Players of Atlantica act as research teams, looking to reveal the secrets of Plato's legendary sunken city from the sea. But first it is necessary to hire divers from the pub for underwater adventure and to reserve ships in port facilities for possible treasure hunts on the bottom of the sea.

On place safely on ships, the treasures of Atlantis bring the researchers points at game's end. When a hurricane arrives on the horizon, as indicated by a hurricane card showing up near the bottom of the deck, players end their dives and tally their scores.