Buzz
Anyone who has ever explored science fiction has likely dreamed of the excitement of living in extraordinary and unconventional settings, like beneath the ocean. Over the past fifty years, many have turned this dream into reality. If you have the financial means and don’t mind sharing your space with marine life like tiger sharks, there are numerous ways to make underwater living a reality.
10. The Sub-Biosphere
One of the most daring endeavors to design an underwater habitat is the creation of Phil Pauley. The Sub-Biosphere lives up to its name, representing the nearest concept to an underwater metropolis currently in development. Though not yet operational, the detailed concept art and plans are enough to inspire anyone to explore the ocean depths and consider an extended stay beneath the waves.
The Sub-Biosphere consists of multi-level pods, each capable of accommodating up to 100 inhabitants. Pauley envisions a fully self-sustained underwater city, complete with areas for agriculture and independent power generation. While its realization is still uncertain, Pauley remains dedicated to solving logistical challenges and securing funding to bring this ambitious project to life—coincidentally, alongside a fictional story inspired by the structure.
9. The Conshelf
No discussion of underwater living would be complete without mentioning the legendary Jacques Cousteau. The world’s most renowned aquatic pioneer successfully established underwater habitats and research stations. Unlike the Sub-Biosphere, the Conshelf project wasn’t intended for permanent residence, but it offered many home-like comforts within a massive metal capsule. The Conshelf project evolved through three phases, with Conshelf III hosting six researchers who lived underwater for almost a month.
The journey began in 1962 with Conshelf I, positioned 10 meters (33 ft) below the Mediterranean Sea near Marseilles. The compact Diogenes structure housed two scientists for a week, equipped with a library, television, and radio, serving as a marine research station. Following its success, Conshelf II was launched, featuring even more impressive facilities, including a garage, aquarium, and a deeper research station that accommodated five people for a month. The pinnacle of the project was Conshelf III, situated an astonishing 100 meters (328 ft) beneath the ocean’s surface.
8. La Chalupa Research Lab / Jules Undersea Lodge
Originally established as La Chalupa Research Lab—unrelated to Taco Bell—this facility evolved into Jules Undersea Lodge after its role as a marine research station off Puerto Rico’s coast concluded. Since its transformation into an underwater hotel, it has become a popular destination among celebrities.
The entire structure is submerged in a lagoon, managed by a control center on land. Guests enter through an underwater hatch that leads directly into the facility. The lodge features two bedrooms, a shared living space, and even air conditioning, debunking the myth that the ocean floor is freezing. The common area includes a TV, DVD player, and telephone, while large glass portholes in the bedrooms offer views for curious divers—making it unsuitable for those who value privacy.
7. Galathee Underwater Lab / SeaOrbiter Project
The SeaOrbiter is envisioned as a fully mobile, predominantly submerged research and exploration vessel. Often described as an underwater spaceship, it is designed to traverse the globe, enabling in-depth study of the ocean and its inhabitants. Inspired by the Galathee Underwater Lab, launched by Jacques Rougerie in 1977, this habitat was crafted to minimize disruption to marine ecosystems and could operate at depths ranging from 9 to 60 meters (approximately 30–200 ft).
Modeled after space stations, the SeaOrbiter would support extended global voyages, accommodating up to 20 individuals at a time. The project aims to deploy submersible vehicles capable of exploring depths of up to 6,000 meters. Additionally, it could serve as a training ground for astronauts, simulating the pressurized and isolated conditions of space. Currently, the SeaOrbiter project is actively seeking funding, having secured 45 percent of its financial target.
6. SEALAB
One of the pioneering efforts to enable human habitation beneath the ocean’s surface was the SEALAB project—not to be confused with late-night cartoons or Taco Bell experiments. Similar to the Conshelf initiative, SEALAB was developed in three phases. The first, launched off Bermuda’s coast in 1964, was prematurely halted due to an approaching storm.
