The speedy bongo is uniquely suited to travel between Gungan settlements. The transport is designed to travel exclusively underwater and is seemingly propelled forward by its spinning, rear tail fins. The tail fins actually cycle water through and advanced electromotive field, which is responsible for moving the vehicle. The field, working in conjunction with the rotating fins, provides propulsion. Hydrostatic chambers provide buoyancy, while hydrostatic fields projected over the bongo's three pods protect passengers and cargo.

Bongos are designed to take Gungans to their destinations swiftly and safely. Although they are durable, they are certainly no match for the jaws of Naboo's ferocious sea creatures, and thus the Gungans avoid the core whenever possible. If the bongo is badly damaged in a collision or encounter with Naboo's hostile sea life, the forward cockpit can serve as an escape pod, although it has only a limited supply of energy and thus the pilot much reach the surface quickly.

When not in use, bongos are generally kept in special bongo bays. Like other buildings in the Gungan settlements, bongo bays are large, bubble domes. A special membrane portal allows the vehicles to enter and exit. While inside the bongo bay, the vehicles utilize repulsolift disks to move about.