Dive into a World of Adventure
DIVING with sharks is something every adventure-seeking daredevil wants to do But forget travelling halfway across the world to fulfil your dream – you can meet the awesome creatures right here in Scotland.
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 them in their own world.
You don’t need to be a qualified diver to be let loose in the tank – the aquarium’s professional team takes all new divers through a Discover Scuba training course before it’s time to jump in.
Once you’ve mastered 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 forfive years. He says: ‘There really is nothing quite like it. Seeing thesebeasts up close is incredible and they frequently swim 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 very placid and take little notice of divers entering the tank. It’s an unforgettable experience.’
Anyone over the age of 16 can take part in the programme.
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 and would make a perfect gift for any thrill seekers in the family.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has enjoyed a dip in the past, while 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 worefish are a delight towatch, with their periscope-like eyes and limb-like fins which allow them to hop and crawl out of water. Normally found in the wild throughout the tropics, the mudskippers can now be seen in the centre’s Mangrove Swamp display. For many, the highlight ofa visit to Deep Sea World is watching the centre’s divers hand-feed the sea life. Check for these feeding times before your visit.
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 exhibition hall, which provides a wide range of interactive displays. It’s a great place to fire the imagination and is also educational. More than 25,000 school children visit every year.
Trained experts in marine biology are on hand to introduce you to thespecial 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 underwater life, but even if you’re a little faint of heart, you can still have a great day out at Deep Sea World.
The aquarium is located in a dramatic setting beneath the Forth Rail Bridge at North Queensferry 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 a milliongallon 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 USA, including the largest, a 10ft long beastcalled Tinkerbell.
Visitors stand on a conveyer belt which gives them a perfect view of the sharks, fish and stingrays just inches away.
There’s also a chance to catch a glimpse of some wacky underwater species. Mudskippers are one of the newest additions to the aquarium.
These cute, but funny-lookingcreatures and explain about their natural habitat, so if you have any questions, feel free to seek out the answers. The centre’s enthusiastic presenters hold regular live shows which encourage an understanding of the aquaticenvironment.
Deep Sea World is also especially well-equipped for families, so ask about informative family group talks before your visit.
If you’re more of a hands-on visitor, then head for the rock pool – one of the largest in the UK – where kids 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, the Amazonia Experience, Krakatoa, and Amazing Amphibians, which includes the world’s most poisonous frog.
When the weather’s nice, take advantage of the outdoor picnic area, or stop for a bite to eat at the Lagoon Caf. And don’t forget to make a stop at the Splash Out gift shop.
There’s a whole new world out there just waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to dive in?
# For more information, or for details of shark dives, call 01383 411 880