Shark Bay Eco Tours Aquarium Shark Dive Experience (Discover Scuba Dive Non-Certified Diver)

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Breathe underwater for the first time with sharks swimming around you, in the Ocean Park Aquarium shark lagoon near Denham, the largest aquarium shark lagoon in Western Australia. No cage and no diving experience needed: a PADI instructor stays beside you for the whole 30 minute dive.

Days

About 2 hours

Age

Over 14

Group size

Up to 4 divers per session

Start / finish

Ocean Park Aquarium, near Denham / Ocean Park Aquarium

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way to Ocean Park, about 8 km south of Denham

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Shark Bay Eco Tours Aquarium Shark Dive Experience (Discover Scuba Dive Non-Certified Diver)

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Included experiences

Viewing platform — meet the sharks and learn about them before you dive
Discover Scuba session — learn the basic skills and breathe underwater
Shark lagoon — 30 minute dive with lemon, sandbar and seasonal tiger sharks
Oceans restaurant — see your dive photos and log your dive

Shark Bay Eco Tours Aquarium Shark Dive Experience (Discover Scuba Dive Non-Certified Diver)

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Itinerary

Map

ARRIVING AT OCEAN PARK

Make your own way to Ocean Park Aquarium, about 10 km south of Denham on Shark Bay Road, where Shark Bay Eco Tours has its dive centre. The aquarium is run by marine scientists and sits on the shore of the bay. Its Shark Lagoon holds 3.5 million litres of sea water pumped straight in from the ocean by solar power, the largest exhibit of its kind in Western Australia. Because the water isn't filtered, it changes with the bay, so visibility differs from day to day, just as it would on an open-water dive.

MEET THE SHARKS AND LEARN TO BREATHE UNDERWATER

The experience takes about two hours and begins on the viewing platform above the lagoon, where your instructor introduces the sharks and gives you a shark awareness briefing. Then comes the Discover Scuba part. You're fitted with all the gear, learn a few basic skills and practise breathing through the regulator in shallow water until it feels natural. No diving experience is needed, and sessions are small, with no more than four divers. Up to two friends or family can watch you from the viewing bridge.

INTO THE SHARK LAGOON

There are no cages. You go down into the lagoon with your instructor beside you the whole time for about 30 minutes. Lemon sharks are named for the yellow tint of their skin, and sandbar sharks have a tall first dorsal fin that marks them out from the others. In the months the aquarium holds them, tiger sharks cruise past too, named for the dark stripes that fade as they grow. Around them move schools of giant and golden trevally, cobia, yellowtail kingfish and estuary cod. Sharks turn up on every dive. It's a calm, shallow place, and the animals are used to divers. Your guide does their best to photograph and film you along the way.

AFTER THE DIVE

Back on dry land, warm up under a hot shower and debrief with your instructor. You then look through your underwater photos at Oceans Restaurant, which looks out over the bay, and log your first dive with your PADI professional. Your booking takes 10% off food at the restaurant and off the guided Ocean Park Aquarium tour, where you can watch the sharks being fed from above. Many people find one dive is enough to want a full open-water course.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Ocean Park Aquarium, Shark Bay Road, about 8 km south of Denham and about 30 km from Monkey Mia. Make your own way there; your session time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 hours, with 30 minutes underwater.
Minimum age: Divers must be over 14.
Fitness: Before you book, read the PADI medical questionnaire. A yes to any question (for example asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, diabetes, ear or sinus problems, high blood pressure, or recent injury or surgery) means you need a doctor's sign-off before the dive. Pregnant women cannot dive.
Please note: No refund is given if you answer yes on the medical form after booking and have no medical clearance. Divers must speak English. Personal cameras are not allowed in the lagoon. Tiger sharks are migratory and are not always in the lagoon. The lagoon is fed with unfiltered sea water, so visibility changes from day to day. A link to the e-learning and waiver comes with your booking confirmation.
Suits: First-time divers, and friends or family who want to watch: up to 2 guests per diver can watch from the viewing bridge.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Water
Your own snorkelling gear, if you have it

What is included

All dive equipment
Discover Scuba training, plus scuba and shark-awareness briefings
30 minute dive in the shark lagoon
Supervision by a PADI Instructor or Divemaster
Underwater photos and video taken by your guide where possible
Hot shower and debrief
10% off food at Oceans Restaurant and the Ocean Park Aquarium tour

Not included

Meals and drinks (Oceans Restaurant is on site)
Transport to Ocean Park

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.