Bali Submarine Tour Review (Now Closed) + Top Underwater Adventure Alternatives

Important Update: Odyssey Submarine in Bali No Longer Operational

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved Odyssey Submarine in Bali has sadly ceased operations. But don’t worry; Bali still has plenty of underwater adventures waiting for you! Keep reading to discover my personal experience on board the submarine and some fantastic alternative underwater tours that are still available today.

Top Underwater Adventure Alternatives to Bali Submarine Tours

Even though the Odyssey Submarine is no longer available, Bali offers excellent alternatives for underwater exploration. Here’s a breakdown of some exciting alternatives, with their pros and cons to help you decide:

1. Seawalker Tour in Tanjung Benoa: Walk on the Ocean Floor

Walk on the ocean floor without the need to dive. The Seawalker Tour allows you to breathe through a helmet while walking underwater, making it an ideal option for non-divers who still want to experience marine life.

Pros	Cons
No diving experience is needed.	Limited to shallow waters.
Great for all ages.	It is not appealing to experienced divers seeking deeper exploration.
Perfect for beginners in calm waters.

Discover how you can walk on the ocean floor with ease and explore vibrant marine life in Tanjung Benoa. Plan your Seawalker adventure here!

2. Snorkeling in Amed: Explore Bali’s Vibrant Coral Reefs

Amed is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it one of Bali’s leading snorkeling sites. You’ll have the opportunity to see colorful fish and even shipwrecks.

Pros	Cons
Beautiful coral reefs.	Requires basic swimming skills.
Excellent visibility.	Less controlled environment compared to a submarine tour.
Low cost and accessible for all skill levels.

Explore Amed’s top snorkeling spots in this Bali snorkeling guide for more details.

3. Scuba Diving in Nusa Penida: Dive with Manta Rays

For a more adventurous option, scuba diving in Nusa Penida offers the rare opportunity to swim alongside majestic manta rays while exploring Bali’s rich marine biodiversity. Whether you’re a skilled diver or pursuing a special underwater adventure, this site is unforgettable.

Pros	Cons
Dive with manta rays and unique marine life.	Requires scuba diving certification.
Ideal for advanced divers looking for something special.	More physically demanding and requires prior diving experience.

Discover Nusa Penida’s best scuba diving spots and what makes them unique.

My Review Experience on the Bali Odyssey Submarine Tour

Bali offers an array of exciting vacation activities, from thrilling white water rafting to calming dinner cruises. However, one experience stood out for my family—the Bali Submarine Tour.

Although it’s no longer available, this remains one of my most memorable family adventures.

Let me walk you through the highlights of our submarine voyage and share some alternative ways to explore Bali’s incredible marine life.

What is the Bali Odyssey Submarine Tour?

The Odyssey Submarine Tour was a unique way to explore the underwater world using a submarine. Odyssey was the only operator offering this in Bali. So, if you had the opportunity to visit Bali back then, this was a must-try!

The submarine itself was battery-powered, with a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin and large glass windows offering crystal-clear views of the underwater world. This experience was suitable for everyone, including kids and even babies!

If you’re looking for similar experiences, discover more underwater adventures perfect for families in Bali.

Key Facts About the Odyssey Submarine:

• Max Depth: The submarine could dive as deep as 150 feet (about 45 meters). For comparison, only professional divers with scuba gear can usually reach 30 meters.
• Comfort: Fully air-conditioned, with large windows for clear views of marine life.

So, if you wanted to see the ocean the way professional divers do—without needing scuba skills—the Odyssey Submarine Tour was your go-to adventure.

See the historical prices of the Bali Odyssey Submarine before it closed, including published rates and online booking offers.

Bali Odyssey Submarine Harbor & Dive Location

The submarine departed from Amuk Bay, located in Antiga Village, Karangasem Regency. For ease, you can use Google Maps to find the submarine harbor at Amuk Bay.

If you’re starting from Sanur Beach, it’s about a 40-kilometer drive (around 1 hour). Along the way, you can pass Bali Safari Marine Park and Goa Lawah Temple. Plan your route with our detailed Bali transportation guide to make your trip easier.

Nearby Attractions:

If you’re planning a day trip, these nearby beaches are worth a visit:

• Bali White Sand Beach (Perasi)
• Blue Lagoon Beach
• Bias Tugel Beach (Padangbai)

Discover the hidden gems of East Bali and uncover the island’s most enchanting attractions.

Bali Odyssey Submarine Tour Review

If you’re considering the Odyssey Submarine tour, you probably want to hear about other travelers’ experiences before purchasing tickets. Here, I’ll share my personal experience from the tour I took with my wife and children.

I will share the story honestly, without exaggeration or understatement, so you receive an accurate depiction of the submarine tour experience.

Read more traveler reviews of the Odyssey Submarine on TripAdvisor.

My Trip to Amuk Bay Karangasem

We chose to drive ourselves instead of using the shuttle, and the parking and location were convenient.

Reception Area

Upon entering the reception area, we were greeted by a friendly staff member who asked for our booking confirmation.

The staff assured us we were well-prepared with a safety briefing and supplied us with life jackets. This set us up for the adventure ahead!

Preparation Before Diving

After a 30-minute wait, the guide reminded everyone to use the bathroom, as there were no toilets on the submarine. This was a helpful tip to ensure a comfortable dive!

The guide then gathered all participants for a quick safety briefing, emphasizing important procedures such as avoiding cigarette lighters in the cabin. Safety first!

