I got to dive in another aquarium! This time, I got to really move around the exhibit and even pet some sharks.
Ever been headbutted by a sea turtle? It didn’t hurt at all, and they didn’t bite, but it wasn’t clear to me if I could interact with them or not so I tried running away. You can’t really run when you’re waist deep in water carrying a load of scuba gear but I did my best!
I have loved interacting with people while diving in aquariums, and I love talking to people about scuba in general. I’ve definitely gotten distracted answering questions from curious passers-by when getting ready to get in the water. Getting to do something as simple as waving to kids and parents and seeing their excitement enhances my experience.
And what a treat, I got to pet a nurse shark! Their skin is really rough. Not enough that it would hurt you, but I wouldn’t want to spend a long time with my hands on it.
The sharks in this particular aquarium like to gather on the curved side of the tank that guests can walk under. It makes for a very cool experience, seeing the sharks above you.
Nurse sharks are usually a very calm breed of shark, and I’ve heard they’re easy for an aquarium to take care of. I’m sure these sharks have been trained and gotten very used to people–like the sea turtles– but I don’t know if those behaviors are the same in the wild.
A friend asked what makes an aquarium dive different and more interesting than an open water dive. Each environment has its pros and cons, but I’d say the biggest draw for aquarium diving is the guarantee you’re going to see sometime interesting. In the wild you can’t control when wildlife appears, so some dives might be disappointing because you don’t really see anything. In a tank you always get to see animals up close and personal, and there are often unusual or rare species. For example, this aquarium tank also had spotted eagle rays, an animal that is on a lot of divers’ bucket lists.
The biggest con in my opinion is the cost. While it doesn’t break the bank, you essentially pay the same price for one aquarium dive, that you pay for two dives elsewhere in Mexico.
So, how can YOU do this?
Not a lot of aquariums offer these kinds of adventures, so you’ll have to search around for what’s available in your area. If you aren’t a certified driver, look for snorkeling experiences. You stay at the surface of the water and get an excellent view of the tank and fish below.
If you’re certified, make sure you check what certification level you need or if a minimum total number of dives are required. The requirements vary between aquariums.
Though this recommendation isn’t exactly the same as a one-time aquarium experience, some large aquariums have scuba volunteer programs. Check your nearest aquarium to see if you can sign up. They normally require you to pass a couple practical in-water tests and demonstrations, and you may need to sign up for a predetermined number of shifts for a volunteer period (usually 6-12 months).
Here’s hoping your aquarium adventures are a success! If you’re interested in learning about Mazatlàn’s aquarium, you can find more information here by clicking the link