Omi: Semi-Submarine Underwater Adventure

Travelers seeking a quick, fun, and reasonably priced way to explore Croatia’s marine scenery will find the Omi semi-submarine adventure an intriguing option. This experience promises a glimpse beneath the surface without any swimming or diving involved. It’s perfect for families, curious kids, or anyone who’s fascinated by shipwrecks and underwater life but prefers to stay dry.

What really catches our eye about this tour are two things: the chance to see a sunken WWII ship close up and the unique semi-submarine craft with a glass bottom. These offer a different perspective compared to traditional boat trips. A potential consideration? The tour lasts only about 30 minutes, so it’s a quick peek rather than an in-depth exploration. This makes it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a light, engaging activity. Overall, it suits families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a family-friendly, budget-friendly marine adventure in Dalmatia.

Key Points

• Affordable price point at $16 per person, offering good value for a quick, unique experience.
• Close-up view of a WWII shipwreck just below the surface, perfect for history buffs and photo enthusiasts.
• Glass cabin design allows for safe and comfortable viewing of marine life like fish, octopuses, and jellyfish.
• Nighttime lighting adds a magical glow, enhancing the underwater spectacle.
• Limited group size of 12 provides an intimate experience with personalized attention.
• Not suitable for claustrophobes or those sensitive to rocking or still air in confined spaces.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Semi-Submarine Adventure

The adventure kicks off at the new port in Omi, where you’ll board a small vessel equipped with a glass-enclosed underwater cabin. Unlike a true submarine, this craft does not dive but instead stays on a shallow, fixed route. The 30-minute tour is a perfect snapshot of the underwater environment, making it an attractive option for a quick break from land-based sightseeing.

Once underway, you’ll glide smoothly over the sea, with the main highlight being the sighting of a sunken WWII ship. At just half a meter below the surface, the ship’s deck is easily visible, offering a fascinating look at maritime history. The ship is partially buried under sand, adding a touch of mystery as you try to spot details and imagine its past life.

Marine life is another key feature. Through the large glass windows, you’re likely to glimpse schools of fish darting around, and with a bit of luck, you might see octopuses hiding among rocks or jellyfish drifting gracefully by. The vessel is equipped with strong underwater lights, making this a particularly beautiful experience at night, when the lights illuminate the water and attract more marine creatures.

The intimate group size of 12 ensures that everyone gets a good view and personal attention from the crew. While the tour is simple, it’s well-suited for all ages, especially children drawn to the underwater spectacle. However, some reviews note that this experience might not be ideal for those with claustrophobia due to the enclosed space and still air inside the cabin.

The Experience in Practice

We loved the way the tour balances simplicity and uniqueness. You’re not paying for a long, elaborate trip, but rather a short, sweet experience that captures the essence of underwater discovery. The glass walls give a real sense of closeness to marine life, and the lights at night turn the water into a glowing wonderland.

The sunken WWII ship is a highlight, especially for history fans. It’s interesting to see how the ship’s deck is just half a meter below the surface, with parts buried under sand, adding to the sense of mystery. Different reviews mention seeing the shipwreck and marine life as the main attractions, with some wishing there was more commentary about the ship’s history.

Pricing-wise, at $16 per person, the tour is a great value. It’s a short ride, but the sights are memorable and worth the cost, especially compared to more expensive boat tours in the area. Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly before or after the trip.

Booking in advance is recommended, given the limited capacity of 12 people, and the trip is available in English. The flexible reservation policy allows you to reserve and pay later, with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Voices and Practical Insights

One traveler noted, “The submarine was a great experience. It’s not really suitable for people with claustrophobia,” highlighting the importance of considering comfort levels. The still air and rocking can make some feel a bit “off,” especially if prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia.

Another visitor praised the experience as “really worth experiencing at least once” and enjoyed the view of the sunken ship and fish. Conversely, some wished for a short explanation about the shipwreck, which suggests that adding a little historical context could enhance the experience for those interested in maritime stories.

Overall, reviews point to a well-organized, family-friendly tour that offers an affordable way to see underwater life and a shipwreck without getting wet or spending hours at sea. The small group size makes for a cozy, personal atmosphere, but it’s essential to be ready for a 30-minute confined ride.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for families with children, history buffs, or anyone curious about marine environments. It’s a great introduction to the underwater world for first-timers and those who prefer a quick, safe, and cost-effective outing.

If you’re claustrophobic or dislike rocking in confined spaces, this might not be your best choice. But if you want to combine a bit of history, marine life, and a touch of adventure in a short period, it’s a charming option.

For travelers staying in or near Omi, it’s a convenient activity that adds a different dimension to your trip, especially if you’re already exploring the Dalmatian coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The semi-submarine ride takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick but memorable experience.

Is the submarine truly a submarine?
No, it’s a semi-submarine that does not dive but stays on the surface, allowing views through a glass cabin.

What will I see during the tour?
You’ll view a sunken WWII ship just below the surface and have the chance to see marine life like fish, octopuses, and jellyfish through the glass.

Can I book tickets in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended due to limited seats, and you can reserve and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially for kids interested in underwater life and ships. Just watch out if your child has claustrophobia.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You might want to eat before or after the trip.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 people, which ensures an intimate experience.

Is there commentary during the tour?
The provided information does not specify guided commentary, but adding some background about the shipwreck could improve the experience.

Final Thoughts

For those visiting Dalmatia, the Omi semi-submarine adventure offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to experience underwater life and history without the need for diving skills or long hours at sea. The small group size and glass-enclosed cabin make for a personalized, safe, and fun outing. While it’s not a deep-sea exploration, its charm lies in the close-up views of a shipwreck and marine creatures, illuminated beautifully at night.

It’s best suited for families, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors curious to see Croatia’s underwater world. If you’re looking for a short, engaging experience that fits easily into your itinerary, this tour offers genuine value and a memorable snapshot of Dalmatia’s maritime character.

Remember — this tour isn’t for everyone. If you’re prone to motion sickness or dislike tight spaces, you might want to pass. But for those ready for a light, fun, and visually stunning outing, it’s a little gem worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: