When you think of the state of Georgia, you might start whistling "Dixie" or you might begin fantasizing about the peaches the state is famous for producing. What you might not immediately consider is the amount of diving you can do, both along the coast, and at inland destinations. One of these destinations is the Georgia Aquarium, where you can swim with massive manta rays and other incredible marine life. No hoping for an encounter, and no endless waits on the bottom waiting for critters; they're all here, and you can visit them in a controlled environment.
Diving The Georgia Aquarium: A Different Kind of Adventure
Located in Downtown Atlanta, between the Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium is home to a magnificent array of sea life and freshwater life, and is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums as well as by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Offering massive exhibits that house everything from tiny reef creatures to whale sharks as well as everything in between, this is a great destination for divers and non-divers alike.
The dive at Georgia Aquarium takes place in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. Journey with Gentle Giants offers the unique distinction of being the only place in the world where you are absolutely guaranteed a whale shark encounter. The price of admission includes an aquarium pass, plus a pass for the Dolphin Tales show, as well as a relaxing and enjoyable movie in the 4D theater. While all equipment including wetsuits and BCD's, plus air are provided, personal masks are permitted.
The experience itself lasts for 2 1/2 hours, with the underwater portion lasting about 30 minutes. Here, you'll encounter four whale sharks, four manta rays, and thousands of fish, all living happily in a gigantic 6.3 million gallon tank which is the world's largest aquarium habitat. Each animal living in the aquarium has a story; for example, Nandi, the first manta ray to come to Georgia Aquarium, was rescued from entrapment in one of the shark nets that protect South Africa's beach visitors from attacks. She was then rehabilitated by an aquarium in South Africa. When she grew too large for the exhibit in South Africa, it was clear that she needed a new home, so she flew across the ocean in a jet, accompanied by her old keeper and staff from the Georgia Aquarium.
Besides the manta rays and whale sharks you'll see here, you'll also encounter cow nose rays and harmless zebra sharks, plus sawfish and leopard whip rays, bowmouth guitarfish, humphead wrasse, schooling trevally and jacks, and many others. Maximum depth is 33 feet, and visibility is unlimited. Participants must be certified and must be at least 12 years old; for those who wish to enjoy swimming with the mantas and whale sharks but who are not certified divers, there is a snorkeling program available.
In addition to this once in a lifetime chance to swim in a magnificent habitat with some of the world's most amazing marine life, you'll receive a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium, and you'll get a t-shirt and a couple of other souvenirs commemorating the experience. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance; as you might guess, this is a very popular dive destination!