January 13th, 2024 @ 11am and 3pm 
July 13th, 2024 @ 11am and 3pm
 November 9th, 2024 @ 11am 
Surround Yourself with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays & More

Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you’re guaranteed to dive with whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of other sea creatures. Suit up to SCUBA dive in the lively waters of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and have the experience of a lifetime. You not only get a behind the scenes tour and a dive with the gentle giants, you also get admission to the entire aquarium for the entire day! 

• Work With a Trainer

  Aquarium staff divers are with you at all times to answer questions and ensure your safety.

• Spend 30 Minutes in the Water

  You bring your excitement, and they'll supply everything you need during and after your dive.

• All participants (Swim, Dive, or CCR) must be ages 12 and older. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult in the water.

  Adult to Child Ratios:

  For the Dive Program, there is a maximum of 7 children (ages 15-17) per participating adult and EACH child ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.

  Frequently Asked Questions

• 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, pompano and several species of rays - just to name a few.

• Do I have to be SCUBA certified?

  Yes, if you would like to SCUBA dive. Proof of open water 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.

• 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. Guests will be escorted around the dry side during the event for the best opportunity to see the participants. Please do not leave minor children (under age 12) unattended with the Aquarium Volunteers during your swim/dive 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 CPR, first aid, and emergency oxygen trained. Both the dive and swim programs are a guided tour; they are not a free swim.

• What’s the water temperature?

  The water temperature is 77ºF.

• What equipment is included in the dive program?

  Open Water certified divers ages 12 and up are eligible to participate in the SCUBA program. All SCUBA gear is provided for the 30-minute dive and personal masks are permitted.

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