Need Some Offseason Diving? Try The Aquarium!
Let's face it, Midwest winters can be brutal. As divers, we're constantly craving that underwater fix, but when the lakes turn into ice rinks and the snow piles up higher than a narced diver's storytelling, those tropical dive trips start looking mighty tempting.
But hey, we get it – sometimes the budget or the family schedule just doesn't allow for a spontaneous Caribbean getaway. And let's be honest, even the most hardcore among us have limits when it comes to braving those frigid quarry dives (no judgment if you've ever resorted to pouring hot water down your wetsuit).
What's a winter-weary diver to do? Well, how about taking a dip in a giant fish tank? That's right, we're talking aquarium diving! Many public aquariums across the country offer unique dive experiences and volunteer opportunities, allowing you to keep those scuba skills sharp and get your fix of underwater wonder, even when the weather outside is frightful.
So, let's trade those snow boots for dive booties and explore a few of the awesome aquarium diving opportunities out there!
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois:
Right in our backyard, the Shedd Aquarium offers a fantastic volunteer diver program. You could find yourself scrubbing algae off coral heads in the Caribbean Reef, assisting with marine mammal care, or even helping maintain the Wild Reef exhibit (shark encounters included!). To qualify, you'll need to be at least 21 years old, have a current scuba certification, and have logged at least 30 dives. It's a great way to give back to the underwater community and get some unique diving experience.
National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland:
If you're in the DC area or feeling adventurous enough for a road trip, the National Aquarium has some cool opportunities. They have a volunteer diver program for their Dolphin Discovery and Atlantic Coral Reef exhibits. You'll need to be at least 18, have an Advanced Open Water certification, and have logged at least 30 dives.
Want to just dive and skip the chores? For $225, you can enjoy a 3-hour dive experience in their Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit. All you need is to be 18 or older and have an Open Water certification.
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia:
Ready to swim with the big guys? The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers an unforgettable experience diving with whale sharks and other amazing creatures. This 2.5-hour program includes a 30-minute dive and a behind-the-scenes tour. You'll need to be at least 12 years old and have an Open Water certification.
Bonus: EPCOT - Disney World
Okay, it's not technically an aquarium, but EPCOT's 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium is a diver's dream! For $229, you can take the plunge and swim with over 2,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, reef fish, stingrays, and even sharks. You'll need to be at least 10 years old and have an Open Water certification.
Don't Let Winter Win!
So, there you have it – a few fin-tastic options to keep your dive skills sharp and your underwater cravings satisfied, even when the weather outside is frightful. Aquarium diving offers a unique and accessible way to experience the underwater world, no matter where you live. So, ditch the winter blues and dive into an adventure!
And hey, if you're ever in the Chicagoland area, be sure to stop by Dive Right In Scuba. We might not have whale sharks or dolphins, but we've got a whole lot of passion for diving and a community of fellow enthusiasts ready to share the underwater love!
