Do you have a question? The chances are that we cover it below. But if you need more information call us on 0151 357 8804. Please note that all dives are offered under strict Terms and Conditions.
Can I complete the medical form on behalf of someone else?
Yes. The customer can complete the medical form on behalf of someone else as long as they are made aware that before the dive all divers must complete and sign an official PADI medical form and should they answer “YES” to any of the questions then we will require a doctors’ note to allow them to proceed. Without the GP’s note we will reschedule the dive until they are able to provide us with the required documentation.
What type of sharks do they dive with?
The main sharks that they will dive with are:
- Sand Tigers,
- Lemon sharks,
- Nurse Sharks,
- Wobbegongs,
- Bamboo sharks,
- Southern Stingrays and other species of fish found in the Caribbean.
What does the cost include?
Shark Encounter
- 2 spectators in for free (additional spectators priced at group rate)
- approx 2-2.5hrs worth of training
- Approx ½ hr dive
- Full use of our equipment
- “I dived at Blue Planet Aquarium” certificate
Shark Dive
- approx ½ hr dive
- “I dived at Blue Planet Aquarium ” certificate
Shark Awareness, a full day of lectures looking at
- Diversity of Sharks
- Biology of Sharks
- Shark Conservation
- Diving safely with sharks
- Approx ½ hr dive with the sharks
- Blue Planet Distinctive Shark Awareness Specialty cert card
- Lunch is also provided.
What should I wear?
Men should be advised to wear trunks rather than shorts – but this is not mandatory. Women either a bikini or swimming costume.
Are underwater cameras allowed?
No. Due to certain restraints as governed by the HSE we are no longer able to allow underwater photography.
How long does the entire experience last?
- Shark Encounter divers can be here for up to 5 hours
- Shark Dive divers can be here for up to 3 hours
- Shark Awareness divers will be here all day.
N.B. Operational circumstances can affect time length at any time.
How old do you have to be to do the Shark Encounter?
The minimum age we are allowed to accept is 16.
How old do you have to be to do the Shark Dive/Shark Awareness?
In theory we are able to take qualified divers from any age as long as they meet our dive criteria (minimum qualification PADI Open Water or equivalent – evidence must be provided). Divers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian on site to sign their indemnity form (dive instructors are able to sign this form on the parents behalf but we do require parents permission in writing before we can allow this). Divers under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian with the same or higher dive qualification and who are also diving here at the same time (again dive instructors are able to act as guardian but written permission is required from parent).
What is the minimum qualification you require for the qualified dives?
- SAA (Open Water Diver)
- NAUI (SCUBA Diver)
- PADI (Open Water Diver)
- BSAC (Ocean Diver)
- CMAS (1 Star)
What equipment do I need to bring?
Shark Encounter divers equipment is included in the price.
Shark Dive/Shark Awareness need to bring:
- Wet suit (full length 5 mm)
- 10 ltr cylinder (filled to minimum of 150 bar with air only – no twin sets/nitrox)
- Half face mask
- BCD (buoyancy control device)
- Regulator, alternative air source and contents gauge
- Boots
- Weight belt with sufficient weight to allow negative buoyancy SOLID LEAD ONLY, NO SHOT BELTS
If qualified divers can not supply their own kit then Blue Planet Aquarium does offer kit hire at the following prices.
- Mask = £2.50
- Weight Belt = £5.00
- Wet Suit = £5.00
- Cylinder = £7.50
- B.C.D = £12.50
- Regulator = £12.50
- Full Kit = £35.00
Can the diver touch/feed the sharks?
NO!! Sharks can be very temperamental and only trained experts are able to touch them.
Does it matter if I dive during my menstrual cycle?
No.
Does flying affect the dive.
Yes. According to medical research it is not possible to dive and then fly within 24 hours.
