When I received the phone call that I would be going on a personal underwater submarine trip, my first slightly panicky question was for more details and clarification.

Apparently, I was told, it works like a scooter; you simply wear a helmet and off you zip. Now bearing in mind the rickety death traps that are the Thai sidecar-scooter contraptions, my second question was, I think understandably, for more details and clarification.

An underwater scooter is a far more accurate description of what the vehicle actually is. When I arrived at the dive/drive site near Coral Island, I couldn?t quite believe my eyes when they were laid on these curiously looking retro-futuristic bikes. They look like they are from the future, yet a future imagined in the 70?s. But the future nonetheless.
There is either a single or double scooter available to choose from.

The helmet placed over your head has tubes streamed into it which is connected to an oxygen tank. Oxygen is pumped into the helmet meaning that one doesn?t have to have a breathing apparatus in your mouth and allows you to actually stop and have a chat with
your partner whilst underwater if you choose the ?couple? model.

John Eger - Manager of Operations at Joy Dive Underwater scooters - gives a very pragmatic explanation of the positive aspects of underwater scooters, without even a mention of the opportunity of feeling like a futuristic marine explorer, ?You don?t need any experience or training. You don?t need any breathing apparatus in your mouth or need to wear a lead belt. It?s safe. It?s fun.?

The sensation when you are first lowered into the water is slightly unnerving as although a helmet is placed over your head, it is not sealed which creates a strange feeling as the water surrounds you, yet you breathe freely and normally.

I felt like James Bond about to descend 20,000 leagues under the sea. I went just 3-4 meters deep though and had a buoy attached to the top ? designed to keep me steady and allow the staff to keep track of me.

A carefully researched and prescribed route has been set along a twenty minute track around a coral reef near Coral Island. ?We looked all over the island but settled
on this route after a long tail captain suggested it.?

It is indeed a wonderfully peaceful and quiet area with coral and beautiful exotic fish aplenty. The high rocks that surround the spot and tranquil waters make for a really relaxed experience.

John explained that ?The area was surveyed and then the relevant authorities came to check that the scooters and route wouldn?t disturb or damage the fish or coral reef and we finally received written approval."

Within that area and within the route ? indicated by buoys - you can stop at pretty much any time to look at the fish or the coral and then simply drive on. The underwater scooters are aptly named as they work much like their two-wheeled counterparts, there is a handlebar to steer and a place to rest your feet. The only futuristic tweak is that there is a button you press to accelerate. If you wish to stop, you simply take your finger off the button and you remain floating at that depth, the floating buoy attached to the scooter ensures this.

So there is no need to fear if you have to stop to have an argument with your partner about who?s driving. All of the staff are qualified divers with a history of scuba diving and are never too far away, ensuring everything goes well.

Underwater scooters have only been operating for a few years and for many the concept seems like a flight of science fiction fantasy. The opportunity to take a ride only exists in a few countries and Joydive is currently offering the only service in Phuket.

Tour packages are available including Joydive underwater scooter, hotel transfers, speedboat, snorkeling gear, canoes, beach chair and lunch at Banana Beach, Coral
Island. Priced at 3300 baht.

To experience your own little sci-fi afternoon in Phuket, contact Steve at Coral Island Club www.coralislandclub.com or email: info@coralislandclub.com, phone 076-383 796 or Toll Free 1800PHUKET. For more details about Joydive, call 081-797 7170 or visit www.joydivephuket.com