SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - SeaSub
Developed in collaboration with Deep Ocean Exploration and Research which was founded by the iconic oceanographer and Guinness World Record holder Dr. Sylvia Earle, SeaSub is the world’s first classed submersible designed, built and certified specifically for use within an aquarium environment.
Known as R/S Lanternfish, this state-of-the-art manned submersible accommodates up to four guests and a pilot for a 45-minute underwater journey, reaching depths over 20 meters inside one of the world’s largest multi-species aquariums.
This transformative experience allows guests to get closer than ever with thousands of marine animals, from six species of rays and nine species of sharks to moray eels, day octopuses, and tens of thousands of vibrant fish swirling around. The journey begins with a detailed pre-dive safety briefing conducted by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s expert education team, ensuring both safety and understanding before guests step aboard.
The SeaSub, positioned semi-submerged then welcomes its passengers via an access platform before gently descending into the aquarium. The pilot guides the vessel through a 360-degree tour of the Endless Ocean floor, pausing at key locations to highlight unique species and behaviors.
What makes this experience even more unique is its dual engagement, while guests inside the SeaSub are immersed in the underwater world, guests viewing from the aquarium’s eight observation points can watch the submersible in real time, creating an awe-inspiring moment of shared wonder.
Safety is at the core of SeaSub’s design. The submersible is equipped with advanced alarm and monitoring systems, reserve oxygen supplies, a carbon dioxide scrubber system, emergency propulsion, radio communications, emergency food and water, and a life support capacity of up to eight hours, plus 24 hours of emergency backup.
This breakthrough innovation isn’t just about the thrill of descent, it’s a bold new chapter in experiential edutainment. SeaSub transforms passive viewing into active discovery, furthering SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s mission to inspire care and curiosity about marine life. Stationed throughout the park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s education team enhances the experience by sharing expert knowledge and conservation messages with guests of all ages, creating lasting impressions that extend far beyond the visit.
As the first of its kind in the world, SeaSub is more than a ride, it’s a pioneering step forward for aquarium-based attractions, delivering an unmatched level of immersion, innovation, and education. It sets a new industry standard, elevates guest engagement, and embodies SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marine life theme parks.