SEALAB II, launched in 1965, introduced amenities like hot water and refrigeration, which its predecessor lacked. Measuring over 17 meters (57 ft) in length and submerged 62 meters (203 ft) underwater, it housed rotating teams of divers who lived there for approximately two weeks at a time. Among its notable residents was Scott Carpenter, a famed Mercury 7 astronaut, who even made an underwater call to fellow astronaut Gordon Cooper, who was orbiting Earth in the Gemini capsule at the time—because astronauts love to show off.
SEALAB III, launched in 1969 off California’s coast, met a tragic end when a leak developed in the facility. Failed repair attempts resulted in the death of aquanaut Berry Cannon, marking a somber conclusion to the project.
5. The Aquarius
Students at Florida International University have the unique opportunity to access one of the world’s few remaining operational underwater research facilities, the aptly named Aquarius. Researchers can spend up to 10 days at a time in this facility, studying marine life near the Florida Keys. Designed to withstand water pressure at depths of up to 37 meters (120 ft), this metal habitat can accommodate up to six people simultaneously.
The Aquarius is equipped with all the comforts of a modern apartment, including refrigerators, air conditioning, showers, toilets, microwaves, and even Internet access. As recently as last November, a group of FIU marine science students spent a week living and conducting research in the Aquarius. With university tuition being far more affordable than a stay at a commercial underwater hotel, the Aquarius is the ideal choice for ocean enthusiasts on a budget.
4. Tektite
In 1969, the U.S. government funded the Tektite project, named after meteorites that plunge into the ocean and settle on the seabed. The project involved four aquanauts living in the submerged station from February to April 1969, with the goal of preparing astronauts for extended space missions.
The second phase of Project Tektite began in 1970, hosting 11 missions that allowed 53 aquanauts to live underwater for 2–3 weeks in a habitat resembling massive metal tanks. The facility included crew quarters, an equipment room connected by a bridge, and a research area. The living spaces offered home-like comforts, featuring radios, televisions, bunks, and a nearly complete kitchen. Though no longer operational, the habitat can still be seen at the Tektite Museum.
3. H2OME
While most underwater habitats are restricted to marine scientists or those awaiting funding, there’s another option available. For just US $10 million, you can own a luxury underwater home—known as H2OME. The creators behind the renowned Poseidon underwater hotel now offer custom-built underwater residences.
US Submarine Structures aims to dominate the undersea property market, listing underwater casinos, restaurants, and full homes among their offerings. These homes maintain surface-level pressurization, allowing residents to move between floors via stairs or an elevator without getting wet. Each home features two floors, multiple bedrooms, lounge areas, and all the amenities one could desire—perfect for aspiring Bond villains.
2. Atlantica
Dennis Chamberland, a visionary and NASA engineer, is one of the rare dreamers who turns ideas into reality. His ambitious goals include enabling humans to live underwater and in space. A key part of his vision is the Atlantica expedition, a serious endeavor to establish a functional underwater city.
Chamberland has already built a two-person habitat, but his ultimate vision is to establish a large-scale society enabling people to live indefinitely on the ocean floor. Atlantica, as planned, would resemble a residential apartment complex while also serving as a research hub. When describing life in this community, he paints vivid, futuristic scenarios, such as residents using submarines to travel to movie theaters.
1. Hydrolab
For years, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hydrolab served as a research base for hundreds of scientists in the Atlantic Ocean. Situated near the US Virgin Islands, it allowed researchers to live and work underwater for weeks at a time, accommodating up to four scientists simultaneously.
The facility was compact, measuring just 5 meters (16 ft) long and 2.5 meters (8 ft) high, and was submerged up to 40 meters (131 ft). While not ideal for those with claustrophobia, it featured running water, electricity, bunks, and large viewing ports to observe marine life. After over a decade of operation, Hydrolab was decommissioned in 1986 but can still be seen at the Museum of Natural History.
