Stay Under Water At Jules’ Undersea Lodge In Key Largo

Located in Emerald Lagoon, Key Largo, Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the only underwater hotel in the USA. What makes it even more unique is that you need to be a certified scuba diver to stay there. However, this isn’t a huge problem, as you can attend a scuba diving course prior to your stay. Read on to find out more about this unique stay with underwater views and fresh, hot pizza.

Underwater stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge

Jules’ Undersea Lodge was originally a research module in Puerto Rico but now rests 30 feet down on the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in Key Largo, Florida. Meanwhile, the lodge was opened for tourism stays in 1986 and has regularly had guests ever since.

However, there is one potential problem. Guests need to be certified scuba divers to stay in the lodge, which actually isn’t too much of a problem as scuba diving courses are offered by Discover SCUBA Diving.

Accessing the underwater lodge

Visitors have two options at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. They can enjoy a couple of hours under the water, gazing from the windows at the passing marine life. However, the better option is to spend the night – either way, you will get a hot, freshly cooked pizza to munch on under the sea.

As mentioned, this marine habitat was originally a research laboratory used on the continental shelf off the coast of Puerto Rico. However, it has now been adapted into a comfortable underwater stay for visitors, who enter via the “moon pool” entrance pictured above and here.

The habitat is filled with compressed air, which stops the water from rising through the “moon pool” into the habitat. Once guests climb out of the water, this is where they will leave their diving gear (which is included in the price) until they leave the lodge.

Inside is a communal room with a round window overlooking the marine world outside, plus a TV and free Wi-Fi to keep connected to the world above the water. As part of your stay, a fresh, hot pizza will be delivered to your “door” as well as a continental breakfast in the morning. On board, you will find a choice of water, sodas and snacks, all included in the price.

However, anyone who wants to go a little fancier can pay extra to be served a luxurious meal of tender filet mignon or lobster with vegetables or a salad, followed (naturally) by a delicious Key lime pie.

Where will you sleep?

For overnight stays, the habitat offers two comfortable staterooms, each sleeping two guests, as well as bathroom facilities. Each stateroom has a window overlooking the marine life outside the lodge.

What marine life can you expect to see?

As the lodge itself serves as an artificial reef, it attracts and shelters a huge range of marine life. Moreover, the lodge itself oxygenates its surroundings, which attracts even more. The most common marine life you will see here are the cute manatees that live in the area. However, a good range of other fish can be spotted through the lodge’s windows. These include blue tangs, barracudas, parrotfish, sea horses, sergeant majors and snappers.

Find out more about Jules’ Undersea Lodge including pricing on the lodge’s official website. You can also browse more photos on the lodge’s Facebook page.