In recent years, a remarkable shift has occurred in the world of tourism as a new frontier captures the imagination of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. The mesmerizing allure of underwater and deep-sea tourism has seen a surge in popularity, drawing in throngs of intrepid travelers seeking to explore the hidden wonders beneath the ocean’s surface. From the world’s first underwater hotels and restaurants to submersible rides and deep-sea exploration tours, the appeal of venturing into uncharted territory beneath the waves has attracted adventurers seeking unique experiences, although some safety concerns have emerged.
In this article, we delve into the factors that have propelled this form of tourism into the limelight.
1. Human fascination for the unkown
The human fascination with the unknown has long driven explorers to set sail for uncharted territories. Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas”, dating back to 1869, captures mankind’s enduring fascination with the depths of the ocean – the curiosity about the mysteries and wonders that lie beneath. The depths of the oceans, with their vast expanses and enigmatic mysteries, present a frontier that continues to captivate the human imagination. For many, underwater and deep-sea tourism provides an opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure unlike any other.
The chance to swim alongside magnificent creatures like dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks, to witness the ethereal beauty of bioluminescent organisms illuminating the depths, holds an undeniable allure. While some explorers seek to uncover hidden shipwrecks laden with history and mystery, or even attend an underwater art gallery, other divers yearn to immerse themselves in the tranquil serenity of coral gardens that form vibrant underwater ecosystems. It satisfies our human curiosity, pushes the boundaries of our comfort zones, and allows us to connect with a realm that remains largely unexplored.
More recently, television programs, documentaries, and films showcasing the wonders of the deep have contributed significantly to the surge in popularity of underwater and deep-sea tourism. Productions such as BBC’s “Blue Planet” series, and the mesmerizing cinematography of movies like “Finding Nemo”, “My Octopus Teacher” or the latest “Avatar: The Way of Water” have served as catalysts for piquing public curiosity and fostering an appreciation for the underwater realm.
The internet and social media platforms have also played a pivotal role in spreading the allure of underwater and deep-sea tourism. Breathtaking images and videos shared by divers and enthusiasts have inspired millions, creating a virtual community that drives the desire to experience the beauty of the underwater world firsthand.
2. Technological advancements and accessibility
The primary catalyst behind the exponential growth of underwater and deep-sea tourism must be the remarkable advancement in technology. While underwater tourism is not a new concept, recent developments in diving equipment, submersibles, and underwater vessels have made it accessible, and more attractive, to a broader audience.
In the past, scuba diving was the primary means of exploring underwater realms, requiring specialized training and certification. Specialized gear, such as full-face snorkel masks and easy-to-use diving apparatus, has made it easier for novices to experience the underwater world without extensive training.
While submarines were initially designed for military and scientific purposes, they have now broadened to the tourism category. Underwater tour companies, like Seawalker on Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef, have emerged, giving divers and non-divers alike the possibility to venture underwater. The experience involves donning a large glass helmet and wearing a protective suit that allow individuals to walk on the ocean floor while connected to a breathing apparatus that lets divers breathe very much like on land.
Submersible rides, like larger submarines and luxurious private subs, have individual viewing domes and a capacity to accommodate large groups of tourists. However, due to their high costs, these experiences often remain accessible only to the wealthy. For instance, the Deepflight is a submersible experience that commands a price of $1,500 for a one-hour expedition for a couple. Lovers Deep, a lavish submarine hotel that takes tourists on a tour of the reefs surrounding St Lucia, boasting its own private chef and butler, requires a staggering starting rate of $150,000 per night.
Dr. Hayley Stainton, a UK-based tourism academic and author at Tourism Teacher, acknowledges the evocative appeal of underwater tourism but underscores the stark reality of its limited availability and high costs. On the other hand, Patricia Rodiles Martinez, the Institutional Development & PR Manager of Les Roches, who organized the first Space and Underwater Tourism Universal Summit in 2019, holds a different perspective, saying that the costs of such experiences will tend to come down as demand increases. “This is what happened with the first airplanes, cruises and hotels”, Martinez points out.
In 2022, OceanGate’s CEO, Stockton Rush, expressed his vision of making deep-sea exploration commercially accessible while establishing diving to the Titanic wreck site as a coveted experience. But with a $250,000 price tag, that’s seems far from happening.
They are also very expensive. I do think that there is a market for underwater tourism. I just believe that it will be limited to the wealthy and the few.
Dr Hayley Stainton, author at Tourism Teacher
Moreover, the recent incident with the 23,000 pound submersibleTitan, which imploded soon after diving, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with deep-sea tourism. The challenges of navigating extreme depths, unpredictable underwater conditions, and the potential for technical malfunctions pose a serious threat to the safety of passengers and crew. The incident involving the Titan highlights the critical importance of stringent safety measures, comprehensive training for crew members, and thorough maintenance protocols to mitigate the risks and ensure the well-being of all those involved in these expeditions.
3. Environmental awareness and education
The allure of underwater tourism goes beyond the thrill of exploration. Many of these ventures contribute to environmental education and conservation efforts. With increasing awareness about the fragile ecosystems beneath the waves, people are now seeking ways to appreciate marine life while minimizing their impact on the environment. As a result, sustainable and eco-friendly practices have become a key focus for tour operators and travelers alike.
Underwater projects are joining forces with conservationists and marine biologists to create immersive and educational travel experiences, intending to promote understanding of the challenges that our oceans and their environments are confronting. Dive centers and research facilities, particularly those in the Great Barrier Reef, are not only showcasing the beauty of these underwater ecosystems but also highlighting the challenges they face, such as coral bleaching, plastic waste, and reef destruction. By providing visitors with enjoyable experiences intertwined with vital knowledge, these initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of marine conservation.
Programs that push for the empowering of citizens also play a significant role in engaging travelers and volunteers in the protection of the marine environment. They encourage individuals to contribute critical data for research and spread the responsibility of protecting our underwater world among the wider community.
Thus, underwater tourism offers an opportunity for travelers to experience and comprehend the power and fragility of our changing planet, similar to other expeditions to remote and delicate ecosystems, such as Amazon and the Arctic. They have the potential to educate participants about the urgent need to preserve and protect our oceans. Even OceanGate, through its “mission specialists,” aimed at empowering paying customers to contribute as citizen scientists by capturing images and videos of the deep-sea’s diverse biodiversity during their descent to the wreck site at a depth of 3,800 meters.
While underwater tourism may currently be a realm for the privileged, its potential to inspire environmental consciousness cannot be overlooked. However, as the industry evolves and demand grows, responsible management by local governments and tour operators is crucial to ensure the preservation of these underwater sites and their natural habitats. Striking the right balance between attracting visitors and safeguarding the environment is essential to sustain these unique and educational experiences for generations to come.
To ensure it, it is vital to closely monitor and enforce strict guidelines for tour boats, walkways, and excursions. Even well-intentioned scuba divers can unintentionally cause harm to the very sites they have come to enjoy. Recognizing this, organizations like UNESCO emphasize the importance of providing education and enabling local authorities and communities to take charge of infrastructure advancements, establish efficient surveillance mechanisms, and enforce strict regulations at the local level.
The Green Fins initiative serves as an example of a successful implementation of such necessities. Aiming to educate and involve local businesses in the protection of underwater ecosystems, they have compiled internationally approved guidelines that promote sustainable diving and snorkeling practices at an international scale. These guidelines have been embraced by 11 countries and nearly 600 marine tourism companies since its establishment in 2004.
