Ever dreamed of drifting to sleep surrounded by tropical fish and coral reefs?
Underwater hotels bring that fantasy to life.
From show-stopping luxury suites in the Maldives to a humble cabin deep in a Swedish lake, this updated guide covers every notable underwater stay and includes estimated price ranges.
What Makes Underwater Hotels So Alluring?
Underwater hotels capture our imagination by blending opulent comfort with the thrill of marine exploration.
While many resorts offer “overwater bungalows” or “glass-floored villas,” true underwater accommodations remain rare and exclusive. Stepping into a submerged suite means:
- Unmatched Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows where schools of fish become your lively, ever-changing wallpaper.
- Immersive Marine Life Interaction: Some rooms offer direct contact with the water’s surface or private aquatic tours.
- Serenity and Privacy: The ocean acts like a natural sound barrier, creating a cocoon of tranquility below the surface.
In this guide, we rank every noteworthy underwater hotel or semi-underwater lodging across the globe, from world-famous luxury retreats to lesser-known gems and even conceptual projects.
Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon suite or an offbeat adventure, these spots promise to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Ranking the World’s Underwater Hotels (Best to Worst)
While “best” and “worst” can be subjective, here we’ve considered several criteria:
- Uniqueness and Authenticity of the underwater experience.
- Comfort and Luxury provided by the accommodation.
- Accessibility and Location convenience.
- Value for Money given the often high price tags.
- Guest Reviews and Popularity over time.
Below is our definitive list, starting with the top-tier, ultra-luxurious experiences and moving down to more modest or conceptual ones.
1. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Location: Rangali Island, Maldives
Highlights:
- Fully submerged master bedroom with a 180-degree curved acrylic dome.
- Private butler service, personal chef, and on-call fitness instructor.
- Split-level villa (upper level floats above water, lower level sits 16 feet below sea level).
- Estimated Price Range: USD 9,000–50,000+ per night
Widely hailed as the pinnacle of underwater luxury, The Muraka suite stands out for its spacious design and incredible floor-to-ceiling marine views.
Guests wake up in a see-through acrylic bedroom, surrounded by reef sharks and colorful tropical fish. A personal elevator connects the upper and lower floors, ensuring privacy and ease of movement.
Staying at The Muraka is unquestionably lavish—the approximate cost runs into tens of thousands of dollars per night. Yet it’s a bucket-list experience for those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind undersea stay.
Expect the highest level of service, from gourmet menus to exclusive excursions. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also offers an underwater restaurant, Ithaa, further cementing its place as a premier underwater destination.
2. Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai)
Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Highlights:
- Signature Underwater Suites (Neptune and Poseidon).
- Giant floor-to-ceiling windows into the resort’s Ambassador Lagoon, home to 65,000 marine animals.
- Private 24-hour butler service, in-room check-in, and lavish amenities.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 5,500–8,000 per night
Atlantis, The Palm is a Dubai icon famous for its massive waterpark and underwater exhibits. The Neptune and Poseidon suites place you right against the resort’s enormous Ambassador Lagoon.
Imagine waking up to rays and sharks gliding by your bed. Bathrooms also have spectacular aquarium views, making even your shower an otherworldly experience.
While these suites aren’t set in an open ocean environment like The Muraka, they excel in convenience and comfort: the property is on the mainland, easily accessible from Dubai’s airport, and comes with a wealth of on-site entertainment (restaurants, clubs, waterpark).
If you want a taste of underwater life without traveling too far off-grid, this is an excellent choice.
3. The Manta Resort (Pemba Island, Tanzania)
Location: Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Highlights:
- Private floating structure anchored in a marine conservation area.
- Underwater bedroom 13 feet below the surface, with 360° underwater windows.
- Starlit upper deck and a lounge area at sea level.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 1,700–2,000 per night
For those craving a rustic yet mesmerizing undersea stay, the Manta Resort’s Underwater Room delivers. Situated in a pristine marine environment, this floating accommodation offers three levels:
- A rooftop sun deck, perfect for stargazing.
- A sea-level lounge for sunbathing or diving right into turquoise waters.
