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The image of the submarine varies. Let it be Jules Verne’s submarine, the Nautilus from the book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the claustrophobic World War II U-boat searching the Atlantic for it’s next target, a nuclear-era stealth “boomer” playing blind man’s bluff with the Soviets, or a deep sea exploration sub diving to uncharted regions of the ocean for an underwater documentary film.

Yet most people probably don’t know that you can take a ride in an actual submarine.  Not in a simulator, not at a museum or in a pool, but in the open ocean.

Atlantic Submarines operates submarine tours in 8 destinations in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Guam.

All of the submarine tours visit local reefs, marine parks or, in some cases, shipwrecks. The Aruba submarine tour, for example, passes over two WW-II wrecks, while the Maui tour in Hawaii visits the Carthaginian, a replica of a 19th century vessel that was sunk off Lahaina to create an artificial reef.   My recent tour was in Cozumel, Mexico, diving on the one of the world’s most extensive natural reefs. 

Most of the Atlantic submarines dive to depths of 100-120 feet, and carry up to 48 passengers in their standard 65-foot (19.8m) submarine .  In Waikiki, they operate their 100-foot, 64-passenger Atlantis XIV, the world’s largest passenger submarine.

After a short boat ride, usually about 20-30 minutes, you arrive at the transfer point.  Once on site, the sub surfaces from the previous tour and the transfer boat ties up to the sub.  Passengers are efficiently transferred from the submarine to the boat and visa-versa. 

Anticipation rises as you climb aboard the submarine and are directed toward one of the two hatches.  To descend into the submarine, you need to turn around and climb down a short ladder into the sub’s hull.

Two rows of molded back-to-back seats facing outward line both sides of the submarine, and passengers are directed where to sit.  All the seats offer the same view, but seats up front allow you to also watch the sub operators in action.

My 40-minute submarine dive started with some brief safety instructions, information about our submarine and recommendations as to what to watch out for during the tour.

Within seconds, we heard “Dive, Dive” over the PA system, followed by a klaxon sounding and we were gently descending into the ocean’s depths.  Rows of windows offer great outward viewing for an unforgettable experience as you watch marine life pass by.  On some tours you may experience sea turtles and sharks swimming past your window, in others, colorful fish, anemones and other reef life, such as long sea fans and soft corrals swaying with the currnet.

Many people assume that viewing the ocean will be similar to an aquarium with its artificial lights. But in the ocean, at depths over 40 feet or so, the water filters much of the sunlight so everything has a bluish-green tint. 

As the sub descended deeper, there was no sense of claustrophobia as most people were mesmerized by the views out of their window. The electronic depth gauge clicked off our depth in feet, eventually reaching our maximum depth – 103 feet (31m).

The ride is comfortable and seems virtually motionless. The operators were able to hover the sub even in the strong Cozumel currents, giving people a chance to see large sea fans or spectacular orange corrals. 

And even as a scuba diver, I thought the Atlantis submarine tour was an enjoyable and very memorable experience. 

After the tour, each passenger was given a certificate to document their trip to 100 feet below the ocean’s surface. 

If you take the tour, remember, a submarine is referred to as a “boat, not a “ship”. And don’t let the music playing from the movie Jaws as you descend into the sub unnerve you. Just sit back, relax and enjoy your “dry” dive.

Atlantic Submarines

• Aruba
• Barbados
• Cozumel
• Grand Cayman
• Guam
• Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kona)

Prices – Vary by destination – about $100.00 for adults, some destinations offer discounts for teens, $65.00 for children 4-14. Children must be at least 4 years old and a minimum of 3 feet (0.91m) tall. You can pre-book your tickets on the Atlantis Adventures website as most tours offer a discount or around 15%.

Jon Rochetti is the writer of the Washington DC-based travel blog, The DC Traveler, for PlanetEye.

Images – ©2009, Jon Rochetti

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Still, I did get intrigued by a number of other topics, though. . . .

Eyeflare – 9 airport rip offs, and although I don’t agree with all of them (Duty Free can be a bargain, if you know you’re prices), there’s some good tips here.

