of five knots might not sound like much – particularly for an Aston Martin – it’s actually four times the acceleration of Triton’s flagship 3300/3 submarine. Inside, a custom interior features hand-stitched leather and carbon-fibre trim.
U-Boat Worx Super Yacht Sub 3
Known for their reliable, workhorse subs used for scientific exploration, Dutch builder U-Boat Worx has a personal submarine specifically for superyachts. The Super Yacht Sub 3 is compact, lightweight with a virtually unimpeded view underwater. With a length of less than 3.2m and weighing 3,800kg, the sub is easy to fit on board, and can dive to 300m with a top speed of three knots. A retractable freeboard extender makes on-the-water boarding a breeze while the interior is kitted in out plush leather seats for comfortable cruising. Bonus features include a Bluetooth sound system and a cold-storage box.
Seamagine Aurora-6S
Created to give guests a completely immersive experience in the watery world below, SEAmagine’s Aurora series of submersibles features a massive glass bulb for unparalleled views as she dives up to 1,000m at a max speed of three knots for eight hours. The Californian company’s largest luxury sub, the Aurora-6S, seats five passengers and one pilot. A single-point hoist makes for uncomplicated launching, while an ergonomically designed aft section and telescopic handrails ease boarding. The entire set-up is ideal for deep-sea exploration with the family in tow. The Aurora-6S’s weight and size can be customised to suit the mothership, as can the colour.
Triton 1650/3
Triton’s 1650/3 is the world’s lightest and most compact three-person submersible. Designed to launched from a standard superyacht tender garage, the model takes up less space than a pair of Jet Skis when stowed but can still dive to depths of 500 metres. Whether exploring coral reefs or shipwrecks, pilots and passengers will benefit from near 360-degree views thanks to a bulbous acrylic cabin and when it’s time to resurface, a single lift point makes recovery a breeze.