- A submerged bedroom, enveloped by reef fish and coral gardens.
Less “polished luxury” and more “eco-friendly castaway vibe,” it’s ideal for adventurous souls or couples seeking romantic seclusion.
The staff brings meals by boat, so you’re free to bask in the ocean’s tranquility without typical resort distractions. Expect fewer frills than you’d find in a five-star city hotel, but the experience is blissfully unique.
4. Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore)
Location: Sentosa Island, Singapore
Highlights:
- Duplex suites with upper-level living area and submerged bedroom facing a giant aquarium.
- Direct access to the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest.
- Private jacuzzi and personalized butler service.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 1,200–2,000 per night
Blending city-slicker convenience with underwater allure, the Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa are part of an entertainment mega-complex featuring theme parks (Universal Studios Singapore), hotels, and a casino.
You’ll sleep in front of a large acrylic window that looks into a vast aquarium teeming with sharks, rays, and schools of exotic fish.
While it may not have the remote oceanic charm of Maldives or Pemba Island, its prime location near central Singapore makes it an easy add-on for a city trip.
Plus, the integrated resort’s offerings—fine dining, shopping, attractions—mean you’ll never be bored. If you want an underwater experience while staying close to modern comforts, this is a great pick.
5. Reefsuites, Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Location: Hardy Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Highlights:
- Floating pontoon accommodations moored directly on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Large underwater windows showcasing coral and marine life.
- Snorkeling, scuba diving, and scenic helicopter tours readily available.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 800–1,200 per night
One of the newest entrants in the underwater hotel market, Reefsuites offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef.
Guests travel by boat (or helicopter) to a dedicated pontoon off the Queensland coast. The underwater suites, located on the lower level, feature wall-sized windows to witness the reef’s kaleidoscope of marine creatures up close.
The experience is semi-inclusive, covering meals, snorkel gear, and reef activities. Being in the heart of an iconic UNESCO site makes for an unforgettable stay, although the floating pontoon setup means space is limited.
If your priority is waking up to clownfish and vibrant coral in one of the world’s most famous marine ecosystems, Reefsuites more than delivers.
6. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (China)
Location: Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
Highlights:
- Constructed in an abandoned quarry, 16 floors below ground level.
- The lowest levels are underwater and offer unique aquatic views.
- Luxurious interiors with futuristic architecture.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 700–1,500 per night
Also known as the “Shimao Wonderland” or the “Quarry Hotel,” this property is a modern architectural marvel.
Built into the side of a cavernous, water-filled quarry, the hotel has several underwater suites that look into an artificial underwater habitat. While not a natural ocean or reef environment, these rooms still offer a distinct below-water viewpoint in a dramatic setting.
For travelers more inclined to remain near a major city, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland makes an exceptional weekend escape.
Its design is captivating—winning multiple awards for engineering and sustainability. If diving with wild fish in the open ocean feels intimidating, this controlled environment could be a more comfortable introduction to underwater stays.
7. Utter Inn (Sweden)
Location: Lake Mälaren, Västerås, Sweden
Highlights:
- A floating red cottage with an underwater bedroom submersed about 10 feet below the surface.
- Designed by local artist Mikael Genberg.
- A minimalist, quirky experience for adventurous travelers.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 300–350 per night
On the opposite end of the luxury spectrum is Utter Inn, a single-room abode bobbing on Lake Mälaren. At first glance, it appears to be a simple Swedish fishing hut.
Down a ladder, though, is a tiny underwater bedroom with windows on all sides, revealing freshwater fish swimming by.
Amenities are extremely basic—a small rowboat is provided for reaching a nearby uninhabited island for picnics. No butlers or multi-course meals here.
However, if you’re after charm, solitude, and an affordable glimpse of life below water, Utter Inn is an adorable option. Just pack warm clothing, as Swedish lakes can get chilly!
8. Jules’ Undersea Lodge (Key Largo, Florida, USA)
Location: Key Largo Undersea Park, Florida Keys, United States
Highlights:
- Authentic underwater habitat originally used for research.
- Guests must scuba dive down to the lodge entrance.