The Edinburgh Guide – I don’t often think of tanning in Scotland, but Andy tells us the best spots in Edinburgh to work on a tan.

Intelligent Travel – Island hopping in Vermont?  I didn’t know that Vermont had islands till I read this article.

Tripso – Airports may not be known for their fine dining, but at some you can get a really decent meal.

Travel Views – How do you define value when it comes to choosing a restaurant and meal.  A good discussion of what is becoming a pretty big travel expense.

The South Florida Traveler – I love bags, and this BuiltNY Laptop Porter looks like it good be a good choice.  Attractive, lightweight, and perfect for travel.

Los Angeles Times – What does Mexico need to do to win back travelers?

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A.  Yes, I did return to Cancun, and found it just as lovely as the week before!

The flight was booked at a slightly higher passenger count, and that’s a good sign.

The hotel occupancy rate, according to one source at the hotel, was hovering around 12%.  That’s certainly not enough to fend off wide spread layoffs, but my source said that bookings for next week include several groups, putting the rate somewhere around 40%.  And that’s not too horrible for this time of year.

So if you’re going to Cancun, what can you expect?

We are heading into the low season for travel to Cancun.  That means that many airlines will be shifting equipment to higher traveled routes.  Most airlines that fly into Cancun cut back on the schedule seasonally.  This isn’t because of the flu, it’s because historical travel data shows that fewer people travel to Cancun when the weather is humid and a zillion degrees.  There will be fewer flights, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Hotel occupancy rates will be low.  This again is seasonal, and based on the fact that many people see Cancun as a winter destination rather than as a summer one.  That’s also part of the reason why there are some screaming deals out there.  Sure, occupancy may be slightly lower as a result of the flu scare, but it’s also the time people book city to avoid the wall-to-wall throng of tourists.  There will be people there, but you won’t be packed in like sardines around the pool.

Restaurants, bars, and clubs are open.  I went downtown for dinner, and restaurants were open.  Most of the patios had a lot of tables full of diners (this was about 7 pm).  It wasn’t packed, and you’d have no problem getting a table, but people were out.  I’m a little too old for the club life, so can’t tell you if Cocobongo or any of the other infamous clubs were open (I believe they were) or how many people were out dancing till the wee hours.

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, it’s a good time to head south.  Hotels and resorts are offering all sorts inducements to come to Cancun.  From discounted prices, free nights, or complimentary upgraded rooms and amenities – if you want to visit Cancun, there’s a way to afford it.

Adios mi amigos!

Photo credit:

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Today’s questions comes from Addison Schonland, a principal in IAG (Innovation Analysis Group), a consulting firm to the transportation and travel industry. 

Q.  Would you be willing to talk with me a little bit more about your experience in Cancun for a podcast?

A.  Sure!

Addison always has a good handle on what’s going on in the industry, and keeps up on the news and trends.  Plus, he’s an interesting guy to talk to talk to, so I jumped at the chance to share a little more about my trip to Cancun, and why the stories of swine flu don’t make me afraid to travel.

I invite you to take a listen to what I have to say in the podcast about why I choose to go to Mexico.

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First off, let me address the swine flu issue, and why that didn’t concern me.

• As an adult in good health, with no immune system issues nor other special health concerns, I am not in a high risk category for picking up any kind of bug – whether here at home or in another country.
• When I’m working, I come in contact with hundreds of people a day (and their trash), so I’m exposed to lots and lots of germs, even in the best of circumstances.
• I wash my hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when that’s compromised.
• I don’t walk barefoot on the plane (EEEEEEW – that’s just gross), and never eat anything that’s dropped on the floor.
• Common sense reigns supreme, and after working on a plane for so many years, I’d like to think that I have it figured out.

There weren’t a lot of people on the plane going to Cancun.  Not a lot at all.  A couple had masks on.

