Described as an underwater aircraft, the Necker Nymph comes in tandem with the Necker Belle, Branson’s catamaran on the high seas.

But the Nymph allows boaters to get low, flying underneath the water to depths of 30 meters (98 feet). Helmed by a trained pilot, it soars at a speed of 6 knots (7 mph).

Dives typically last from one to two hours and passengers wear normal scuba breathing gear.

Richard Branson unveiled plans Tuesday to pilot a “flying” mini-submarine down to the furthest depths of the oceans, in his latest record-breaking adventure.

The Virgin Oceanic craft will try to reach the deepest points in each of the world’s five oceans, starting with the deepest of them all, in the western Pacific later this year.

“With space long ago reached by man, and commercial spaceflight tantalizingly close, the last great challenge for humans is to reach and explore the depths of our planet’s oceans,” said Branson.

Virgin Limited Edition, owner of Sir Richard Branson‘s Necker Island, has unveiled the latest toy available for its guests — an “underwater plane.”

The Necker Nymph is part submarine, part airplane, allowing guests of Necker Island or the Necker Belle yacht to explore the bottom of the ocean in comfort.

Two guests, accompanied by a Necker Nymph pilot, can dive to the bottom of the sea and stay there for up to two hours, with a clear view from the open cockpits.

U.S. Submarines, has developed a 2-person model submarine called the Triton 1000.

It is always great to own a yacht and have those parties by the deck. However, after a while, you may need something more exciting : the small submersible is lightweight and engineered specifically for deployment from medium-to-large yachts.

With an overall height of 1.85 meters and an overall length of only 3.2 meters the Triton fits on many mid-level boat decks and at 3.3 tons it can be launched using existing equipment from most yachts (and if you still don’t own a yacht, you can attach the sub behind a truck or a SUV).

Its design provides for excellent visibility and high levels of comfort, while luxury leather seating and full air conditioning offer the pilot as much comfort as possible in such a small space.

The operations are easy : the unit’s controls include intuitive joystick controls and touch screen monitors. In addition, U.S. Submarines provide piloting and maintenance training to the owner or crew with no additional cost, so you don’t kill yourself and make manufacturer U.S. Submarines look bad.

Triton pricing begins at $1.69 million and if you are wealthy enough, you can also have a look at some of the most luxurious private submarines you could own.

For more information on the Triton 1000, see the sub’s website - Source : TFOT