- Dorm-style layout with shared spaces, plus optional pizza delivery underwater.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 700–900 per night
A piece of marine research history, Jules’ Undersea Lodge gives you the unique chance to stay inside what once was an underwater laboratory.
Located about 21 feet beneath the surface, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can literally dive into your accommodation.
While the quarters aren’t luxurious—think bunk beds, a communal area, and a small kitchenette—the sense of adventure is off the charts.
Staff can even deliver pizza in a watertight container! If you’re a certified diver (or willing to take a quick course), Jules’ Undersea Lodge is a fun and educational experience that merges scuba and lodging into one.
9. Lover’s Deep Submarine Hotel (St. Lucia)
Location: The waters around St. Lucia (and potentially other Caribbean locales)
Highlights:
- A fully customized submarine for private use.
- Moveable location, typically offering scenic Caribbean waters.
- Ultra-exclusive with a personal chef and staff on board.
- Estimated Price Range: USD 175,000+ per night
For the ultimate in extravagance (and a steep price tag), you can charter the Lover’s Deep submarine, a project by luxury travel company Oliver’s Travels.
Tailored to couples or honeymooners seeking absolute privacy, it’s basically a traveling underwater hotel. The experience can be curated anywhere in the Caribbean, although St. Lucia is commonly mentioned for its romantic setting.
This concept aims to provide an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime journey far below the waves. Due to the high cost (hundreds of thousands per voyage), it remains a fantasy for most travelers.
For those who can afford it, Lover’s Deep promises total seclusion and a truly maritime adventure you won’t find anywhere else.
10. Poseidon Undersea Resort (Fiji, Pending)
Location: A private island in Fiji (planned)
Highlights:
- Proposed as the world’s first fully submerged five-star hotel.
- Plans for 24 underwater suites, a submarine restaurant, and an undersea chapel.
- On hold indefinitely, with no official opening date confirmed.
Originally announced in the early 2000s, the Poseidon Undersea Resort captured imaginations with designs for a completely underwater compound in the crystal-clear waters of Fiji.
However, construction has been delayed for years, with no recent updates confirming its progress. If ever finished, it might challenge The Muraka as the grandest underwater retreat on the planet.
For now, Poseidon remains a blue-sky concept that continues to generate buzz. Travelers dreaming of a full undersea complex in the South Pacific should keep it on their radar—but don’t hold your breath for an opening date anytime soon.
11. Water Discus Hotel (Dubai, Concept)
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Highlights:
- A futuristic design featuring two primary discs—one above water, one below.
- Plans for 21 underwater rooms overlooking coral reefs.
- Potential on-site diving center and submarine vehicles for guests.
Dubai rarely does anything by halves, and the Water Discus Hotel concept is no exception. Envisioned by Deep Ocean Technology, the design includes a partially submerged structure resembling a giant “disc” perched above water and another below.
The underwater section would house luxurious suites, a bar, and possibly a research station.
While the project has generated headlines, as of this writing, no official launch date or construction updates suggest it’s moving forward.
Similar to Poseidon, Water Discus remains a bold, futuristic vision. If completed, it could join Atlantis and other Dubai attractions as part of a trifecta of spectacular undersea experiences.
Honorable Mentions
A few places around the world offer underwater restaurants, spas, or lounges but no actual undersea rooms. For completeness:
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Maldives) at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island—dine under the sea, but no bedroom.
- Subsix (Maldives) at Niyama Private Islands—an underwater bar and club.
- Huvafen Fushi (Maldives)—underwater spa treatment rooms.
Though not hotels per se, these attractions allow travelers to savor the underwater ambiance for a meal or spa session.
How to Choose Your Underwater Experience
With so many underwater lodgings (and a few that are merely planned), how do you decide which one is right for you?
Consider the following:
- Budget:
- If money is no object, the Muraka or a Lover’s Deep charter offers unparalleled luxury.
- Travelers on a tighter budget might try Utter Inn or Jules’ Undersea Lodge for a quirky, affordable experience.
- Location and Accessibility:
- Maldives and Dubai deliver the most high-end offerings in easily reachable tourist hubs.
- More remote spots like Pemba Island require extra travel but reward you with stunning, less-crowded marine life.
