The new, once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the Great Barrier Reef’s beauty

If you’re not a person who likes scuba diving or snorkelling, Uber, the ride-share company, has come up with a way you can see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting your feet wet (well, almost).

Uber and Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) have joined forces to create the world’s first ride-share submarine, based on the reef. For a limited time, travellers will be able to use their Uber app to order a scUber.

The scUber experience includes pickup from your location, a scenic helicopter or pontoon ride and an hour ride on the submarine, getting up close and personal with the reef’s beauty. As you might expect, the once-in-a-lifetime experience comes at a pretty hefty cost of $3,000 – considerably more than anyone would normally spend on an Uber, which markets itself as a cheaper alternative to a taxi company.

TEQ’s CEO Leanne Coddington says research on the desires of visitors to Queensland found the ability to see the reef by sub was the most-wanted travel experience.

“ScUber makes this wish a reality and reaffirms Queensland tourism’s commitment to providing locals and visitors alike with truly remarkable ways to explore nature’s wonderland,” she says.

The world’s first rideshare submarine has been launched on Heron Island in a landmark partnership between TEQ and @Uber. ‘scUber’ will showcase the Great Barrier Reef like never before. https://t.co/LOCUtO4qit#beautifulonedayperfectthenext #seeaustralia #lovethereef #scuber pic.twitter.com/FLetxSINU4

— TEQ (@teqld) May 23, 2019

Susan Anderson, Uber’s regional general manager for Australia and New Zealand, says that her company hopes getting this unique view of one of Australia’s most beautiful natural wonders will turn more people into advocates for preservation of the reef for years to come.

The submarine ride will be available on Heron Island from May 27, before moving to Agincourt Reef, off the coast of Port Douglas, from June 9.

Have you used Uber before? Would you use this service?