Dive with the Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium and The Dive Shop On McEver
Dive or Swim with the Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium with The Dive Shop On McEver
Sunday, December 25th, 2011 Starting @ 3:00pm (dive) & 4:30pm (Swim) - Spaces Still Available!
They only allow 8 people in twice per day (16 spots) to dive with the sharks. Any Snorkelers who would like to participate have a separate time at 4:30 pm.
Payment is Due in full for the Dives When You Sign Up
Program price includes admission to the Aquarium, all equipment, the swim or dive, certificate of participation, dive log book, t-shirt and souvenir photo. DVD will be available for purchase. Equipment provided: mask, fins, tank, buoyancy device, regulator, weights, booties and wetsuit. Personal masks are permitted, but will be required to be disinfected.
Georgia Aquarium Dive Info
Have you ever seen a whale shark or manta ray up close and personal? If not, now's your chance. Come participate in the Georgia Aquarium's new Journey with the Gentle Giants program. This is an amazing and rare opportunity to SCUBA dive (or snorkel) with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, in Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit. This 6.3 million gallon exhibit houses thousands of fish including two manta rays, sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, humphead wrasses and schools of tarpon, pompano and cownose rays.
All you need is a swim suit. We supply all the gear at no additional cost (you may bring your own mask if you like). Our trained dive staff will be your personal guides for the entire journey. Come and join us for an experience you'll never forget!
Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark Specialty Dive Certification Info - (The DSOM can also issue this certification) Certified Divers participating in the Dive Immersion Program now have an opportunity to earn a unique PADI Distinctive Specialty offered nowhere else in the world. Become one of the first to earn the Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark Specialty Dive Certifications.
While experiencing the excitement of diving within the environment of the Georgia Aquarium among the world’s largest fish, the whale sharks, divers will familiarize themselves with the physical characteristics, habitat and conservation efforts for whale sharks. The divers will also learn skills, procedures and techniques while diving with whale sharks.
The course promotes whale shark conservation by allowing student divers to closely observe these gentle giants and thereby establishing a stronger emotional connection with them. This connection and the conversation message will inspire the divers to more actively support and promote whale shark conversation. This course is intended as a safe, supervised, diving experience with emphasis on safety, excitement, education and conservation of these gentle giants. The Georgia Aquarium is the only environment in North America to offer this unique distinctive specialty, allowing divers a guaranteed opportunity to dive with whale sharks and thousands of other magnificent animals in the Ocean Voyager Exhibit.
By earning this unique specialty, divers become proud ambassadors for these gentle giants.
General Questions & Answers from the Georgia Aquarium: What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience?
The program lasts for 2.5 hours and includes an educational overview of the purpose and experience of the Journey with Gentle Giants, 30-minute swim or SCUBA dive in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and a debriefing where participants can watch their experience on a DVD, available for purchase. Participants will also get a glimpse of some behind-the-scenes areas of the Georgia Aquarium.
How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see?
The exhibit contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges in depth from 20 to 33 feet deep. This exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, humphead wrasses and schools of tarpon, pompano and cownose rays. That’s just to name a few.
Do I have to be Open Water SCUBA certified?
Yes, if you would like to SCUBA dive. Proof of SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification. There is no certification necessary to participate in the swim program.
What if it has been a while since my last dive?
A refresher course at your local dive shop will increase your comfort level and enhance your experience at the Georgia Aquarium.
What should I bring with me?
All you will need to bring is your swimsuit. If diving, you will have to provide proof of SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization, along with photo identification. Comfortable changing rooms with showers and lockers are provided. You may wish to bring a recycled plastic bag for your damp suit after your experience.
What are the age requirements?
All participants must be age 12 and older. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. The SCUBA option is open to all certified divers age 12 and older. Proof of OPEN WATER SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification.
Are you able to dive/swim with special needs?
Yes, we have designed the locker room and dive platform to accommodate people with disabilities. When you call to make a reservation, please let the reservists know you have special needs and someone from the dive program will call you prior to your visit to review your special needs, motility issues and equipment.
Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Yes, friends and family can watch you in the Ocean Voyager exhibit at the tunnel and big window. They must purchase general admission tickets. Please do not leave minor children (under age 12) unattended with the Aquarium Volunteers during your swim/dive experience.
How do I get to the Aquarium?
The Aquarium is located downtown right next to the new World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Please go to the Dive Kiosk, located in the Atrium next to the Ocean Voyager gallery, to check in 30 minutes prior to your experience.
Will there be a guide in the water with me?
There will be three dive masters in the water with you at all times. Dive team members are rescue, CPR, first aid and emergency oxygen trained. Both the dive and swim programs are a guided tour; they are not a free swim.
What is your rescheduling policy?
At Georgia Aquarium, we recognize that vacation plans can change. The Aquarium does not offer refunds, but will reschedule your swim or dive if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $50 per ticket. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
What’s the water temperature? - The water temperature is 75 or 78 degrees F.
Can we feed the animals? No. Can we touch the animals? No.
Will I be swimming alone? No. Each experience can accommodate up to eight participants, and you will have Dive Masters in the water with you at all times.