After arrival in Cancun, we went through customs and immigrations, and it was like a ghost town.  Other than the people on my flight, and remember, there weren’t many of them, there was no one in line.  Officials and workers were mostly masked, and went about doing their jobs.  There was no one in the shops, no one in the taxi line, no cars in the pick up zone.  It felt surreal, like I had walked into a parallel universe.

The hotel was equally empty.  No one in the lobby and only one person in the bar.  A quick walk around the pool and I counted 7 people, and back in the lobby bar another party of 4 had gathered for a beverage.  There were a handful of tables in the cafe that were taken.

This picture of the pool and beach area was taken from my balcony.  If you look very, very closely you can see one person swimming in the pool, and a few others nearby.  There are lots and lots of empty chaise lounges, and those are usually full of tanning bodies.

I had a chance to chat with some of the people who were working in the pool area.  Most speak English fairly well.  They are devastated by everything going on, and are obviously worried about their jobs and how they will take care of their families.  (Sound familiar?)  Businesses are cutting back on hours open and services offered, and that means cutting back in personal.  These are hard working, kind, thoughtful, and frightened people who were bending over backwards to make sure that everyone who was there had a wonderful experience.

I think this is fear is going to last for awhile.  And that’s a real shame.  I’m not one for putting myself at unnecessary risks, but for most people, travel to Mexico doesn’t present much more of a risk than hanging out at your local mall.  I’ll be back there next week, soaking up the sun and hospitality of what’s become a tropical ghost town.

Are you traveling to Mexico?  Or has the swine flu caused you to re-think your travel plans?  Or maybe you’re avoiding traveling altogether?  Please sound off in the comments and let me know where you stand on the issue.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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And here’s another:

I’m taking lots of common sense precautions, the kind that we should all take whether we’re traveling or at home, and heading off for a bit of a sun fix.  Besides, it’s time to take a few more photos to keep me company during the long rainy season here.

Are you traveling?  Are you changing your plans?  Have you scratched Mexico off your vacation list?

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Villa Verano is a vacation rental located in the most elite residential neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, on the beach in Conchas Chinas.  You’ll have a beautiful view of the Bay of Banderas, and a steps away from the beach.

The villa is privately owned, but is occasionally available for rental.  This is luxury at its finest, and you can make arrangements for a private chef and staff to cater to your every whim.  Enjoy some time by the pool, or walk down the stairs to the beach – although you’re walking distance away from shops, restaurant,s and nightlife, you may not want to leave.

Big sigh!

Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a special getaway, this romantic destination is to die for.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Karne Garibaldi (website is in Spanish) in Guadalajara, Mexico is one of those favorite places.  When I’m in Guadalajara, the assumptions is that I’ll be having at least one meal at Karne Garibaldi.  And I’ve never gone wrong with that decision.

To “get” the concept of this restaurant, you have to let go of what you assume typical Mexican food is like.  What passes for typical in the US, is not typical when actually in the country.  It’s not necessarily better or worse, it’s just different.  But if you don’t let go of your preconceived expectations, no matter when you go to eat, you’ll be disappointed.

One of the claims to fame of Karne Garibaldi is its Guinness Book of Records (1996) entry for the fastest service.  Indeed, as the hostess in walking you to your table a group of waiters will appear bearing appetizers to get you started.  It’s plates full of warm fresh tortillas, grilled onions, refried beans with bits of corn in it (which is available to purchase by the can), other condiments (chopped green onions, radishes), and some salsa.  In many cases, these appetizers are on the table before your entire party has even been seated.  Chips and guacamole must be ordered separately, and guacamole is not always available  – but really, don’t bother – you’ll be just fine without it!

Once seated, waiters are there to take your order immediately.  If you want time to have an ice cold beer and chat, order them and ask for a little more time.  By default they are prepared to get you in and out in a hurry, but they are more than accommodating if you ask them to slow down the pace.  I’d recommend a cold Negro Modelo (ask for a frosted mug) first thing, and placing your order when it arrives.

