Australia’s first fully submersible hybrid tourist submarine launches on Sunshine Coast

Down Under Submarines has launched Australia’s first fully submersible hybrid tourist submarine - the SUBCAT-30 - operating out of Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The SUBCAT-30 hybrid vessel is able to both dive underwater to depths of up to 30 metres and also travel on top of the water’s surface like a catamaran.

Visitors will be given the opportunity to experience both, with dive experiences and sunset cruises available in the pristine waters off Mooloolaba.

Down Under Submarine Director Andrey Alexeenko said the first dive tour will take visitors up to 18metres below the surface in the waters off Mooloolaba, 1.5 nautical miles out from Point Cartwright.

Alexeenko advised “as well as the marine life you can spot out the window, travelling in the nearly 20metre long submarine is an experience in itself.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind submarine which has a special hull above the water so passengers can get that experience of both submersion and refloating.

“That’s the difference, and it really gives you that adrenalin rush when you see you’re starting to submerge.”

The SUBCAT-30 – painted a very apt shade of yellow – is also sustainable as it is powered by six battery operated electric thrusters that produce zero emissions while submerged.

The interior design is similar to that of a plane cabin, with 14 circular windows offering visibility of up to 30 metres underwater and video monitors providing real-time footage of the ocean around you from the four cameras located on the sub’s exterior.

During the dive experience an onboard guide provides commentary about the submarine and surrounding marine life.

The submarine also has an external deck, and on the Yellow Submarine Cruise travellers will be able to walk between the submarine’s exterior and interior cabin.

Underwater the SUBCAT-30 travels at around 2km/h and is extraordinarily maneuverable to ensure it never comes into contact with coral reefs or marine life.

Visit Sunshine Coast Chief Executive Matt Stoeckel said the launch of Down Under Submarines would add a totally new and exciting sea experience adding “as our region opens up to the rest of Australia – and indeed the world – it is more important than ever that we have fresh new product that helps set us apart as a destination, and Down Under Submarines is a really unique selling point for our region.

“We are known for our pristine coastline, and Down Under Submarines will make our marine environment even more accessible, allowing visitors to explore the region from a different perspective.”

The Submarine Dive Experience will have a dive time of around 30 minutes plus 20 minutes surface travel, while the ‘Yellow Submarine Cruise’ will go for an hour at sunset just outside Mooloolaba’s main beach or along sheltered canals, depending on the weather conditions.

The Submarine Dive Experience costs $253 for adults and the Yellow Submarine Cruise $55 for adults, with a 20% discount offered for the first 100 purchases.

For more, visit downundersubmarines.com. 

Image top: Down Under Submarines launches in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast; Down Under Submarine Director Andrey Alexeenko with the SUBCAT-30; Down Under Submarines in front of Mudjimba Island off the Sunshine Coast