Necker Nymph Electric Submarine: See Richard Branson's "Underwater Plane" in Action (Video)

If all the activities on Necker Island weren't enough to keep you busy, this private island paradise now has a new world-first - a 3-person aero submarine we call Necker Nymph. This underwater 'aircraft' has been designed especially for Virgin Limited Edition and takes exploration under the sea to a whole new level - or should that be depth?! Discover some stunning parts of the British Virgin Islands you might not get to see any other way!

The Necker Nymph submersible was built in 2010 by Hawkes Ocean Technologies at a cost of $690,000 (£415,000). It relies on the same underwater diving principle as the DeepFlight Merlin class of submersibles, meaning it is positively buoyant, and to remain underwater it must keep moving forward. Unlike conventional subs which use ballast to sink in the water, the Necker Nymph uses downward ‘lift’ on the wings to fly down to depth. In the event of a power failure the sub would simply float to the surface.

The Necker Nymph is 15-feet long and weighs roughly 750 kgs. It is capable of hydrobatic maneuvers, barrel rolls etc, and can dive up to 130 feet down. Dives can last for up to 2 hours. The occupants use standard scuba gear for breathing.