Certified Open Water Divers participating in Georgia Aquarium's Journey with Gentle Giants Dive Immersion Program now have an opportunity to earn a unique PADI Distinctive Specialty offered nowhere else in the world. Become one of the first to earn the Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark Specialty Dive Certification. This unique opportunity is available to all divers certified by any recognized national or international training organization, such as PADI Open Water Diver Certification.

The PADI Whale Shark Distinctive Specialty at Georgia Aquarium offers the unique opportunity for guests to learn more about the whale shark through academic materials and direct observation. Students participating receive a Student Manual beforehand, a mini behind-the-scenes tour, the possibility of an intimate whale shark encounter, collector's pin, bracelet and a PADI Whale Shark Distinctive Specialty certification card.

Georgia Aquarium is the only place where a diver is guaranteed to see a whale shark, and now you can get the card to prove it!

HOW: The PADI Whale Shark Distinctive Specialty is available as an add-on to your dive when you purchase online. If you have already purchased your dive, please call the Call Center at 404.581.4000 to add the whale shark specialty to your program.

WHEN: Dives occur daily at 3 p.m. and additionally on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.  Participants in the PADI Whale Shark Distinctive Specialty should arrive at the Dive Kiosk, located next to the Ocean Voyager gallery, no later than 45 minutes before the dive event (10:15 for Saturday/Sunday morning dive; 2:15 for daily afternoon dive).

WHO: Registered participants in the Journey with Gentle Giants dive program can sign up for this whale shark specialty. Minimum age is 12 years old, and any diver under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating open water certified adult diver. Proof of open water SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification.

PRE-REQUISITES: Completion of PADI Physical Statement (similar to statement in Open Water Training, included in student packet available upon registration and payment); completion of Safe Diver Statement and Liability Release (included with student packet available upon registration and payment); prior reading of the student packet (available upon registration and payment). It is not required, however, the Georgia Aquarium recommends that any diver who has not recently been in the water participate in a refresher course with the emphasis on buoyancy control. Any medical conditions checked "yes" will require a medical doctor's release on physical statement form.

WHAT TO BRING: Proof of open water SCUBA certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization; completed forms; passport size photo (please no hats or sunglasses); swimsuit

COST: The whale shark specialty is a $74 add-on to your purchased dive.

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