Aquarium Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in Aquariums

Aquarium Scuba Diving & Snorkeling - Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in Aquariums

Nose-to-nose with a 250-pound grouper, the scuba diver waves at the crowd on the far side of the glass in the aquarium. Did you know aquarium scuba diving - and snorkeling -- with fish is offered at more than 10 aquariums in the U.S., as well as in other countries? At some aquariums scuba diving programs require that you be a certified diver. All aquariums below belong to the Association of Zoos Aquariums. AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science.

1. Swim with Sharks at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey

The SHARKS UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTER lets SCUBA-certified guests dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of Adventure Aquarium's 550,000-gallon Shark Realm. Join SWIM WITH THE SHARKS and you can snorkel with sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, nurse sharks and even barracuda. Then, enter Stingray Lagoon and feed stingrays.

2. Downtown Aquarium, Denver, ColoradoThe Downtown Aquarium has both a dive and a "swim with fish" program.

3. Georgia Aquarium's Journey With Gentle Giants

The Georgia Aquarium has both a dive and a swim program for visitors who want to swim with whale sharks. Divers must be certified. During the swim program you'll stay on the surface.

4. California's Monteray Bay Aquarium Underwater Explorers Program

Kids ages 8-13 dive with staffers in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Great Tide Pool. The kids wear a mask, drysuit, regulator and specialized SCUBA gear.

5. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Go deep-water swimming with dolphins in Dolphin Cay at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. You'll snorkel and glide alongside these marvelous creatures.