Beaver Dam® Dive Shop’s Dive with Gentle Giants
Recently Kathy Shaw, Shawna Wright (me) along with Randy Lewis (& his lovely family) and Beth Schmidt made the journey to Atlanta, Georgia to dive with Whale Sharks at the
Georgia Aquarium.
After checking in, our non-diving trip attendees were whisked away for their own very thorough back-stage tour of the aquarium. The remaining divers were given a comprehensive rundown of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, the largest tank in the world, teeming with thousands of aquatic wonders. We then went through a safety briefing, emphasizing the importance of respecting the animals and maintaining a calm demeanor in the water.
We suited up and got ready to go, then we descended into the crystal-clear waters of the tank. The first sight that took my breath away (besides the sheer immensity of the tank itself) was the majestic whale shark gliding effortlessly past us. Its spotted pattern and gentle movements were awe-inspiring.
The next 30 minutes were pure magic. We swam alongside the whale shark, manta rays, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. The dive team expertly guided us, ensuring we got close-up views of these magnificent creatures while maintaining a safe distance. The feeling of sharing space with such a diverse selection of marine creatures was amazing!!
The highlight for me was coming face-to-face with the whale shark. Its enormous size was humbling, yet its gentle demeanor instilled a sense of peace. It was a privilege to share the water with this gentle giant.
The entire experience was expertly managed by the Georgia Aquarium staff. Their knowledge and passion for these animals were evident throughout the program.
Being able to share this experience with Kathy, Randy & Beth was an amazing opportunity for me! We shared dinner together that evening and got to know everyone a bit better. We explored Centennial Park and took pictures with the Olympic Rings.
If you're ever looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I highly recommend the "Journey with Gentle Giants" program at the Georgia Aquarium. It's a truly unique opportunity to connect with these incredible creatures and gain a deeper appreciation for the underwater world!
