Why risk being eaten by a great white shark while diving in the Great Barrier Reef if you don't have to? Now, you can explore the gorgeous natural wonder from the safety of a submarine, with a little help from Uber. Queensland, Australia, announced today a new partnership with Uber—the launching of scUber, the world's first rideshare submarine, coming to the Great Barrier Reef on Monday, May 27.
According to the news release, scUber promises to be a "once-in-a-lifetime experience... riders will gain exclusive access to the world's largest ecosystem, renowned as a biodiverse playground, rich in marine life and offering remarkable underwater experiences."
The scUber experience will be available starting on Heron Island, off the coast of Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region from May 27, before moving to Agincourt Reef off the coast of Port Douglas in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region from June 9. Availability is strictly limited.
The experience will cost around $2,000 for two riders and includes pickup from your location with the Uber app, a return scenic helicopter ride to either Heron Island (for riders requesting from Gladstone) or the Quicksilver Cruises pontoon off the coast of Port Douglas (for riders requesting from Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove), a one-hour ride in a scUber submarine, and a return trip to your original pickup address with Uber.
Tourism and Events Queensland's chief executive officer, Leanne Coddington, commented on the significance of Queensland's partnership with Uber in helping put the spotlight back on the reef.
"In late 2018, consumer research identified that exploring the Great Barrier Reef in a submarine was the most desired future travel experience sought by visitors. 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," Coddington said.
"We're thrilled to partner with Uber to showcase the beauty of the reef through this innovative experience."
The partners also announced a global travel competition—giving away a free ride. To enter, apply here.
Uber will be donating the equivalent value of every scUber ride taken to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to help support their conservation initiatives.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
