- The National Aquarium introduces an exciting new diving experience
- Enthusiasts now have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with gentle sharks and rays
- Visitors can also feed the diverse array of animals they encounter
- New divers get the opportunity to learn the underwater sign language
- The dive experience also includes educational sessions on the various species encountered
UAE, Abu Dhabi; 13 January 2022: The National Aquarium at Al Qana, the Middle East’s largest aquarium with over 46,000 sea animals and 300 different species, is now offering visitors a breathtaking diving experience with the regions largest diversity of animals in a single tank, with diving options available for both certified and non-certified divers, and anyone eager for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Paul Hamilton, General Manager at The National Aquarium says, “We are absolutely delighted to be offering our visitors such an extraordinary dive experience with our vibrant selection of sharks and rays. Of course, the reality is that sharks are grossly misunderstood, and many of them are currently endangered due to overfishing. Through our immersive experiences, the National Aquarium hopes to dispel this fear and celebrate these magnificent and fascinating creatures.”
Visitors without prior diving experience or certification can delve into the depths of the National Aquarium’s main tank, which houses the Middle East’s largest shark and ray collection, including the infamous hammerhead sharks, zebra sharks, eagle rays and a variety of other shark and ray species.
Certified scuba divers, on the other hand, get to immerse themselves in this one-of-a-kind adventure, which includes a bonus 2in1 experience diving with 2.5m long sand tiger sharks and lemon sharks, as well as the opportunity to cross over to dive with one of the world’s only school of hammerhead sharks.
All the divers will be accompanied by a guide as they interact with the wide variety of marine life while learning underwater sign language and taking part in the live feeding demonstrations. To top all of this, divers will also get the chance to commemorate the unforgettable experience, by having their photos taken with the iconic underwater scenery on the sea grass bed, next to the submarine, beneath a shipwreck, and inside the megalodon bite, all of which are surrounded by magnificent creatures that add to the experience. Prior to the exciting dive adventure, the dive instructor will conduct a brief theory lesson to ensure that basic safety guidelines for shallow water diving are followed.
DAY AND TIMINGS
Wednesday – Sunday
Shark Dive for certified divers: 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm
(Note: Arrive an hour early to prepare for the dive)
Discover Scuba Diving: 3 pm, 5 pm, 7pm
(Note: A quick theory test will be conducted by the dive instructor to ensure basic safety guidelines)
PRICES
Shark Dive (certified divers only) – AED 790
Discover Scuba Diving (non-certified divers) – AED 1,210
For diving inquiries, call 056 829 6923
