Operating locations for tourist submarines include the Caribbean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Atlantic, the South China Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. A total of 56 vehicles have been placed into operation. Palau Selecting an Appropriate Operating Location Tourist submarines operate successfully in a wide variety of locations. Many of the existing businesses are situated in tropical island areas noted for water clarity and abundant marine life. Still others ply the waters around larger cities, and one tourist submarine routinely dives to the depths of Loch Ness in Scotland on a continual search for the mythical Loch Ness monster.
Water is an obvious requirement for tourist submarine operations.
Ideally, the water at the dive site has an average visibility in excess of 5 meters and some marine life in the vicinity. In many cases, artificial reefs, derelict ships and planes and other items can be placed on the sea floor to attract marine life and entertain customers. In Monaco, one enterprising company built a stern section of a second century Roman galleon, complete with artificial amphoras and placed it in 40 meters of water at the entrance to the harbor, along with a diving bell and an abandoned tug boat. The key is to entertain and educate the customers for a dive duration of approximately 45 minutes. Tourists are the next key ingredient.