Two-thirds of our world is made up of water, which is why travel operators are starting to integrate underwater attractions into travel. It's the next frontier in the travel industry, as the area underneath our oceans has largely yet to be explored.
There is already an array of underwater restaurants, resorts, tours, and transportation available around the world today — and that's bound to grow even more in the future.
Here are some of the most fascinating innovations in underwater travel.
Underwater transportation
One of the biggest underwater tour operators is Atlantis Adventures, which hosts Submarine Cruises where tourists can explore the waters of destinations like Hawaii, Barbados, Aruba, and Catalina Island through recreational submarines that dive through sea life.
But besides submarine tours, there's a new market for privatized submarine experiences. British travel company Oliver's Travels created a specially adapted submarine in St. Lucia known as Lovers Deep, an underwater vessel where couples can spend the night in a private accommodation. The submarine, which is already available for use, is staffed by a crew of three, a captain, chef, and butler, and can be taken to locations chosen by the customer.
It's not cheap, at £175,000 per night ($274,694), but each interior of the private submarine room is set to be designed and manufactured to your specifications and includes a two-person bathroom and double bedroom with ocean views. Speedboat transfers come with the package, but you can also request helicopter transfer with a beach landing through the company's Concierge Service.
Scientists are also working on creating a high-speed supersonic submarine as a means of passenger transport. A group of Chinese scientists have been developing a technology to create a submarine that can travel from Shanghai to San Francisco in less than two hours, according to the South China Morning Post. However, before the technology can be completed an underwater rocket engine will need to be created to allow for the long range needed for the vessel, according to the International Business Times.
Underwater resorts
There are a variety of underwater accommodations that are already out there for travelers. Most of the accommodations are set only partially underwater, allowing them to continue to use normal electricity and plumbing, and maintain a normalized pressure so guests aren't uncomfortable when adjusting to changes in water pressure. However, they offer guests the unique opportunity to sleep under the sea.
The Underwater Room in the Manta Resort in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, is only accessible by boarding a wooden boat that takes you to the hotel floating in the sea. The deck is located above water, but your bedroom is sunken to give you views of the schools of fish. If you're feeling hungry, you can request catered meals from the hotel's main location on the island to be delivered to you by boat. Rates start at $1,500 per night.