Glass-bottom boat

A glass bottom boat is a boat with sections of glass (or other suitable transparent material) below the waterline allowing passengers to observe the underwater environment from within the boat. The view through the glass bottom is better than simply looking into the water from above, because one does not have to look through optically erratic surface disturbances. The effect is similar to that achieved by a diving mask, while the passengers are able to stay dry, out of the water.

Use

Glass bottom boats are used almost exclusively for giving tours, as they are usually designed to allow the maximum number of tourists to view out the glass bottom and are not really suitable for other uses. Glass bottom boats are in use in nearly every seaside tourist destination. However many of them are gradually being replaced by semi submarines. These type of vessels offer a better view of the marine life.

History

Glass bottom boats were first used at Catalina Island off the Los Angeles, California coast. They also became popular in Florida at several natural springs-turned-tourist attractions (e.g. Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs.)

Typical tours include shipwrecks, reefs and other underwater flora and fauna.

References