Offering a window to breathtaking underwater vistas, taking a tour with Atlantis Submarines is an ideal way to experience the wonders of the deep without getting your feet wet.

Sinking smoothly into the depths of the Caribbean Sea in this 65-foot sub is an adventure unlike any other. The 90-minute tour brings you close to the reefs and face-to-face with an assortment of colourful fish and exotic sea creatures, which sometimes pass within just a few feet of the submarine's large viewing ports.

What makes the experience unique comes down to location. Grand Cayman is world-famous for its abundant marine life and crystal clear visibility - the clarity of the water is amazing. And touring in the comfort of an air-conditioned sub makes it possible for everyone, young and old, to discover the underwater world from a diver's point of view. You just simply sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

The submarine drops to depths of between 60 to 100-feet where the landscape changes dramatically from surface to sea floor. The fish and corals are different than what you would see snorkelling, and the experience has inspired many non-divers to take the plunge and join a resort Scuba course afterwards.

Down under, the reefs are teeming with hundreds of fish species and fantastic coral formations. Along with an array of colourful angel fish, snappers and groupers darting among huge barrel sponges and star corals, it's common to spot sea turtles, stingrays and even a barracuda or two. There's also a chance of getting a close-up view of lobsters, crabs and moray eels hiding in the cracks of the corals and caves.

A highlight is dipping over the Cayman Wall, which plunges some 1,500 feet into the blue abyss. The view is spectacular as the sub slowly glides over the breathtaking drop.

An unusual sight is passing over a group of tiny garden eels that, at first glance, look like sea grass waving in the sandy expanse. It's a chance to see these shy creatures in their natural habitat as they usually vanish into their burrows if approached.

It's also interesting to observe how colours change as you dive deeper. Saltwater filters out the colours of the spectrum, with the warm hues fading first. Red is the first to go, completely disappearing at 60 feet while blue dominates at the deepest part of the dive.

The ride is comfortable and surprisingly smooth. Cabin pressure is maintained at sea level so there's no effect on the ears, and the vessel is specially-designed to give sightseers a panoramic view. A digital counter lets you keep track of how deep you're diving, while an onboard guide provides an informative and entertaining narration throughout the trip.

The tour is for adventurers aged four and over.

Sea World Semi-Submarine

For those who prefer not to plumb the briny depths, try the one hour Sea World Observatory tour.

This amazing air-conditioned, glass bottomed boat gives unparalleled underwater views. A few steps inside and you are in a wall-to-wall glass-viewing chamber gazing at teeming shallow reefs and shipwrecks.

There are no age restrictions for the tour and parents take note, children aged two and under go free.

Key to Cayman experienced an underwater adventure courtesy of Atlantis Submarines. For reservations for either of the tours, call 949-7700. Visit the website at www.atlantisadventures.com.