Fancy the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef like you’ve never seen it before? Ridesharing giant Uber is partnering with Queensland for a world-first experience: a ridesharing submarine in the Great Barrier Reef. Introducing the humorously-named ScUber, Uber’s latest Australian venture. It follows last year’s surprising UberAir announcement, with the company slated to launch a flying car service in Sydney or Melbourne in 2020.
This submarine ride is a cut above the usual Uber trip, priced at a hefty $3000 for two people.
Riders will be able to book this unique experience via the Uber app, whereupon a helicopter will pick up the two passengers for a scenic flight to Heron Island. Then, board the specially-built ScUber submarine for an unforgettable one-hour journey.
Dive to depths of up to 30 metres and enjoy spectacular 180-degree views of the world’s largest reef in all of its colourful splendour. Spot the reef’s underwater inhabitants, including sea turtles, whales, rays and sharks.
Then it’s time to say goodbye to paradise, as passengers are whisked back to the mainland by helicopter.
You’ll have to act fast to snag this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The service is in operation from 27 May-3 June at Heron Island and from 9-18 June at Port Douglas. Only 12 trips are available, appearing in the app at 7:30 am on the day of the trip, and you can only book if you’re located in Gladstone, Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas.
Uber is also giving one lucky pair the chance to win a free trip through a competition. The company is offering up a luxurious package which includes the ScUber ride, flights, 5 nights accommodation at the swanky Riley resort in Cairns, a tour of the Daintree Rainforest, and $250 Uber credit.
Eco-friendly visitors will be glad to know it’s all for a good cause – Uber is donating the value of all fares, alongside a generous sum of $100,000, to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef.
This global, community-driven movement is dedicated to the conservation of the reef through collaboration and citizen projects. The much-needed funding will help ensure the preservation of Australia’s natural wonder of the world for years to come.
Uber couldn’t have picked a better location for its first foray into underwater ridesharing.
Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is an idyllic coral cay encircled by 24 hectares of reef.
The island has existed for 6000 years and is famous for its abundant wildlife and unparalleled diving and snorkelling spots. It’s also had a storied history as the site of a former turtle soup factory in the 1920s.
Beloved wildlife documentarian David Attenborough once filmed here, and the island’s beaches are a favourite nesting and hatching site for local sea turtles.
Port Douglas is another tropical paradise, situated at the northernmost extreme of the Great Barrier Reef.
Here, ScUber will be exploring the beautiful Agincourt Reef, which is made up of several smaller reefs. Its 16 dive sites and schools of colourful fish make it a popular spot on the reef.
This vibrant region is also home to the iconic Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Run, don’t walk, to secure your seat aboard the ScUber!
By Jennifer Luu