- Level of Adventure:
- If you’re a die-hard scuba diver, Jules’ Undersea Lodge is a unique immersion.
- For minimal effort, Atlantis, The Palm or Resorts World Sentosa provide direct access from land-based resorts.
- Marine Environment vs. Aquarium:
- True oceanic experiences (The Muraka, Manta Resort, Reefsuites) immerse you in natural marine ecosystems.
- Aquarium-based suites (Atlantis, Ocean Suites in Singapore) offer more controlled but equally enchanting views.
- Duration of Stay:
- Some underwater experiences can be booked for just one night, which may be enough for many.
- Others, like The Muraka, can be part of a week-long resort vacation.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
Underwater hotels bring up questions about marine conservation, reef protection, and ecological impact. Here’s what you need to know:
- Coral Reef Preservation: Overwater or underwater structures can stress local reefs. Many high-end resorts mitigate this by establishing or supporting marine protected areas. For instance, The Manta Resort actively contributes to the preservation of Pemba Island’s reefs.
- Waste Management: Handling waste responsibly is crucial in sensitive marine environments. Look for hotels that emphasize eco-friendly operations, like solar power usage, on-site desalination, and zero-waste policies.
- Responsible Tourism: Be mindful of your own footprint—avoid touching or stepping on coral, practice responsible snorkeling or diving, and support resorts that invest in local communities and conservation initiatives.
By choosing properties that demonstrate commitment to sustainability, you help ensure that underwater habitats remain vibrant for future generations.
Booking Tips and Practical Advice
A stay underwater is not your typical hotel reservation. Keep these pointers in mind:
- Plan Far Ahead
- With limited underwater suites available, rooms book up fast. High-end spots like The Muraka and Atlantis’ Underwater Suites can fill up months—sometimes over a year—in advance.
- Check cancellation policies, as they may differ significantly from standard hotels due to the suite’s exclusivity.
- Understand the Pricing
- Luxury can mean costs in the thousands (or tens of thousands) per night. Carefully review what’s included (meals, transfers, experiences).
- Some accommodations, like Utter Inn, are more moderate, but you’ll have fewer amenities.
- Check Accessibility and Health Requirements
- If you’re going to Jules’ Undersea Lodge, you must scuba dive—which requires at least minimal training.
- For remote locations like Pemba Island, make sure you have all necessary vaccinations, visas, and flight connections.
- Pack Appropriately
- Bring light, comfortable clothing suitable for humid climates or tropical islands (if that’s your destination).
- A camera or GoPro that works well underwater is a must for capturing marine life. Some properties even provide underwater cameras, but confirm in advance.
- Consider Travel Insurance
- High-cost trips deserve comprehensive travel coverage, especially if you’re headed somewhere remote.
- Ensure the policy covers adventure activities like scuba diving.
- Read Guest Reviews
- First-hand accounts can reveal hidden gems or potential pitfalls, like temperature control issues or limited meal options.
- Social media and travel forums (Tripadvisor, etc.) often have current feedback on staff quality, cleanliness, or unexpected surcharges.
Conclusion: Plunging into the Future of Undersea Stays
Underwater hotels offer an otherworldly blend of luxury, adventure, and natural wonder. From the Maldivian dreamscape of The Muraka to the down-to-earth exploration at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, each underwater retreat appeals to a different kind of traveler. Whether you crave five-star amenities, an immersive marine ecosystem, or a quirky underwater cabin, there’s a submerged haven waiting for you.
Even as some ambitious concepts like Poseidon Undersea Resort and the Water Discus Hotel remain in development limbo, it’s clear that demand for undersea hospitality continues to grow.
As technology advances and public interest in marine life soars, the number of underwater accommodations—both partial and fully submerged—may well increase.
In the meantime, these pioneering properties are the best (and in some cases, the only) ways to spend a night beneath the waves.
When you finally decide to take the plunge, do so responsibly: appreciate the delicate ecosystems that make the undersea realm so mesmerizing, and support hotels dedicated to sustainable tourism.
That way, the spellbinding world beneath the surface will remain vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.
