My Journey with the Gentle Giants

Hey everyone, it’s Alberto. Hope everyone is having a great summer; I know I am!

On this day, August 3^rd, I had the experience of a lifetime. I went to Georgia Aquarium to dive with the world’s largest fish…the whale shark!!! In addition, I also signed up for the Whale Shark Specialty program. It was an amazing experience!

First I went to a class room where I filled out some forms (the boring part).

Then I got to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. I saw where they examine water samples from the Ocean Voyager tank. I got to see how the whale sharks are fed (they are "target fed" from boats). I got to see where all the water pumps are, as well the chemicals that are added to make artificial ocean water. I even saw where the animals are lifted into the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

I then met up with the other divers in my group. We went over some basic guidelines and tips for the dive, and then we changed into our wetsuits, geared up, and went in the water.

We were led all around the Ocean Voyager tank, and we got to see various fish species, including the humongous whale sharks and manta rays. At some point, a manta ray came super close to us and swam around us (I had to shield my face for a few seconds to prevent being slapped :D).

I also had moments where I was just within arm’s length of the whale sharks (I would be just a few feet below them; close enough so that I could see their eyes). On occasion, I would wave to the passing whale sharks, as well as other fishes in the exhibit.

Hi Mr. Whale Shark!!!

We also swam over the tunnel where we exchanged waves with fellow guests (and our families). We even stopped by the large glass window (it’s way thicker than it looks, so we had to put our hands out to prevent bashing our faces into it; would’ve made a great entry for America’s Funniest Home Videos though).

On occasion, I would put air in my buoyancy compensator to help with neutral buoyancy, but after a few seconds, I’d start rising because of the expanding air, so I’d have to let it out again (didn’t want to get “the bends”).

While we were swimming, one of the dive leaders gave us some ray plates as souvenirs.

These are basically a ray's teeth.

After a while, the other divers went to the surface, and I stayed under for my extended dive (as part of the specialty dive). I got to spend some extra time watching the sharks, rays, and the many fishes.

Finally, I surfaced with a dive leader, and reunited with my group. We showered, got dressed, and then went back to the classroom where we reunited with our families. We saw the DVD of our adventure (I bought a copy). I also got a photo with my group. Then we got our dive logs signed, and went back to the "aquarium" area.

I had such an incredible adventure. I got to be in the water with the largest fish in the world, and I owe it all to Georgia Aquarium. I have also posted a new video on YouTube for all to see (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiXbI4RbF4M). I encourage all divers and shark and ray lovers to take on this once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s an experience that you will NEVER forget!!!