Source: www.emaar.com
The excitement gets better at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the popular leisure attraction owned and managed by Emaar Retail LLC.
After introducing ‘Shark Dives,’ ‘Cage Snorkelling Experiences’ and ‘Glass-bottom Boat tours’ for closer encounters with the 33,000 aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is introducing a special package that will appeal to seasoned divers who can enrich their diving experiences with underwater photography, gain closer insights into shark feeding, and also work towards getting their PADI Master Certification.
The all-new Dubai Aquarium Speciality Dive is a three-dive initiative that offers PADI certified visitors over the age of 10 years, the opportunity to take their diving experiences to a whole new level of exploring the marvels of underwater photography and joining in the excitement as aquarium experts feed the Sand Tiger Sharks in Dubai Aquarium.
The added advantage of this pre-approved PADI Distinctive Specialty Course is that it ensures that divers receive a PADI Certificate Card on completion, which counts towards their PADI Master Scuba Diver rating.
Open to all PADI certified divers, ‘Speciality Dives’ will treat the adventurous, in Dive 1, to a swimming session with Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Rays and the newest members of the Aquarium aquatic family, the Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks and Silvertip Sharks.
Dive 2 teaches enthusiasts to identify shark species and practice underwater photography. A 30-minute theory and tracking session briefing will precede the photography tips. Dive 3 takes them inside the Cage for a Shark Feed photography session, where they are offered the rare and spine-thrilling opportunity of coming within inches of numerous sharks while staff divers carry out the feed.
The three exhilarating ‘Speciality Dive’ experiences can be enjoyed either on the same day or on different days, as per the convenience of the visitors.
Mr Damian Prendergast, General Manager, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “We are always finding ways to push the envelope in offering unprecedented adventures at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. For novice divers, our Cage Snorkelling Experiences and Shark Dives are a great introduction to the underwater world. We are now looking to enhance and improve the experiences for seasoned divers. The Dubai Aquarium Specialty Dive offers them an amazing opportunity to achieve their PADI Master Dive certification in such a unique setting as an aquarium within a mall, in the presence of thousands of onlookers.”
Participants in the Speciality Dive sessions can use modern underwater photography equipment provided by Dubai Aquarium, and potentially get their photographs selected for the Top 10 Best Photos to be displayed at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
The ‘Speciality Dives’ are organised in association with Al Boom Diving, which also supports the ‘Shark Dives’ and ‘Cage Snorkelling Experiences’ in the aquarium. All participants are briefed thoroughly on the do’s and don’ts of diving in the 10 million litre tank, as well as details of the three dive sessions. Experienced dive masters accompany the participants, ensuring their safety and wellness.
The 3-dive Dubai Aquarium Speciality is priced at AED 1,875. For bookings, customers can call +9714 342 2993 or email dives@thedubaiaquarium.com
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the world, also featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. New species are regularly added, with recent additions including the exquisite Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Antarctic Gentoo Penguins, and Silvertip Sharks.
A 270-degree walk-through tunnel experience, Glass Bottom Boat Rides, Shark Dives, Cage Snorkelling Experiences and The Ocean School Programme are amongst some of the activities that offer an interactive experience for visitors to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main Aquarium, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. The animal species here also include Humboldt Penguins, Caiman Crocodiles, Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Water Rats, Giant Catfish, Clown fish and Dart Frogs.
Other leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall include the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas; and KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment concept.
