[quote]We want to immerse dive participants in the underwater world while offering an in-depth understanding of the exotic animals that thrive near one of the world’s largest reefs.” — Desiree Bell, Audubon Aquarium Dive Team Coordinator[/quote]
New Orleans, LA, USA — Visitors to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas gaze in awe as they walk through the newly-renovated 4,200 square-foot Great Maya Reef tunnel, and now, the more adventurous can explore from inside the exhibit with the Maya Dive Experience.
In this latest Wild Encounter from Audubon Nature Institute, divers will get up close and personal with colorful fish of the Great Maya Reef and get a taste of the second largest barrier reef in the world without flying to Central America. They can dive below or snorkel above swirling schools of yellow tail snapper and French grunts all while getting wet and waving to their friends and family from inside the 130,000-gallon exhibit.
“Volunteer divers have enjoyed the opportunity to swim in the Aquarium’s exhibits for more than twenty years and we want to offer Aquarium visitors this memorable experience as well,” said Audubon Aquarium Dive Team Coordinator, Desiree Bell.
The program is offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays including a SCUBA dive for those who are certified or a snorkel adventure that offers a face-to-mask introduction to the aquatic animals of the Great Maya Reef. Wet suits and dive gear will be provided and each experience is limited to four participants.
Maya SCUBA Dive
–Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am.
–Tickets are $250 per non-member/$225 per member.
–Each time slot is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
–SCUBA experience is open to certified divers 10 years and older. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paid, participating adult.
–Non-participants (friends and family) must observe from the exhibit public space.
–Participants must arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.
–Each participant must bring their own swim suit.
–Each diver must bring proof of certification.
–Personal dive gear is not permitted, but guests may bring their own masks.
–Guests with allergic sensitivity to marine animals should be aware that this is a simulated ocean environment.
Maya Snorkel Adventure
–Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm.
–Tickets are $175 per non-member/$150 per members.
–Each time slot is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
–Snorkel experience is open to anyone 8 years and older. Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paid, participating adult.
–Non-participants (friends and family) must observe from the exhibit public space.
–Participants must arrive 30 minutes ahead of time.
–Each participant must bring their own swim suit.
–Personal dive gear is not permitted, but guests may bring their own masks.
–Guests with allergic sensitivity to marine animals should be aware that this is a simulated ocean environment.
