Are You Brave Enough to Swim With the Sharks?

DIVING with sharks is high on the wish list of every adventure- seeking daredevil.

But forget the notion of having to travel halfway across the world to fulfil your dream – you can meet the awesome creatures of the deep right here in Scotland, at our national aquarium.

Deep Sea World, just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, has one of the largest collections of sharks in Europe. And if admiring the impressive beasts from behind glass isn’t extreme enough, you can dive in and join the stunning creatures in their own world.

You don’t need to be a qualified diver to be let loose in the tank – the aquarium’s professional dive team takes all new divers through a ‘Discover Scuba’ training course before it’s time to jump in at the deep end.

Once you have mastered the art of breathing and communicating underwater, it’s time to take the plunge.

Deep Sea World’s Matt Kane has been diving with the aquarium’s family of sharks for five years.

He says: ‘There really is nothing quite like it. Seeing these beasts up close is incredible, and they frequently swim very close to you, so there’s no avoiding them!

‘But there’s nothing to worry about. Despite their intimidating demeanour and impressive teeth, they are really very placid and take little notice of divers entering the tank. It’s an unforgettable experience.’

Anyone over the age of 16 can take the plunge.

Dives cost pounds 125 for those without any diving qualifications, or pounds 60 if you are already a qualified diver.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience no-one should miss, and would make a perfect gift for any thrill-seekers in the family.

Those who’ve gone for a dip in the past include Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, and happy couple Gavin and Eileen Anderson took the plunge in more ways than one when they got married underwater at the aquarium in 1998.

The couple even wore special diving suits that were adapted to look like a wedding dress and a morning suit. Of course, not everyone will want to get so up close and personal with the underwater life, but even if you’re a little faint of heart, you canstill have a great day out at Deep Sea World.

The aquarium in North Queensferry, Fife, is located in a dramatic setting beneath the Forth Rail Bridge, and features the world’s longest underwater safari where visitors can get a spectacular diver’s eye view of the underwater world.

The 112-metre long transparent tunnel snakes around the million- gallon tank which is home to more than 2000 fish from 45 species native to British coastal waters. There are also six sand tiger sharks from the Atlantic waters of the USA, including thelargest, a 10ftlong shark called Tinkerbell. Visitors stand on a conveyer belt which takes them past the glass walls of the tank where they can watch the sharks, colourful fish and acrobatic stingrays just inches away.

There’s also a chance to catch a glimpse of the weird and wonderful. Mudskippers are among the newest additions to the aquarium.

The se cute, but funny-looking fish are a delight to watch, with their periscope-like eyes andlimb-like fins which allow them to hop and crawl out of water.

Normally found in the wild throughout the tropics, the mudskippers can be found in the centre’s Mangrove Swamp display. For many, the highlight of a visit to Deep Sea World is watching the regular sessions in which the centre’s divers hand-feed thespectacular array of sea life. Check for these feeding times before your visit.

In Scotland, it’s often difficult to think of a place to take the children when it’s raining.

The beauty of Deep Sea World is it’s an all-weather attraction, so kids can still have fun no matter what.

Inquisitive minds will love the centre’s extensive exhibition hall, which provides a wide range of wet and inter-active displays. It’s a great place to fire the imagination and, as well as being a fun attraction, it’s also educational.

More than 25,000 school children visit during term time every year.

Trained experts in marine biology are always on hand to introduce you to the creatures before you and explain about their natural habit at, so if you’ve any questions, feel free to seek out the answers. The centre’s enthusiastic presenters hold regularlive shows which encourage a real understanding of the aquatic environment.

The centre is also especially wellequipped for families.

Ask about special informative family group talks before your visit.

If you’re more of a hands-on visitor and would like to get closer to the fascinating creatures, then head for the rock pool – one of the largest in the UK – where visitors of all ages can touch live exhibits such as small sharks, starfish and lobsters,with the assistance of the centre’s staff.

Also featured is Scotland’s largest piranha display, Amazonia Experience, Krakatoa, and Amazing Amphibians, which includes the world’s most poisonous frog.

When the weather’s nice, take advantage of the centre’s picturesque setting in the outdoor picnic area, or stop for a bite to eat at the Lagoon Caf. And don’t forget to make a stop in at the Splash Out gift shop.

There’s a whole other world out there just waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to dive in?

#For more information, or for details of shark dives, call Deep Sea World on 01383 411 880.