System and method for underwater observation

摘要

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a water vehicle including a deck that accommodates a group of passengers above a waterline and an observation gondola accommodating the group of passengers below the waterline. The access between the observation gondola and the deck is provided by way of an aperture in a top of the observation gondola. The observation gondola includes a transparent floor and walls allowing the group of passengers to enjoy an underwater experience without exposure to the water and while maintaining an unobstructed panoramic view of the underwater environment. The underwater observation gondola can include a substantially open top, which may include a sun screen or weather protective cover. The open top exposes the observation gondola to fresh air, while alleviating any claustrophobic sensations as might otherwise be experienced by passengers during underwater observation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

主权项

1. A water vehicle, comprising:
a deck sufficiently sized to accommodate a plurality of passengers; a hull arranged to support a portion of the deck above a waterline; and an observation gondola extending below the waterline and secured relative to the deck when configured in an underwater observation mode, the observation gondola comprising:
a transparent floor;seating to accommodate the plurality of passengers seated above the transparent floor;a top portion including an open area above the seating, wherein the open area overlaps at least 50% of the seating extending through the deck above the gondola and exposed to the atmosphere; anda plurality of transparent walls, each wall of the plurality of transparent walls extending between the floor and the top portion, wherein the floor, the top portion and the plurality of transparent walls collectively define an interior region sufficiently sized to accommodate the plurality of passengers below the waterline.