Shark Cage Dive Program

This program was created to provide an engaging, educational, and inspirational experience by connecting our guests, in an immersive manner, to some of Georgia Aquarium’s most fascinating resident animals. With the intent of turning “fear” into “fascination,” this experience is an exploration into the behind-the-scenes of the Sharks! Predators of the Deep® gallery and an in-depth look into Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts with sharks and rays.

The Shark Cage Dive is an immersive experience, not an interactive one. Divers will not come into physical contact with any of the sharks within Georgia Aquarium’s newest gallery. Guests will enter and remain in a stainless-steel cage specifically designed for this experience while sharks swim around the submerged cage. The cage will move throughout the Sharks! Predators of the Deep® habitat so that guests get the best opportunities to view these amazing animals. For a more interactive experience, please check out the “Shark and Ray Immersion” program!

The program lasts for approximately two and a half hours and includes an educational orientation on the biology, care, training, study, and conservation of different shark species; an exclusive behind the scenes look at the shark habitat; an exciting cage dive experience, and will receive a digital photograph.

Sharks! Predators of the Deep® is a 185ft (56m) habitat that contains 1.2 million gallons of saltwater. The habitat has a depth of 20’ with rocky alcoves and a variety of unique and immersive viewing windows throughout. This habitat contains a number of shark species, including the incredible great hammerhead and sand tiger sharks.

All participants must be ages 12 and older. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult in the water. For guests 15 and under, each minor must have a participating adult (one adult per 15-and-under minor required). 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.

Guests are not required to be a certified diver to participate. However, we do suggest participants are comfortable in the water and be open to new experiences.

We can accommodate wetsuit sizes and equipment sizes for people who weigh between 45 lbs and 360 lbs (20-163 kg). Participants must be able to dress themselves. Participants who may need help dressing themselves must provide their own assistance. The cage does have a carrying capacity that will be taken into account during the registration process – if there is an issue staff will reach out and contact you.

Georgia Aquarium makes every effort to accommodate guests with special considerations or needs. We have designed the locker room and cage platforms to meet ADA regulations. Please call to make a reservation and let the reservists know if you or someone in your group has specific needs. Someone will reach out to you prior to your visit to review your needs, mobility issues and equipment. While reasonable accommodations will be made if properly informed of any needs, if no notice is provided to staff prior to visit, it may NOT be possible to accommodate your program and you could be required to reschedule.

The Aquarium offers a co-ed locker room with private changing stalls to include all those who may not conform to a binary system of gender.

Due to the nature of the cage and full-face mask, this experience may be difficult for those who have a hard time with confined spaces. While we will always try to make reasonable accommodations for those who choose to participate, please be aware that the cage may feel crowded and the full face mask may feel overwhelming, especially for those who may suffer from claustrophobia.

Please check in at the Animal Interactions desk, at least 15-30 minutes prior to your experience. We highly recommend you arrive at the Aquarium at least 1 hour prior to allow time for parking, security, and check in. Please plan accordingly!

You will need to bring your swimsuit. All equipment, comfortable changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels are supplied. Please refrain from wearing jewelry, excessive makeup, or hair products. We highly suggest you bring a small bag to carry your wet bathing suit after the experience.

Dive staff will provide details on the usage of a full-face diving mask during their program briefing. Near-sighted guests who typically wear stronger prescription glasses should plan on wearing contacts. Guests with facial hair might experience slight leaking from the mask, so we suggest trimming or shaving of beards to ensure the most comfortable experience.

The immersive part of the Shark Cage Dive occurs in the shark habitat, and parts of it may be viewable by the public. Only participants in the program will be taken to the behind the scenes areas. Friends and family of the participants will be directed to the best opportunities to view those who are in the water.

No. A souvenir photo will be provided to participating guests. Photos and video taken during the Shark Cage Dive are the property of Georgia Aquarium. We reserve the right to use any photos and video for promotional purposes. For the safety of the animals and quality of the program, photos and video may only be taken by Georgia Aquarium designates.

Contrary to popular belief, sharks typically leave humans alone. The animals in our habitat are familiarized to divers and tend to leave them alone.

Guests who do not fit in or are uncomfortable using the full face mask can request to be placed on a mask and snorkel.

Guests in the cage will be fully submerged into the habitat. The cage will sit mid-water column as it moves through the habitat. For the safety and security of participants, the top 2 feet of our cage will remain out of the water.

Participants will always be accompanied by a member of the Dive Immersion team. There will be upwards of 2 Georgia Aquarium dive staff member with you in the water at all times as well as a number of staff on the surface to provide additional support. All dive team members are certified in CPR, first aid, and in providing emergency oxygen.

No. Guests will have the opportunity to have an exciting, immersive cage dive experience in Georgia Aquarium’s shark gallery, but there is no animal contact during the cage dive. If you’d like to interact with zebra sharks, rays and other amazing creatures, check out the “Shark and Ray Immersion” program!

Guests will be given a wetsuit and booties to help keep them warm while in the water. Weight harnesses will be given to participants to keep them comfortable within the cage during the dive. Guests will also have the opportunity to use a full face diving mask, as seen on many underwater diving shows.

You can make a reservation online or calling 404.581.4000. After you have purchased your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email that will include instructions how to supply additional information and submit the waivers required to participate in the program. All participants must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating in the program. 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.

*Group rates are available by calling 404.581.4121

Guests are encouraged to pre-register. Spaces are limited to 8 participants per program and walk-ups can only be accommodated if there is space available.

We currently offer two cage programs a day for 8 guests per program. We run Wednesdays through Mondays at 10am and 3pm.

Yes. There are eight slots per program and each slot must be purchased to ensure a private experience.

The program fee is non-refundable; however, 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 of your visit, a $50 change fee per ticket will be charged. No changes can be made less than 48 hours prior to the date of your original visit, and the guest will be charged the full program cost.

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.

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.