Thread: B.O.S.S. By Aqua Adventures (awesome excursion)

My guys are looking at doing this. My Jim did this and had a blast! I was too claustrophobic to do it in 2005, their staff worked very hard at trying to help me (I gave up before they wanted to) so I just snorkeled the whole time (with their equipment) and it was the best I have ever done in my life!!!! They now take just snorkel guests who would like to join their family, but not participate on the scooters. That cost is $60.00. (I emailed them and they confirmed this price, but is subject to change.)


B.O.S.S. is an acronym for Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter.

BOSS is a unique and very exciting underwater motor scooter which works with the bell theory. Remember in school when you would turn a glass upside down in a sink of water and no water would enter the glass? It's the same concept with the BOSS unit. As we descend you, a seal is formed and you are dry inside the bubble!

Aqua Adventures

Aqua Adventures LLC originated the underwater motor scooter tour in St Thomas in 2002. Originally known as the BOB Underwater Adventure, we've changed our name to differentiate ourselves from other tour operators who have tried to compete with us, but just don't meet the standard of excellence we demand.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Cunard and Princess Cruise Lines are proud to offer the BOSS Tour! You can book your excursion directly with them when you are onboard, or you can book through their respective websites. Make sure you book early, because BOSS sells out! There is nothing quite like this tour, and we want you to join us!

BOSS Underwater Adventure


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is BOSS?

A: BOSS is an acronym for Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter. BOSS is a unique and very exciting underwater motor scooter which works with the bell theory. Remember in school when you would turn a glass upside down in a sink of water and no water would enter the glass? It's the same concept with the BOSS unit. As we descend you, a seal is formed and you are dry inside the bubble!

Q: Is this the same thing as BOB?

A: It is the exact same thing as BOB (Breathing Observation Bubble); in fact we are the original BOB Underwater Adventure. We changed our tour name because B.O.S.S. (Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter) is a better acronym to describe our tour.

Q: How long have you been operating?

A: Aqua Adventures has been operating in St. Thomas since 2002. We have safely taken over 100,000 guests on the BOSS Underwater Adventure.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim?

A: You do not need to know how to swim to participate in the BOSS Underwater Adventure. The staff are all certified Dive Masters and Dive Instructors; they will be with you throughout the tour. They will bring the BOSS unit to you at the back of the vessel and help you in and out of the unit. You are NEVER left alone.

Q: Can anyone do the BOSS Underwater Adventure?

A: We have a minimum age of 10 and a minimum height of 4 feet. As long as a person is in good physical health and can complete a medical questionnaire, they will be a perfect candidate for BOSS.

Q: Can I wear glasses or contact lens?

A: Absolutely! You will have to hold your glasses in your hand when you put your head in the bubble but then you can put your hands inside the spacious bubble and put your glasses back on. Contacts are fine as well. Just keep your eyes closed and the diver will guide you into the unit.

Q: How deep do you go?

A: We keep the area affected by pressure (head, sinuses, lungs) at 7-8 feet at all times. This is less then the deep end of the swimming pool behind your house! The BOSS unit is connected to a floating buoy with a line. Once we descend the BOSS unit, you will never go any deeper than the length of the line.

Q: Can the BOSS Unit tip over? ?

A: The BOSS unit will never tip over. The bubble produces 110 lbs. of buoyancy. Once we add the scuba tank, a 12-volt battery and 60 lbs. of lead weight, the unit now has 2 equal opposing forces. The BOSS unit is completely neutral.

Q: This product is so new, are you sure it will work?

A: The BOSS unit has been around for 13 years and in 10 locations throughout the world. The Navy has even used it for exploration and research. Millions of people have experienced the fun without incident.

Q: Does the engine harm the environment?

A: The BOSS unit is completely environmentally friendly. The unit is not propelled by an engine but uses a 12 volt battery and a switch. Therefore, there are not any emissions going into the water at all.

