Bookings Temporarily on Hold
Please contact education@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com for any inquiries.
“Close encounter with sharks” in Dangerous Lagoon!
Have you always wanted to dive with sharks? Our public S.C.U.B.A. dive program allows guests to get up close to the sawfish, sharks, turtles and fish on this 30 minute guided dive in Dangerous Lagoon.
When: Saturdays at 3pm, Sundays at 1pm.
Cost: $250 plus tax *Annual pass holders save 10%
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is proud to donate 10% of proceeds from the Discovery Dive program to the Shark Research Institute to support their work in shark conservation. Visit their website to learn more about their work www.sharks.org.
Please note you must be a certified Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent, 16 years of age or older, been diving in the past two (2) years, and complete a medical waiver in order to be allowed to dive. A maximum of two (2) guests per timeslot. Booked on a first come, first served basis. Price includes a Behind the Scenes tour, dive experience, admission to the Aquarium, souvenir items (towel, bag, strap wrap and more) and USB flash drive with photos of your experience. All gear is supplied, but guests may bring their own mask if they wish.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is designated as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
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Discovery Dive Waiver and Medical Questionnare
FAQs
When is the Discovery Dive program offered?
The Program is currently offered Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 1pm
Do I need to provide you with proof of my dive certification?
Yes, we require, in advance, proof of your S.C.U.B.A certification (e.g. photo of card-front and back, screen shot of PADI app or webpage). You must also bring the certification document with you on the day of your dive.
What is the cost of the dive program?
The program cost is $250 plus tax per person. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is proud to donate 10% of proceeds from the Discovery Dive program to the Shark Research Institute to support their work in shark conservation. Visit their website to learn more about their work. www.sharks.org
How many people can participate at a time?
The program is limited to two (2) guests at a time.
What are the age requirements?
All participants must be 16 years and older. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult in the water.
What is included in the Program?
The dive program includes admission to the Aquarium, a Behind the Scenes tour, 30 minute dive in the Dangerous Lagoon Exhibit, and souvenir items to take home (towel, bag, photographs of your experience on a USB flash drive).
Will annual pass holders receive a discount?
Yes, annual pass holders receive a 10% discount.
Can I use my own dive equipment?
In order to ensure the safety of our animals and avoid cross contamination Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will supply all equipment (fins, bcd, regulator, weights, wetsuit -3mm and booties). Personal masks are recommended if you have one, but RAC will provide one if you don’t.
What else do I need to bring?
It is mandatory to bring and wear a bathing suit under the dive suit. You are welcome to bring any personal toiletries you wish for after the dive, however shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided. You may want to bring flip flops to wear in the locker room.
Can I bring my own go-pro or underwater camera?
Please do not bring your own equipment. Cameras of any kind are not permitted however you will be provided with a USB flash drive with photos from your dive.
Where do I store my belongings?
There is a guest locker room where you will be able to store your belongings, change and shower.
How much time do we need to experience the whole dive program?
The dive program lasts for approximately 2 hours from start to finish and includes a 30 minute guided S.C.U.B.A. dive in the Dangerous Lagoon Exhibit.
How big is the Dangerous Lagoon Exhibit?
The exhibit is 750,000 gallons (2.8 million liters) and is 12 feet (4 meters) deep.
Is there parking at the aquarium?
You can reserve your parking spot PRIOR to visiting the aquarium using the following link. View real time availability and pricing at convenient locations within walking distance to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Once booked, your spot is 100% guaranteed at the selected location. Click here to reserve.
What animals can I expect to see in the dive?
This exhibit is home to sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, nurse sharks, green sawfish, roughtail stingrays, green sea turtles and many species of tropical western Atlantic fishes.
Do I have to book in advance?
Yes. In order to guarantee your booking you purchase your Discovery Dive ticket in advance, and provide your sizing information, proof of dive certification and medial waiver in advance.
Do you require any medical information?
Yes, you will be asked to provide a medical certificate prior to your dive. The medical form can be downloaded from our site. Please review the medical form closely. If you answer yes to any of the questions the form must be signed by a physician before coming for your dive. We reserve the right to cancel any dive if paperwork is incomplete.
Do I need proof of my last dive?
Yes, we require your last dive to be within the past two (2) years. Provide a copy of your log book as proof.
What if I haven't been diving the past two years?
We require that you participate in a refresher course (offered through many dive shops) and provide proof of completion prior to your dive.
Do I need to be able to speak English to participate?
Yes, all divers must have basic proficiency in spoken English.
Do I need to sign a liability waiver?
All participants must sign a liability waiver. Participants under the age of 18 must have the liability waivers signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.
Are you able to dive with special needs?
Unfortunately our exhibit entrance is not designed to meet special needs at this time.
Can my size be accommodated?
We have a wide variety of gear sizes that can accommodate someone who weighs up to 320 lbs.
Are guests able to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Yes, family and friends can watch the dive portion of the experience however they must purchase general admission tickets.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Proceed to the Guest Services desk to collect your tickets and they will direct you to your meeting location.
Will there be a guide in the water with me when I dive?
There will be two divers in the water with you. One diver will be an instructor or a dive master and the other will be a shark tender. There are also two divers on the dry side, one at the top to tend the dive and another to supervise the dive from the tunnel. Dive team members are CPR, First Aid, and emergency oxygen trained.
Do we have any free dive time in the tank?
The dive is a guided tour, not free swim.
What is the temperature of the water?
22 degrees Celsius
What is the thickness of the wetsuits?
Our wetsuits are 3mm.
Are hoods provided?
Hoods are not permitted as the guests must to be able to hear audible sounds from the shark tender.
What is your rescheduling and/or cancellation policy?
• Eight (8) days or more prior to dive–Full refund • Seven (7) days to 48 hours prior to dive–50% refund • Less than 48 hours prior to dive–No refunds