What should you order?  That’s easy, keep reading —

Deciding what to order is easy, and be prepared for it to arrive at your table seconds after you gotten the words out of your mouth.  Ordering is basically all about size, as one item dominates the menu – carne en jugo (beef in juice).  This is basically a tasty beef stew, cooked in its own broth and flavored with bacon, beans, tomatoes, and spices.  There are a few other items on the menu, but I’ve never ordered them.  The reason I go here is for the carne en jugo.  Orders come in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, and I recommend choosing your size and then get ready to dig in.

When your carne en jugo arrives there are a couple of ways to eat it.  Tourists (and there are usually not a lot in the restaurant) tend to scoop the meat out of the juice, drop it into a tortilla, add a few condiments and eat it like a taco.  Sure, I tried it like that the first couple times as well.  But after going there with some local friends, I’d like to think that I’ve learned better, and now eat it like a local.  Locals eat is as a soup or stew, adding a variety of condiments to the meat and broth, including radishes, chopped onions and salsa.  Then roll up a tortilla in one hand, and eat it as you would a piece of bread, and use a spoon to enjoy every bite of the carne en jugo.  You can also add the grilled bulb onions, although they are sweet and yummy eaten plain.

The service is not just fast, but also attentive.  An empty mug will get a request if you’d like another.  When the tortillas or refried beans run low, they’ll be replenished without prompting.  The service in unobtrusive, but I like chatting with the servers and asking them their favorite things to do in their city.  There are times when I’m there every week, and it’s nice when they start to remember me.

My recommended order would be a medium, with a couple beers.  The price for that will vary based on the exchange rate, but that order with a generous tip will come in around $6.  I always have leftovers, and they are extremely gracious about packing them up and including all the extras (usually replenished).

I frequent the location across the street from Plaza del Sol (Mariano Otero 3019, Zona Plaza del Sol),although there are other locations around the area.  Hours are 11 am – 11 pm every day but Sunday, when it closes at 6 pm.  Credit cards are accepted.  Casual dress is okay, but be aware that casual by Guadalajara standards is more dressed up than by US standards.

I enjoy this place.  And it’s not a tourist restaurant, despite the whole Guinness record thing.  The majority of the patrons are locals.  The staff does not speak much English, although they do a great job of communicating.  The language difference is not a problem, and you’ll be fine.  Just remember, you’re in Mexico and it’s expected that people will speak Spanish!

I’ve yet to find anywhere here at home where they serve carne en jugo, so I think this is just a Guadalajara specialty.  I’d love to get my fix a little closer to home,though.

Photo credits:  personal collection

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Contrast that very modern business core with one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city – the Guadalajara Cathedral, a minor basilica that is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guadalajara.  Located in the downtown Centro Histórico (Avenue16 de Septiembre, Hidalgo y Morelos), the neo-Gothic towers of the Cathedral dominate the skyline.

Originally built during the 16-17th century, parts of it have been destroyed by fire, earthquake, and the ravages of time.  Repairs and rebuilding have attempted to keep as much as possible.

Walking into the cathedral is like taking a big step back in time.  The main altar is made of marble and silver, but you’ll also find ten other altars around the side of the cathedral.  Behind the main altar are sufficient chairs to seat the council of Cardinals.  The cathedral has beautiful stained glass (imported from France, and reminiscent of Notre Dame), many religious artifacts and pieces of art, a mural by Mexican artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and relics of St. Innocent (among others).  This is also home to the largest organ in the country.

Surrounding the cathedral are spacious plazas perfect for strolling, getting a bite to eat, people watching, or enjoying the many artisans the set up shop here.  Don’t hurry through!  Slow down your pace, and enjoy the culture and history of Guadalajara.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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A recent visit to Mazatlan revealed a nearly deserted beach.  After taking in this view from my balcony, it was an easy decision to change into a bathing suit and catch a little sun time in the remaining afternoon hours.

The peaceful feeling of sun, waves, and sand makes me smile even now.

Where do you prefer your relaxation – sun or snow?

Check out this list of other great Photo Friday travel photos from some of my favorite travelbloggers.

Image credit:  personal collection

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