Expédition Nautibus: completely rethemed and engineered dark ride reopens at Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo
Brussels, 18 April 2025 – The Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo unveils the totally reimagined Expedition Nautibus underwater experience, unique in the world. After an extensive refurbishment and retheming, the beloved submarine adventure now offers visitors a more complete immersive experience, blending state-of-the-art technology with captivating storytelling. By merging two attractions, The Abyssal Descender and Nautibus, Expédition Nautibus now offers a unified and immersive journey with a compelling storyline.
The BoldMove team led the transformation, introducing a brand-new storyline, immersive theming, and a totally re-engineered ride system, which had become obsolete. The queue line and preshow areas have been entirely redesigned, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey into the mysterious depths of the ocean. The submarine vehicles have undergone a full technical overhaul, including complete rewiring and new automation systems with electrical cabinets. It results in a highly improved dark ride, synchronizing all components into a breathtaking underwater experience. Visitors board the submarine vehicles and pass through different scenes in the water that they can enjoy through the window.
Smart design and creative approach
With only a one-week window to empty the tank for the first time in 24 years, the team had to work efficiently and strategically. Existing props were carefully relocated, restored, and integrated into the new experience, while additional elements were introduced to enhance the attraction. Despite a tight three-month timeline to complete the entire transformation, smart and creative solutions were implemented to maximize impact. For example, underwater columns were crafted from a single mold, but each was designed with different angles to create the illusion of unique structures. Attention to detail extends to subtle easter eggs—one of the crates in the queue line displays the aquarium’s opening date, and a themed locker showcases park merchandise.
Sustainability at the core
During the design process the team prioritized sustainability by repurposing existing elements. Every piece in the tank was carefully recuperated, refurbished, and reinstalled. Furniture was being re-used, including old radios and even plants from the tank. While adding new elements to enhance the experience—such as rocks, crates, columns, and frames—a real hydroponic farm was also introduced in the preshow. Additionally, the old submarines were fully refurbished rather than replaced, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This approach allowed the creation of a fresh and exciting experience that was created in an environmentally friendly and responsible way.
Seamlessly integrating theming design and production
This ambitious renovation merged two previous attractions, Nautibus and Abyssal Descender, into a unified new experience. To achieve this, the entire queue line was strategically redesigned to enhance the narrative and seamlessly connect both attractions. Starting with a compelling storyline, the design team developed concept drawings and carefully selected materials, colors, and props for the detailed design to bring each room to life with precision and authenticity. Every element was meticulously crafted to ensure a high-quality, visually stunning result.
Inside the aquarium tank, an innovative Pepper’s Ghost effect creates a breathtaking underwater illusion through glass projections, transforming the scene into an optical theater. The attraction’s refreshed branding and visual identity are fully aligned with the Grand Aquarium’s rebranding, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors.
Engineering excellence
The technical renovation has completely modernized the electrical and automation systems, ensuring compliance with EN13814 standards. The integration of cutting-edge components not only improves the reliability of the attraction but also facilitates future maintenance. The technical team managed the entire documentation, installed the new components, programmed and tested the automation systems, and choreographed the vehicle movements in alignment with the scenography. This extensive work led to the TÜV certification, guaranteeing an optimized control system for better attraction management.
"Three months was a real challenge! Especially in terms of sourcing materials—we had to coordinate with multiple suppliers. It was a true technical and logistical effort! I’m very proud to have orchestrated this aquatic ballet of submarines to create a sense of wonder for visitors!" - Sébastien Challard, Development Engineer
Legendary underwater journey
The adventure begins at Dr. Jean Kermalo’s historic family home, La Malouinière. Guests descend into the Emeraude submarine base, located 300 meters below sea level. The Emeraude submarine base boasts a distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic, inspired by classic marine explorations. Visitors will explore The Bridge, Living Spaces, and the Hangar, each designed to immerse them deeper into the world of deep-sea exploration. Here they board the Nautibus for an extraordinary deep-sea expedition. The journey leads through mystical caves, ancient ruins, and the legendary sunken city of Mor-Lenn. Along the way, visitors will discover lost civilizations, encounter the mysterious Guardian of Mor-Lenn through mesmerizing underwater glass projections.
Magical live experience
The Nautibus submarines, designed for deep-water discovery, accommodate small groups for an intimate and breathtaking view of Mor-Lenn’s secrets. As guests approach the city’s legendary bronze gates, they even glimpse the mythical Guardian, adding a final touch of wonder and mystery to the experience. The final touch to this spectacular experience is the return of live fish, further enhancing the realism and immersion of the underwater journey.
"It was challenging to coordinate in a very short timeline and under harsh circumstances all creative design and theming production, engineering and AV elements. Our team and involved partners delivered amazing work with a high level of quality and dedication." says Jérôme Delescaille, Architect-Design Manager of BoldMove Nation, who was in charge of the project. "We are very pleased with the final result and hope that many visitors will enjoy this unique expedition during many years to come."
Discover the Making-Of-Video of Expédition Nautibus here.
About BoldMove Nation
Founded early 2021 by dark ride visionary Benoit Cornet and PR Strategist Anja D’Hondt, BoldMove Nation creates happy worlds for theme parks, waterparks and leisure venues. Specializing in themed rides and attractions, they deliver immersive experiences to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of proven technologies with creative concepts and fun stories results into unique attractions. BoldMove earned several prestigious awards, including the IAAPA Brass Ring Award and the Park World Excellence Award.
About Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo
The Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo is one of France's most visited aquariums, located in Saint-Malo, Brittany. Opened in 1996, it offers an immersive journey into marine life with over 600 species from around the world. Visitors can explore themed zones, from the Atlantic and Tropical seas to the Abyssal depths, and enjoy unique experiences like the Nautibus submarine ride, which takes guests through a massive underwater tank. With interactive exhibits and a focus on conservation, the Grand Aquarium provides a fascinating glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.