You might not think of the Mile High city as a place to scuba dive, but once you learn about the great diving programs offered at Denver's Downtown Aquarium, you'll probably find yourself checking your calendar in hopes of making a trip yourself. Offering three special dives plus diver certification for those who wish to learn to dive, this fantastic aquarium is a tropical haven in the middle of Colorado's capital. Let's take a look at the programs offered, plus, we'll meet some of the marine life that calls the aquarium home.
Dive With the Sharks
In the Depths of the Pacific exhibit and Sunken Shipwreck Exhibit, divers come face to face with Sand Tiger Sharks, Brown Sharks, and Zebra sharks, along with giant green sea turtles, barracudas, sawfish and guitarfish, all in a massive 400,000 gallon aquarium tank that offers perfect visibility and a maximum depth of 22 feet.
Dive With the Fish
For those who would rather not immerse themselves in a shark habitat, the Dive with the Fish experience offers divers a fascinating encounter with countless fish of several species, including moray eels and red drums, plus a huge Queensland Grouper, harmless nurse sharks, and all sorts of colorful reef species. This dive takes place in the Under the Sea exhibit, which is housed in a 200,000 gallon aquarium tank with a maximum depth of 14 feet.
Swim With the Fish
For those who wish to experience all that the Under the Sea exhibit has to offer, but who don't possess c-cards, the Swim with the Fish experience is the perfect opportunity to get a better look at the many fish that call this comfortably heated tank their home. You'll be provided with a mask, snorkel, and floatation device so you can enjoy a super-safe, incredibly fun experience unlike any other. This experience is open to children ages 6 and up.
Safety and More
Before snorkeling or diving at the Denver Aquarium, everyone who visits receives a short presentation on exhibit safety. In addition, fish identification and aquarium biology is discussed, and a short dive briefing follows. After that, you'll find yourself enjoying between 30 and 40 minutes immersed in the splendor of the underwater world. Divers may bring personal masks, but other gear is provided by the aquarium. C-cards are required for both dive programs, and pre-registration is required; you'll need to make your plans at least two weeks in advance.
Onsite amenities include a gift shop and dining inside the aquarium, and the price of a dive or swim program includes aquarium admission, a souvenir T-shirt, a fish ID booklet, a coupon for a free appetizer inside the aquarium's restaurant, and a dive guide. Reusable underwater cameras are available for sale, however you can bring your own if you like; you'll have to pay an extra fee to bring in your own camera. If you want to learn to take better underwater photos, you can sign up for a class with the aquarium.
While most tours occur at scheduled times, private visits may be arranged. Contact the aquarium in advance for pricing and other details. Denver Aquarium is located at 700 Water Street in Denver; to get there from northbound I-25, take exit 211 to 23rd Avenue and head west; the aquarium will be on your right. With classes and adventures for everyone, this is a convenient place to dive close to home, with guaranteed encounters you won't soon forget.