Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has become the first place to launch submarine excursions in DeepFlight’s most advanced model yet: the Super Falcon 3S.

In a world exclusive, DeepFlight Adventures take up to two guests on a once-in-a-lifetime sub-aquatic “dive” exploration of the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Landaa Giraavaru’s Baa atoll home.

With a professional pilot at the controls, passengers can skim over coral formations; fly through shoals of brightly coloured fish; encounter creatures such as turtles, sharks, dolphins and rays; and explore the Maldivian waters down to a depth of 120 feet (37 metres) – all without getting wet.

Commenting on the launch, Four Seasons Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin said: “At Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, we have long been aligned with DeepFlight’s mission to bring awareness to the oceans. These submarine excursions redefine marine exploration and bridge the gap between the world we see above the waves and the one that exists below. We couldn’t be prouder to be the first resort in the world to launch the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S.”

Brought to the Maldives in collaboration with leading water sports operator Ocean Group Pvt. Ltd, the Super Falcon 3S represents the pinnacle of personal submarine technology: an environmentally friendly, battery-operated submersible that offers unparalleled underwater “flying” from the safety, comfort and style of a personal pressurised and air-conditioned cockpit, with individual viewing domes.

Once submerged, the domes virtually disappear, providing a 360-degree view of the underwater world. Additionally, its flight-inspired design allows the Super Falcon 3S to glide effortlessly over reefs and cruise alongside marine mammals such as dolphins.

The Super Falcon 3S has also been designed with the environment in mind: its electric and acoustic emissions have been minimised so as not to disturb marine life, and it never lands on the seabed or reefs. The pilot narrates each dive with a real-time commentary, educating and inspiring guests about the wonders of the underwater ecosystem.

Safety is DeepFlight’s number one priority. Certified by Lloyds Register, a leading marine classification society, the Super Falcon 3S features fixed positive buoyancy and a patented thrust and lift system that enables it to not only “fly” underwater, but to automatically float back to the surface in the unlikely event of power loss. A surface team tracks and monitors the submarine during each dive, staying in communication with the pilot via an underwater communications system.

More about DeepFlight Adventures:

How long is a DeepFlight Adventures’ submarine excursion?

• About one hour from boarding to flying underwater and disembarkation.

What are the age/weight/height restrictions?

• Children must be aged seven and above and over 1.2-metres (four feet) tall; maximum weight per person is 120 kilograms (265 pounds); maximum height is 1.9 metres (6.4 feet).

How much does a DeepFlight Adventures’ excursion cost at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru?

• USD 1500 (+ 12 percent GST) per flight for up to a maximum of two passengers.

How does one book a DeepFlight Adventures’ excursion?

• Pre-booking is essential through Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or www.oceangroup.mv

Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.

Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.

The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.

The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.