- What is the purpose of this program/overview of the dive?
- What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience?
- How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see?
- What is the difference between SCUBA and swim?
- Do I have to be SCUBA certified?
- What if it has been a while since my last dive?
- What should I bring with me?
- What is the cost of the program?
- Can I pre-register? Do I have to pre-register?
- What are the age requirements?
- Are you able to dive/swim with special needs?
- Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
- How do I get to the Aquarium?
- Where do I go when I arrive?
- Will there be a guide in the water with me?
- How do I make a reservation?
- What is your rescheduling policy?
- What’s the water temperature?
- Can we feed the animals?
- Can I buy out a time slot to swim alone?
- Can I bring my own equipment and wetsuit?
- Can I bring a photographer or person with me to film underwater?
- Will tickets be available for walk-up guests?
- Can we touch the animals?
- Will I be swimming alone?
- Are there set times available, or do I pick my own time?
- What is the purpose of this program/overview of the dive? (top)
- The program is an exploration of the Ocean Voyager exhibit and introduction to the Georgia Aquarium conservation and whale shark research program. Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim or SCUBA dive with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. A portion of the proceeds from this program support the Aquarium’s 4R conservation program. For more information about the Georgia Aquarium’s 4R program, please visit the Web site at www.georgiaaquarium.org.
- What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience? (top)
- The program lasts for 2.5 hours and includes an educational overview of the purpose and experience of the Journey with Gentle Giants, 30-minute swim or SCUBA dive in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and a debriefing where participants can watch their experience on a DVD, available for purchase. Participants will also get a glimpse of some behind-the-scenes areas of the Georgia Aquarium.
- How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see? (top)
- The exhibit contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges in depth from 20 to 33 feet deep. This exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays, bowmouth guitarfish, humphead wrasses and schools of tarpon, pompano and cownose rays. That’s just to name a few.
- What is the difference between SCUBA and swim? (top)
- SCUBA diving is the act of swimming underwater while using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. There are several large diving organizations that train and certify divers and dive instructors. The Aquarium’s swim program will allow individuals to swim at the surface with an air supply, and this does not require any certification.
- Do I have to be SCUBA certified? (top)
- Yes, if you would like to SCUBA dive. Proof of SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification. There is no certification necessary to participate in the swim program.
- What if it has been a while since my last dive? (top)
- A refresher course at your local dive shop will increase your comfort level and enhance your experience at the Georgia Aquarium.
- What should I bring with me? (top)
- All you will need to bring is your swimsuit. If diving, you will have to provide proof of SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization, along with photo identification. Georgia Aquarium will supply all equipment (mask, fins, tank, buoyancy device, regulator, weights, wetsuit and booties) and towels. Please do not bring your own equipment or camera of any kind. Personal masks are permitted, but will be required to be disinfected. Comfortable changing rooms with showers and lockers are provided. You may wish to bring a recycled plastic bag for your damp suit after your experience.
- What is the cost of the program? (top)
- For the swim program, the cost is $225 for non-Members and 10% off for Annual Pass Members. For the SCUBA dive program, the cost is $325 for non-Members and 10% off for Annual Pass Members. Program price includes admission to the Aquarium, all equipment, the swim or dive, certificate of participation, dive log book, t-shirt and souvenir photo. DVD will be available for purchase. Equipment provided: mask, fins, tank, buoyancy device, regulator, weights, booties and wetsuit. Personal masks are permitted, but will be required to be disinfected.
- Can I pre-register? Do I have to pre-register? (top)
- We encourage guests to pre-register as there are a limited number of spaces per dive.
- What are the age requirements? (top)
- All participants must be age 12 and older. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult. The SCUBA option is open to all certified divers age 12 and older. Proof of OPEN WATER SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification.
- Are you able to dive/swim with special needs? (top)
- Yes, we have designed the locker room and dive platform to accommodate people with disabilities. When you call to make a reservation, please let the reservists know you have special needs and someone from the dive program will call you prior to your visit to review your special needs, motility issues and equipment.
- Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket? (top)
- Yes, friends and family can watch you in the Ocean Voyager exhibit at the tunnel and big window. They must purchase general admission tickets. Please do not leave minor children (under age 12) unattended with the Aquarium Volunteers during your swim/dive experience.
- How do I get to the Aquarium? (top)
- The Aquarium is located downtown right next to the new World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. Click here for directions.
- Where do I go when I arrive? (top)
- Please go to the Dive Kiosk, located in the Atrium next to the Ocean Voyager gallery, to check in 30 minutes prior to your experience.
- Will there be a guide in the water with me? (top)
- There will be three dive masters in the water with you at all times. Dive team members are rescue, CPR, first aid and emergency oxygen trained. Both the dive and swim programs are a guided tour; they are not a free swim.
- How do I make a reservation? (top)
- You can make a reservation by registering online or calling 404.581.4000.
- What is your rescheduling policy? (top)
- At Georgia Aquarium, we recognize that vacation plans can change. The Aquarium does not offer refunds, but will reschedule your swim or dive if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $50. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404.581.4000.
- What’s the water temperature? (top)
- The water temperature is 75 or 78 degrees F.
- Can we feed the animals? (top)
- No.
- Can I buy out a time slot to swim alone? (top)
- Yes.
- Can I bring my own equipment and wet suit? (top)
- All necessary equipment and a wetsuit will be provided. You can bring your personal mask.
- Can I bring a photographer or person with me to film underwater? (top)
- No. A souvenir photo will be provided to you and a DVD containing underwater footage will be available for purchase. Photos and video taken during the dive are the property of Georgia Aquarium. We reserve the right to use any photos and video for promotional purposes. Photos and video may only be taken by Georgia Aquarium designates.
- Will tickets be available for walk-up guests? (top)
- Yes. Walk-up tickets can be purchased if available, but must be purchased at least 2 hours before the scheduled Journey with Gentle Giants program.
- Can we touch the animals? (top)
- No.
- Will I be swimming alone? (top)
- No. Each experience can accommodate up to eight participants, and you will have Dive Masters in the water with you at all times.
- Are there set times available for Journey with Gentle Giants, or do I pick my own time? (top)
- Currently, the dive program is offered at 3 p.m. daily, and the swim program is offered at 4:30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, we offer an additional dive at 11:00 a.m. as well as the regularly scheduled 3 p.m. dive and 4:30 p.m. swim. Schedules are subject to change.
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