Even though a scuba diving bird sounds like the stuff of storybooks, one pet parent turned the wild idea into reality with a makeshift submarine. Bebe the parakeet has been on many daring adventures before, allegedly even skydiving, but the April 5 video of him underwater in the Bahamas has the entire Internet talking.
Bebe is a white-winged parakeet who enjoys the freedom of flying outside and tagging along on his parents’ adventures. His resourceful dad has found many creative ways to give him an adventurous life, including building a submarine for Bebe out of a paintball air tank and a food storage container. The now-viral video of the scuba diving parakeet has been met with both awe and anger, but there’s no denying that Bebe is one brave bird.
This has got to be a first! Many wild birds are no strangers to the water, but parrot species are much more comfortable on land and in the air. Regardless of species, though, there’s no way Bebe isn’t the first bird to use a submarine.
A few viewers were left in awe of the daredevil bird and his ocean adventure, like @irelandsspovv, who wrote, “Okay, but that bird is so loved.” There’s no question that Bebe is the light of his Dad, Steve’s, life, but some commenters are concerned about the difference between love and exploitation.
Related: Golden Retriever and Parakeet Besties Are a Real-Life Snoopy and Woodstock
@Saraelizabethglickman shared, “I’m sorry, but this is so stupid and irresponsible as a pet owner. You think the bird enjoyed that? It probably hated it and was scared. I get wanting to have your beloved pet around 24/7, but this is too much.”
The bird’s adventure received a mixed bag of reactions, but the opinion that matters most is Bebe’s. “I can’t tell if he hates it or is just super intrigued,” admitted @jsphotography.jpg. That’s how I felt when I saw this viral video, too. The sweet parakeet wasn’t in obvious distress, but he didn’t look like he was having a great time, either.
Building a Bird Submarine
After Bebe’s underwater adventure went viral, Steve posted a follow-up video to explain how he built his pet bird’s custom submarine. Of course, Bebe was on his dad’s shoulder the entire time, and he had a lot to say, too!
This video offers a clearer glimpse into Steve and Bebe’s relationship, and there’s no doubt the little bird feels comfortable with his dad. Other videos on their account show the parakeet riding on his dad’s helmet during a bike ride and tagging along on other adventures, but that doesn’t guarantee he was comfortable in his submarine. Still, Steve’s invention does seem very thoughtfully built.
Bird mom @tigglywinks said, “I have a canary-winged parakeet named Pickles. Trust me, if Bebe did not want to be in there or was stressed, you would see it. Mine freaks at everything and is extremely vocal when he does not like something. You can basically read his little mind and how he feels very, very clearly. Bebe looks very healthy and happy!”
I sure hope that’s the case! This fascinating bird is certainly making a splash, but no amount of views is worth sacrificing a pet’s comfort.
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.