Q: How do you prevent the BOSS from banging into the reefs?

A: We are very supportive of the health of our reefs and the environment and would never permit this to happen. The BOSS tour is guided and conducted in groups of 8-10 people at one time. Each group is accompanied by 4-5 certified dive masters and a predetermined route is followed.

Q: How do I book the BOSS Underwater Adventure?

A: If you are cruising on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines or Princess Cruise Lines, we ask you book with the cruise line directly. We suggest you pre-book to insure availability. There are two ways to pre-book, online through the cruise line web site or you can call their reservation number.

Q: What if BOSS is not offered on our Cruise Line?

A: If you are cruising on a ship that does not offer BOSS, please contact us directly at (340) 777-3549.

Q: What if we are staying on St. Thomas?

A: If you are staying on St. Thomas, you can contact us directly at (340) 777-3549.

BOSS Underwater Adventure

There is a liability release from you must fill out, so check with your doctors before doing this to be sure it's safe for you if you have any of these conditions.

http://www.bossusvi.com/docs/1-LiabilityRelease.pdf

They are very quick at replying to emails too!!!

I'll be on the island around the end of this mounth. Holland America do not sell this tour
I want to know more about this...

How long is it (underwater adventure)
Is it far from the pier (Noordam)

Thank in advance

Holacanada from Quebec city

Originally Posted by holacanada

I'll be on the island around the end of this mounth. Holland America do not sell this tour
I want to know more about this...

How long is it (underwater adventure)
Is it far from the pier (Noordam)

Thank in advance

Holacanada from Quebec city

Hi Holacanada Welcome to CLF!

It is about 3 1/2 hours long, they do 2 excursions a day. If Holland America does not have this excursion through the ship, you will need to email Aqua Adventures at:

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BOSS?
We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, anything at all.

Aqua Adventures LLC
PMB 154 Suite 310
8168 Crown Bay Marina
St Thomas VI 00802
(340) 777-3549

AquaAdventures@bossusvi.com

They are very good at answering emails quickly.

[quote=holacanada;1204931
Is it far from the pier (Noordam)

[/quote]No it is not far, it's walking distance from the pier. They met us at the ship and walked us down the pier street to the boat for BOSS

Hope this helps

Excellent Info, Zig! Love the Q & A's! Thank you!

Originally Posted by LuLu

Excellent Info, Zig! Love the Q & A's! Thank you!

Thanks LuLu, but I can't take the credit LOL It is on their website and I posted it cause I thought it was questions most likely on others minds from here

I was unable to do the BOSS portion of the excursion due to ear equalizations problems. I ended up on snorkeling instead. When I inquired about a partial refund, the company declined my request twice saying I had done 1/2 the tour, which I had not since I surfaced within minutes of putting on the helmet and submerging. My wife did complete the tour and said it was mediocre at best and very short (about 1/2 hour). Additionally, the tour was supposed to run 3 1/2 hours, but we returned to the dock in less than 3 hours (they said the passengers agreed to leave early, but we were never asked). The tour ship did give me a courtesy 15% refund, but that still equated to a $120 snorkeling trip! If you think you may have a problem with claustrophobia or equalizing your ears, I wouldn't do this trip because they won't even consider a refund and you'll end up with the most expensive snorkeling trip in the S. Caribbean. The owner told me he was going to "support his employees" at the expense of the customer!

So, where were you when you tried to do it and what cruise ship were you on? I would think that the cruise line would have come to bat for you and given you the full refund.

I was in St Thomas and was cruising on Princess. Cruise line was of little help...and they felt the 15% they gave me was generous. I think they did it just to try to appease me.

That is really unusual. Most of the time the cruise lines will bend over backward to accommodate the passengers.

Hmm, did you use words like false advertising and improper notification of possible problems when discussing this with Princess?

Don't know if it will do any good, but it might be worth your while to write a short note to Princess headquarters and let them know about your problems.

Good luck.