Frequently Asked Questions
Journey With Gentle Giants - Rebreather
Overview
- What is the purpose of this program/overview of the swim?
This program is an exploration of the Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit and an introduction to Georgia Aquarium’s conservation and whale shark research program. Participants will dive in our Ocean Voyager habitat with whale sharks, manta rays and thousands of other fish. This is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with these animals. A portion of proceeds support the Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts.
Participants will be briefed on the rebreather systems, perform some basic in-water skills, then be guided around the habitat during their dive. Participants will be given the opportunity to shower before ending the program.
- What is the difference between the rebreather dive and the scuba dive?
Rebreather diving is underwater diving using “closed-circuit” rebreathers. Rebreathers recycle and recirculate air rather than expelling it into the environment. The main advantages are extended gas endurance and lack of bubbles. For newer divers or those not comfortable with basic scuba skills, we recommend participating in our Dive or Swim programs.
- What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience?
The program lasts approximately 4 hours and includes a 60-minute dive in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. Participants will see the top of the Ocean Voyager exhibit and will receive a souvenir photo and program t-shirt.
- How big is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, and what will I see?
The exhibit contains 6.3 million gallons of water and ranges from 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m) deep with water temperature controlled at 76°F (24°C). This exhibit houses thousands of fish including whale sharks, zebra sharks and several species of rays, just to name a few!
- Is this a Rebreather Certification course?
No. This program offers a “try-rebreather” experience for those interested in learning and experiencing this technology in a controlled environment.
- Where can I learn more about the rebreather equipment?
The equipment used during the rebreather dive is a Poseidon Se7en. More information about this model can be found here.
- I'm a new diver/I have not been diving in a long time - Can I still participate?
While we welcome certified autonomous divers of all experience levels, we highly recommend only signing up for this program if you are a proficient diver and comfortable diving with unfamiliar equipment.
If you have not been diving in a while, we suggest heading to your local dive shop for a skills-refresher course before participating.
Requirements & Accommodations
- Do I have to be scuba certified?
Yes. Proof of an “Autonomous Open Water Certification” from a nationally or internationally recognized organization must be provided, along with photo identification.
Please Note: the PADI “Scuba Diver” card is not an autonomous diver card and cannot be accepted.
- Do you need experience with a rebreather?
No. Our instructors will guide you through details surrounding rebreather units in a “try-rebreather” style experience. Participants will be thoroughly briefed on the equipment and skills prior to diving.
Divers must be able to perform the following skills for instructors:
- Mask Flood & Clear
- Regulator Removal & Replacement
- General Equipment Awareness & Management Staff will review these skills for rebreather diving during the equipment briefing.
Participants should be proficient divers, interested in the technology of closed-circuit rebreathers and confident using unfamiliar equipment.
- What are the age requirements?
All Rebreather dive participants must be 18 and older. Please Note: All participants must have the program liability waiver, medical waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating.
- What are the physical limitations of the Rebreather Program?
We can accommodate wetsuit sizes and equipment sizes for people who weigh between 75 lbs and 320 lbs (34-145 kg). Participants must be able to carry and walk a short distance while wearing the 75 pound unit (+ additional weight needed for diving) dress, dive and climb a 4-foot vertical ladder while wearing the gear in and out of the habitat unassisted.
- Are you able to dive/swim with special needs?
Yes, the locker room and dive platform meet ADA regulations. Please let the reservists know beforehand if you have specific needs, and someone from the dive program will reach out to you prior to your swim to review your specific needs, mobility issues and equipment.
- 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 for 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?
Participants must check-in at the Animal Interaction Desk in front of the Ocean Voyager gallery AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to their event time. We highly recommend you arrive at the Aquarium at least 1 hour prior to allow time for parking, security and check-in.
- What should I bring with me?
You will need to bring your swimsuit, proof of open water certification and photo identification. All equipment and comfortable changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels are supplied. Personal masks and dive computers are permitted but must be disinfected by staff prior to dive. Please refrain from wearing jewelry, excessive makeup, or hair products.
- Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Yes, friends and family can watch you at the Ocean Voyager tunnel or gallery windows. General Admission tickets must be purchased. For the best opportunity to see participants, guests need to be at Ocean Voyager’s large gallery window between 12:45 and 1 p.m. Due to timing and staffing restrictions, there will be no guided tour for guests.
- Can we take our own photos or video?
Cameras are permitted on deck, however no cameras are permitted in the water. A professionally shot and edited HD video of your experience will be available for purchase. Friends and family may take photos from the tunnel or main gallery window.
- What equipment is included in the Rebreather Program?
All equipment, including the Poseidon SE7EN Rebreather, fins, buoyancy device, weights, wetsuit, gloves and booties are provided. Personal masks and dive computers are permitted but must be disinfected by staff before use. No other personal equipment is permitted.
- Will there be a guide in the water with me?
Three rebreather instructors will be in the water with you at all times. Dive team members are certified in CPR, first aid and in providing emergency oxygen. This program is a guided tour.
- Can we touch the animals?
The rebreather program is for observation only – divers are not permitted to touch the animals.
- What happens if I am uncomfortable using the rebreather?
If you are not comfortable using the rebreather equipment after the first 30 minutes of your dive, you have the opportunity to surface and finish your dive on an open circuit scuba system.
Reservations
- How do I make a reservation?
Register online or call (404) 581-4000. After your reservation is made, a confirmation email will be sent with instructions on how to supply additionally needed information and submit the waivers required. 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?
Guests MUST pre-register for the Rebreather Program. Walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
- What times are available for the Rebreather Dive Program?
The program is only offered weekends at 10:15am.
- What else can I add-on to my experience?
A professionally shot and edited HD video of your experience will be available for purchase. Souvenirs such as additional t-shirts, hats, mask straps and reusable bags can also be purchased.
Please Note: Due to the intensive nature of this program, rebreather divers are ineligible to participate in the Aquatic Advocates Program.
Payment & Policies
- What is the cost of the program?
The Rebreather Dive Program costs $469.99 (plus tax) for Non-Members and $369.99 for Annual Pass Members. All equipment for the dive, certificate of participation, t-shirt and a souvenir photo are included. General Admission into the Aquarium is NOT included and must be purchased separately.
- What is your rescheduling / date change policy?
Refunds are not offered, but a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of your visit. If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date, a $50 change fee per ticket will be charged. Cancellations within 48 hours and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. 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-show 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. Please plan accordingly with enough time to park, enter and check-in to the program. To change your reservation, please contact Georgia Aquarium’s Call Center at 404-581-4000. 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.