Frequently Asked Questions
Journey With Gentle Giants - Dive
Overview
- What's the duration of the program and what's included in the experience?
The dive program is approximately 2.5 hours long, so please plan accordingly. The experience consists of a dive team member picking you up from the check-in desk, a brief tour of the top side of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a safety briefing that highlights the animals of Ocean Voyager and a 30-minute guided scuba dive. A souvenir photo and a program t-shirt are included, and guests will have the option to view and purchase the video of their experience.
- How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see?
Ocean Voyager contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges in depth from 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m) deep. The water temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The exhibit houses thousands of fish, whale sharks, manta rays, and Tank, our green sea turtle.
- I am a new diver/I have not been diving in a long time – can I still participate?
We welcome certified autonomous divers of all experience levels. If you have not been diving in a while, we suggest heading to your local dive shop for a skills-refresher course before participating.
- I am an experienced diver and am very comfortable in the water - is there a program for divers like me?
We welcome all certified autonomous divers of all experience levels. For those of you who are highly experiences and looking for an adventure, consider signing up for the Dive Program’s Rebreather Experience.
PLEASE NOTE: This program is currently unavailable.
Requirements & Accommodations
- Do I have to be SCUBA certified to dive?
Yes. Proof of an autonomous Open Water certification from a nationally or internationally recognized agency must be provided.
Please note: The PADI “Scuba Diver” card is not an autonomous diver card and cannot be accepted.
- What if I am not scuba certified?
You must be a certified Open Water diver to participate in the scuba program. Georgia Aquarium offers a swim program and a shark cage dive to those who are not certified.
- What are the age requirements?
All participants must be at least 12 years of age. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult in the water.
There is a maximum of 7 children (ages 12-17) per participating adult. We recommend each minor, or those not comfortable in water, be accompanied by an adult. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.
- What are the physical limitations of the dive program?
Participants must be able to dress themselves, dive autonomously with no physical assistance, and climb a 3ft vertical ladder in/out of the habitat unassisted. Divers who need help dressing themselves must provide their own assistance.
Our dive and safety equipment can accommodate guests that have a waist measuring 66.5” (169cm) or less AND weigh no more than 400lbs (181 kgs). Guests may not bring outside gear that allows them to exceed these limits.
Dive Immersion reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to concerns for the health or physical safety of participants. Please email dive@georgiaaquarium.org if there are concerns with these limitations before booking.
- Am I able to dive with impairments or disabilities?
Generally, yes! However, any impairments or disabilities MUST be discussed with the Dive Team BEFORE booking. Every person is different, and Dive Immersion strives to make reasonable accommodations to ensure a positive and safe experience for all participants.
Please contact dive@georgiaaquarium.org so we can discuss available arrangements. Failure to do so could result in delay or cancellation of your program.
- Do you offer private changing rooms?
The Aquarium offers two changing rooms, male and female, with open changing area and private shower stalls. We are aware of the limitations this infrastructure presents and recognize that not all guests conform to a binary system of gender. Our aquarium team is committed to making accommodations to any guest who requests additional privacy when changing and will make every effort do so with advance notice. At Georgia Aquarium, both employees and guests are welcome to use the restroom matching their gender identity.
Before & During the Dive
- When should I arrive for my program?
We HIGHLY recommend you arrive at Georgia Aquarium at least 1 hour prior to allow time for parking, security, and check-in. Participants must check-in at least 30 minutes BEFORE their event at the Animal Interaction Desk on the second floor, located above the gift shop. Late arrivals will not be able to participate in the program, so please arrive early.
Late arrivals will not be able to participate in the program, so please arrive early.
- What equipment is included in the scuba dive program?
We provide all the gear you will use: a mask, fins, tank, buoyancy device, regulator, weights, wetsuit, gloves, and booties – just bring a swimsuit, your certification card, and your enthusiasm!
Note: Personal masks and dive computers are permitted but must be disinfected by staff before use. No other personal dive equipment is permitted.
- Can I bring my own mask?
Yes. Personal masks and snorkels are permitted but must be disinfected prior to your experience.
- What should I bring with me?
All you will need to bring is your swimsuit, proof of open water certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization and photo identification. Georgia Aquarium supplies all needed dive equipment and changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels. Personal masks and dive computers are permitted but must be disinfected by staff before use.
Please do not bring any other equipment and refrain from wearing jewelry, excessive makeup or hair products.
- Can I take my own photos or videos?
Cameras are permitted on deck before and after your experience but not in the water. Friends and family may take photos of you from the tunnel or main gallery window while you are participating in the experience. A digital souvenir photo is included and a video that highlights the program will be available for purchase following your program.
- Will there be a guide in the water with me?
Yes. Three professional divers will be in the water with you at all times during the guided tour. Dive team members are certified in CPR, first aid, and in providing emergency oxygen.
- Can I touch or pet the animals?
No. The dive is for observation only. Participants are not allowed to touch the animals.
- Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Yes, friends and family are welcome to watch from the Ocean Voyager tunnel and main gallery window, but they must purchase a General Admission ticket to enter the Aquarium.
If staffing allows, guests will be escorted by a volunteer OR directed to where to go for the best viewing opportunity. Staff cannot offer care for any minors – they must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations
- What times are available for the scuba dive program?
The program is offered at 3 p.m. on Monday – Friday and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The program has a maximum of 8 participants per event.
- How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made online or by calling (404) 581-4000. You will receive a confirmation email after purchase with an additional information packet and waivers required to participate in the program. Please be sure to review this information before arriving.
All participants must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court–appointed legal guardian.
- Do I have to pre-register, or can I sign up when I arrive?
We encourage guests to pre-register. Spaces are limited to 8 participants per program and walk-ups an only be accommodated if there are spaces available that day.
- Can I buy out a time slot for a more private experience?
Yes. There are eight slots per program and each slot must be purchased to ensure a private experience.
Please call (404) 581-4000 for assistance.
- What else can I add to my experience?
Participants can purchase on-site:
- Professionally shot and edited HD video of the program experience
- Additional program t-shirts
- Program logo hat
- Program logo mask strap
- Program logo reusable bags
Payment & Policies
- What is your rescheduling/date change policy?
We do not offer refunds, but a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days before the original date of your visit. Dates changed less than 14 days prior to the original date of your visit will be charged $50 per ticket. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at (404) 581-4000.
- What is your cancellation/no-show policy?
Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Guests arriving after the required program check-in time will not be permitted to participate and will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Late arrivals will not be able to participate in the program, so please arrive early.
Due to the nature of caring for animals, Georgia Aquarium reserves the right to modify, cancel and/or reschedule programs without notice. Reasonable accommodations will be made to reschedule guests as effectively as possible.