The mysteries of the deep beckon many a visitor to the Cayman Islands. It’s another world entirely filled with colourful corals, sponges and dramatic rock formations and underwater walls. Large barracuda, tiny blue chromis, fish that puff up like balloons and eagle rays that glide by as if flying, are just some of the creatures that make their homes under the waves.

Fortunately, scuba diving is not the only way to experience this magical world. A number of other options exist, some of which do not even entail getting wet.

One of the more exciting ways to explore the underwater world is to descend in a submarine. A thrilling adventure for people of all ages, Atlantis Submarines operates a real 65 foot submarine that can take visitors to a depth of 100 feet.

Young and old alike (the minimum age is 4) can take the plunge in air conditioned comfort. No prior knowledge is required – it’s simply a case of sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the ride.

As an expert submarine pilot guides the vessel around pillars of coral and even peeks over the famous Cayman Wall, which drops vertically for thousands of feet, an entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide points out curious fish, turtles, rays and more.

Passengers will have plenty of opportunity to gaze out at the beauty of the sea through the wall to wall windows that line the 48-passgener craft.

For an even greater thrill, night tours are offered, revealing a host of different life forms. While the creatures that are active by day nestle in crevasses and settle down for the night, nocturnal creatures start to emerge: sideways walking crabs and normally shy lobsters come out into the open, while the coral’s tiny polyps come out, giving the coral a ‘furry’ appearance, as they catch passing nutrients in the sea.

Whether by day or by night, it’s a smooth and comfortable ride. Cabin pressure is maintained at sea level so there is no effect on ears and the sub’s design allows for panoramic views.