While underwater exploration has been reserved for military and scientific pursuits for the majority of submarine existence, technological advancement in submersible design has meant a new breed of personal submarines are now proliferating into superyacht toy collections. Bringing a new dimension to life on the water, the best private submarines offer unimaginable adventure for those willing to explore below the surface. With many new submersibles designed for effortless storage in yacht garages, and luxurious interiors to provide the ultimate underwater experience, it felt like a perfect time to list our top five.
Triton 660 AVA
While the world of private submarines has developed from producing impractical and cumbersome machines for underwater expedition, to sleek and technologically advanced water toys for yachts, Triton has taken it upon themselves to take the next big leap in submersible design. By developing the 660 AVA with their ground-breaking Advanced Versatile Acrylics (AVA), a personal submarine with a footprint similar to that of previous dual hull subs provides staggeringly expansive and versatile space inside. As a result, an unmatched entertainment-focused submersible platform offers the flexibility to host previously unattainable experiences below the surface. From weddings to casinos, and cocktails to private dining, the Triton 660 AVA ensures up to eight guests an unforgettable underwater experience thanks to the singular acrylic screen providing unobstructed views of the vibrant coral reefs, or ancient shipwrecks you choose to visit. Take control of your own adventure and explore new depths with this luxury submarine which feature a wireless Hammerhead controller before handing control back to your pilot to enjoy a luxurious adventure. Coming from the same company responsible for building the world’s only unlimited depth submersible, diving to a maximum depth of 200m can be done with total peace of mind.
Aurora 3C
Designed to be compact and ergonomic, the Aurora 3C is the ideal personal submarine for the discerning superyacht owner. With a single hoist point, small footprint, and flat undercarriage with rubber blocks to rest on, this private submarine is easily stored in a yacht’s garage making submersible ownership a seamless and stress-free experience. Setting the Aurora 3C apart from any other private submarine is the fact, user experience is undoubtedly at the forefront of its design. From stepping aboard in complete safety via the stable top deck clad in stylish synthetic teak, and supported by two retractable handrails, a staircase down to the large entry hatch makes boarding a far more elegant endeavour than a ladder used by most equivalent private submarines. Masterful design also means while the submersible is compact, a spacious and comfortable air-conditioned cabin for three is still maintained. Two passengers sit directly in front of the panoramic viewing port for total immersion into the subaquatic sights, while the pilot sits behind. With six powerful propulsion thrusters offering staggering manoeuvrability, the pilot controls this fully electric sub with a single joystick, and should anything go wrong, the positively buoyant design means Aurora 3C is inherently safe, and will always resurface.
Deep Flight Dragon
If launching a luxury submarine from the stern of your superyacht, before piloting it on your own adventure below the surface sounds like an appealing prospect to you, then look no further. Designed to be stored in superyacht garages, the all-electric Deep Flight Dragon is remarkably simple to control, and even novice submariners can pilot the craft in complete safety. Offering the freedom to chart your own course and explore new depths in total silence, ingenious software, and multi-axis thrusters mean the Deep Flight Dragon does most of the work for you. As simple as flying a drone, a lever in one hand controls your height in the water, and a joystick in the other controls thrust, while hovering capability means drifting alongside pulsating coral reefs or flying above historic shipwrecks is effortless. With a dive time of up to eight hours, maximum depth of 100m, and all the safety features you would expect from a private submarine including an emergency flotation system, dynamic self-righting, and depth protection software, seeking out new sights on the ocean floor has never been so simple.
Triton 1300/2
Able to reach depths of up to 4000m, the Triton 1300/2 is the world’s deepest diving acrylic submersible. Designed specifically to visit the wreck of the Titanic, this ground-breaking submersible is unmatched in terms of deep-sea exploration. Descending to 4000m in just two hours, these water toys for yachts carry its pilot and one passenger to these extraordinary depths in complete safety. An innovative gull wing design offers an astonishingly small footprint, so storage in a yacht’s garage is simple, while a seamless launch procedure means less time is spent on the surface before starting your descent. While the wings are retracted for storage and speeding up ascent / descent, when partially extended, they enable the craft’s silent glide feature for gentle sweeping turns or gliding towards a specific object without engaging any thrust. Fully extended, the wings lift the eight thrusters high above the ocean floor to ensure no fragile marine life is disturbed, and the full lighting array can be used to illuminate places that have only even known darkness. Extremely precise manoeuvring is also enabled, allowing passengers to explore the tightest spaces of the deepest shipwrecks, for a truly unique subsurface experience.
U-Boat Worx Nemo II
The market for personal submersibles is flooded with great choices, all serving slightly different purposes, and all offering a new dimension to any superyacht toy collection. However, the all-new Nemo II from U-Boat Worx is undoubtedly a top pick for any superyacht owner. Innovative design makes the Nemo II the lightest manned submersible ever built at 2,100kg, allowing for a single lift point, and a flat undercarriage providing simple launch and stowage, while an extraordinarily small footprint means this space-age vehicle occupies less storage space than two jet skis. An incredible feat of engineering, this ingenious luxury submarine offers two passengers an unobstructed view of their sub surface surroundings thanks to the panoramic view port. Diving to an impressive maximum depth of 100m for up to 8 hours, the Nemo II offers passengers the opportunity to take control of their subaquatic exploration as the simple to use MANTA control system can be easily passed from pilot to passenger for a truly immersive, and unforgettable experience.
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