Ocean View Explorer or Atlantis Submarine? In Cozumel

[cruisnfamily]

Hi!

Has anyone ever done either of these? DH thinks they sound pretty good with the Ocean View Explorer being his first pick. We'll be snorkeling in other ports so this would be something different. Please tell me the good, the bad and the ugly! Especially the Bad! I like to know what I am getting into.
Thanks!

Here are the Disney descriptions:

Atlantis Submarine Expedition (2-2.5 hours)

Dive in a U.S. Coast Guard certified submarine. Aboard the Atlantis, you'll spy gorgeous undersea vistas in air-conditioned comfort. At depths of up to 110 feet, you'll encounter the wonders of the sea face to face: from breathtaking tropical fish to the sheer majesty of 30-foot coral heads. Throughout the voyage, live narration will answer all your questions. Complimentary rum and fruit punch is served at the end of the dive.

Adult Price: $75 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $50 (ages 4-9, must be at least 36" tall)
Departure Times: 12:35 pm, 2:35 pm




Ocean View Explorer Tour (1.5-2 hours)

See the sea from just under the sea! Come aboard the Ocean View Explorer for a panoramic view below the surface - while staying comfortably cool and dry! Crystal-clear windows in front of each seat allow you to see fish and other marine life swim by as you glide by the breathtaking coral formations of Paradiso Reef and other spectacular sights.

Adult Price: $39 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $29 (ages 3-9)†
Departure Time: 11:00 am, 12:45 pm


We appreciate any input!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Hasn't anyone on the DIS done one or both of these? Dh is really interested but I hate to book one of these and have it be crummy. Can't anyone give me a clue as to whether or not these might be worthwhile?

PLEAESE!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Bumping up

 

[Kaa]

While I haven't done either of these in Cozumel, I did the submarine in Grand Cayman and the Ocean View Explorer in St Maarten. I much prefered the submarine. There was so much more to see on that excursion versus the other.

You might want to consider waiting until you get to Cozumel to book the excursion. I purchased our sub excursion directly from Atlantis and saved about $12 on the price for my son over the cost through Disney. The adult price is the same.

If you have any specific questions, let me know!

 

[Minybear]

Bumping up. I am interested in this also. I think they are doing the Atlantis submarine on the Eastern also.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Kaa
If you have any specific questions, let me know!

Hi Kaa!

Can you compare/contrast the two? Was one smaller or more crowded than the other? Were the windows for viewing clear and large or were they tiny and foggy? Did you have to take turns looking out the windows or did you have your own? Was there seating or were you standing? Was there narration or just looking out the windows on you own?

The sub is almost double the price of the explorere...why is it worth it? Is it that much better?

Tell me all the details and thank you so much!

 

[ZebraStripes]

We did the Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel. It was a group of about 30 people. We were put in taxi's at the pier and brought to the Atlantis building. From there we boarded a boat (20 min) that took us out to the submarine. In the sub we were up front right next to the driver which was interesting. We didn't see a whole lot of fish. I think I was expecting something like looking into a salt water fish tank! We did see a lobster and I think a barracuda. The most impressive part was going along the edge of very large abyss. I think it was something like 800 feet to the bottom. The sub goes to about 100 feet. We were down for about 1/2 hour I think. Maybe a bit longer. Surfaced, boarded the boat, back to the Atlantis dock. Punch (spiked if you wanted it) was served on the way back. When you board the sub, they take your picture. $10 if you want to purchase. From the building the taxi's are there waiting to take you back. Over all, it was a good experience and worth what we paid.

To answer a couple of the specific questions, we were not at all crowded. The windows were large and clear, 13 windows on each side. . I think my DD and I shared a window. Everyone had a seat. There was narration but I couldn't hear it that well. www.goatlantis.com

 

[cruisnfamily]

Zebrastripes: Thank you so much....those are the kind of details I was looking for! How long do you think the whole thing took from meeting up until you returned? It says 2-2 1/2 hours but I know these things typically run over time.

Anybody have any other details for us?

 

[ZebraStripes]

Sonya, Glad I could help with the details. I don't remember exactly how long we were gone, but I think it ran probably to the longer end of 2 1/2 hours.

 

[disneyliz]

also interested in this question. What about difference in marine life from the Cozumel Atlantis or the Grand Cayman Atlatis trip. prices a little more in GC didn't know if it was a better trip.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Has anyone done the Ocean View Explorer in Cozumel?

We are able to book excursions soon and I am still deciding. The Ocean View Explorer is less expensive but if it isn't any good, we'll go with the Atlantis Sub. Zebrastripes has given a good review of the Sub, now I'm still looking for some first hand info on the ocean view explorer.

Anybody done this?

 

[Wavegirl]

We went on the Atlantis in Grand Cayman and it was great. I know Disney charges more there but you can book it on your own
Cayman Islands Discounts- Atlantis Submarine and its $75.50 and I think 1/2 that price for kids.

Its cheaper with these guys then even booking direct with Atlantis Submarines as we tried both ways.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Thanks Wavegirl but we don't want to do it in Grand Cayman....we're gonna do the Stringray thing there. We were looking at doing it in Cozumel.

I appreciate the input though. Anybody else have any pros or cons to these two excursions?