Clothes You Need to Wear

For an easier experience when boarding, it’s best to wear shorts and comfortable shoes. We were also asked to remove our footwear before boarding the speedboat to prevent slipping while climbing onto the submarine deck.

Taking a Speedboat Ride

Before we headed to the shoreline of Amuk Bay, we were given life jackets—available in both adult and child sizes. After gearing up, we walked down to the beach, where guides helped us board the speedboat.

The quick trip to the submarine was fun, even though it only lasted a few minutes. I was still pumped from the joy of across the water!

Once we arrived, we climbed one by one onto the submarine deck. A sturdy stainless steel fence surrounded the deck, keeping everyone safe from falling into the water.

After we were all settled on the deck, the photographer snapped some pictures of us—taken from another speedboat. It was a nice touch before we began our underwater adventure!

Down the Ladder Toward the Submarine Cabin

Climbing down the ladder into the submarine was a thrilling experience. I had no idea what it would feel like inside a submarine cabin! One thing I quickly learned—there’s a technique to avoid bumping your head on the way down, which is definitely a lifesaver.

Once my family and I were settled in the cabin, I noticed other passengers had taken the best seats—the ones closest to the cockpit.

Why did I want that spot? It’s simple. The seats near the front have the largest window, giving you both a front and side view of the underwater world.

Diving Session

After everyone was seated, the guide asked us to remove our life jackets. Then, he directed all of us to sit on the right side of the submarine. Naturally, my wife asked, “Why the right side?”

Turns out, the seabed views start from that side. Since there were only ten participants, we all squeezed into the right side. In larger groups, some would have to sit on the left, but lucky for us, everyone got a great view.

Mr. Dwi, our guide, began explaining the diving process, including how depth is measured in feet (not meters). If you’re unfamiliar with feet, just divide by 3 to get the equivalent in meters.

I’ll be honest, though—I wasn’t paying attention to the details. I was too busy gawking at the underwater scenery through the massive windows!

What’s It Like Inside the Submarine Cabin?

Before this experience, I imagined a submarine cabin would feel similar to an airplane, but I was wrong. There was no water pressure on my ears, and it felt more like sitting in a car.

The temperature inside was perfect—not too hot, not too cold. While the sub’s movement was noticeable on the surface, it became completely smooth once we reached 30 feet.

The only way I knew we were moving was from the water flow outside the window. Overall, it was incredibly comfortable.

The Atmosphere During Diving

As the Odyssey Submarine dipped, I saw a few fish at first, but once we reached a depth of 90 feet, the aquatic world came alive. Fish were everywhere! I couldn’t name any of them, but the sheer variety and numbers were surprising.

While I was fascinated by the sea life, my kids were on a whole other level of excitement. Seeing their wide-eyed amazement was worth the trip alone. I ended up spending more time taking pictures of them than admiring the views myself!

The dive lasted about 45 minutes, but it felt way shorter. Time flies when you’re in a completely different world, especially when your kids are having the time of their lives. As the submarine started to rise, the guide asked us to put our life jackets back on.

I waited until everyone else had left the cabin to snap a few family photos without any other passengers in the background—indeed, a memorable moment.

After that, we stepped back onto the deck and into the speedboat, which took us back to the shore. Once we returned to the restaurant location, we were welcomed with clean water to rinse off the beach sand—a nice, thoughtful touch after a day of adventure.

Buffet Lunch Session

After the submarine tour, we headed to the restaurant, where the staff warmly greeted us. We enjoyed a delicious seafood buffet with plenty of options for all tastes, including grilled seafood, rice, pasta, and fresh salads.

As we finished our meal, the photographer approached with printed photos from our submarine adventure. Of course, I had to buy one as a keepsake for the kids. Afterward, we made our way back to the car park, grateful for the attentive service from the Bali Odyssey Submarine staff.

Tips You Need to Know

Here are a few tips from our experience that might help you make the most of your Bali Submarine Tour:

• Be Quick to Get a Good Seat: As soon as you’re heading down to the submarine cabin, try to grab a seat near the cockpit. The windows there offer the best views.
• Choose the Right Side: If there are a lot of participants, aim for a seat on the right side of the submarine. The right-side windows have the best underwater scenery.
• Dress for Comfort: Wear shorts and slippers, as long pants might get wet when stepping onto the beach. It’s just easier and more comfortable that way.
• Bring an External Flash: To get the best photos inside the submarine, an external flash is a game changer. The cabin lighting can be tricky, and an external flash will give your photos a much-needed boost.
• Book Online for Better Deals: To get the best price, book your tickets online ahead of time. It’s worth it!

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Bali Odyssey Submarine FAQ

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Summary of the Bali Submarine Tour Review

The Bali Submarine Tour was an exceptional experience that created unforgettable memories, particularly for the kids. While the price was higher than other activities, the joy and excitement made it worth every penny.

From the moment we boarded, our expectations were high, and the experience exceeded them. The submarine felt safe and comfy and offered wonderful aquatic sights—schools of fish, vibrant coral reefs, and even the occasional turtle. The kids were captivated by the large windows, eagerly watching the marine life throughout the dive.

That said, the confined space of the submarine might not suit everyone, specifically those who are uncomfortable with tight spaces. However, for us, the adventure was absolutely worth it.

Overall, it was a fun, unique, and memorable family experience, and we’re grateful to have had the chance to do it before the tours were discontinued.