Submarines: The Final Frontier for the Wealthy
While Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson explore space, another unexplored territory lies in wait. That’s right, we’re talking about the vast depths of our oceans. This mysterious abyss is accessible only by expensive and technologically advanced submarines. Previously, this meant that only scientific researchers were capable of venturing towards the ocean floor.
But with more and more wealthy individuals purchasing their own submarines, a completely new adventure for private citizens is possible. In many ways, it’s an adventure even more promising than space exploration. After all, we know less about the bottom of our oceans than we know about the dark side of the moon.
Examples of Luxury Submarines
The world of luxury submarines is developing quickly. Many billionaires and millionaires have become bored with the “same old” yachts, and they’re looking for something new. Various private companies are racing to create truly fantastic options for these wealthy buyers. One example is an Austrian company called Migaloo Private Submersible Yachts.
They are in the process of creating a 928-foot submarine that will be available for private purchase. It will feature its own roof-mounted swimming pool, a helicopter landing pad, VIP suites, and multiple hangar bays. This submarine is capable of diving to depths of 1,500 feet. The M7 is going to cost an estimated $2.3 billion. But as more companies step forward to create these types of submarines, the price for similar submersibles will most likely drop.
Other examples of submarine companies include Triton Submarines, DeepFlight Adventures, U-Boat Worx BV, and Seamagine Hydrospace Corp. However, these companies typically sell smaller craft compared to the proposed M7. In terms of luxury subs, the closest thing we have in the modern era is the Neyk, a $20-million submarine that can accommodate up to 12 explorers. There’s also the yet-to-be-released, $90-million Phoenix, with 5,000 square feet of interior space.
Smaller Subs are All the Rage Among Millionaires
The Triton can travel to depths of close to 1,700 feet. It can remain submerged for up to 12 hours and seats just a few people. It costs about $3.3 million. The Ocean Pearl is a two-person sub specifically designed for use with luxury yachts, and it is capable of reaching depths of 500 meters. It costs about $2.5 million. If you want to drift alongside whales and dolphins, consider the Deep Flight Dragon. This electric sub (pictured above) can reach depths of up to 330 feet for six hours at a time, and costs a relatively reasonable $1.7 million.
If you dream of going even deeper and further into the abyss, the Aurora-6 is for you. This incredible vessel can reach depths of up to 3,300 feet for eight hours at a time. It’ll cost you about $5 million. If you’re looking for a cross between a sports car and a submarine, consider Project Neptune (pictured above). This is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Triton Submarines, and the result is a three-person, luxury sub with a hand-stitched leather interior.
Leaving the Yachts Behind
The most popular submarines for modern buyers are smaller, agile craft that can seat just a few people. These subs are typically attached to luxury yachts, and they are usually incapable of generating their own power. This means that submariners need to return to the surface in order to recharge their submarines. They are not capable of long-distance travel – only short forays below the surface. The next phase in submarine construction will eliminate the yacht altogether, making submarines fully self-sufficient and capable of long-distance travel. That is the dream, and it’s not far away.