Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dive in & submerge yourself in the underwater world that is below our oceans? At Blue Planet Aquarium you can do just that with our diving experiences! Diving into our Ocean Tank you can come face to fin with some of the most incredible species that live in our oceans – 10ft Sand Tiger Sharks, Southern Sting Rays, Moray Eels, Zebra, Bamboo & Black Tip Sharks plus millions of fin-tastic fish!

It is a breath-taking, memorable dive experience that with last a lifetime and makes the perfect Christmas gift.

But, don’t take our word for it, discover what our guests have said about our dive experiences below in the testimonials and video…

Give The Gift Of An Ultimate Shark Dive Experience This Christmas With 20% OFF!

But be quick…offer ends: Friday 23rd December 2022.

Scuba divers of Blue Planet Aquarium

If you’re like me, you may be curious about what Scuba Divers in a place like Blue Planet Aquarium actually get up to. Being in the fortunate position of already working in the aquarium, I asked if I could help the dive team for a day. In this post, I’ll share what I learned throughout the day.

Dive supervisor

I followed Sophie, one of our divers who was “Dive Supervisor” for the day. This means she was the person responsible for that day’s diver activities, records, and diver safety. Being a diver at Blue Planet is quite a varied job and doesn’t always mean being in the water, the Dive Supervisor is responsible for the days out of water tasks.

First things first

Our day started in the Food prep area of the aquarium. Whilst the other divers got into their wet suits, we prepared some tasty treats for the fish! This is where accurate record-keeping starts to become important. Preparing the correct weight of food for each of the fish being fed that day. Then recording it. This ensures the food is kept balanced and interesting. It also makes sure the fish are receiving the correct amount. Then prepare the feed for some of the smaller fish, which are fed all at once in a “scatter feed”.

Feeding the fish

Once the food is prepared we make a note of what each animal is being fed. Sophie relayed this to the SCUBA divers. Which makes them aware of what each fish has to eat that day. So that we can figure out how much each fish has eaten. Entering this into the notes for the day, so we can keep an eye on eating behaviours. We also keep an eye out for animal behaviour that may be out of the ordinary. What quickly became clear to me was the diver’s connections to the different animals within the aquarium. They do get to know their personalities.

SCUBA divers’ gear

In addition to wet suits, the SCUBA divers wear a Buoyancy Control Device (BCD). Which is a harness style vest, that they can inflate with air from their cylinders when they need to ascend. Attached to their BCD is their main cylinder, filled with compressed air and a smaller yellow cylinder called a Pony. The Pony is to be used in emergencies when the diver or one of their dive partners needs air.

Attached to their tanks are the regulators, which control the airflow whilst breathing underwater. These are sometimes part of a full facemask or standalone and paired with a half facemask, depending on the diver’s preference. The dive supervisor will make a log of the gear each diver is using and the air pressure currently in their cylinders. Next, if they’re feeding, come the gloves. First, is a white cotton glove for comfort next is a chainmail one for protection and on top goes an elasticated glove with a coating for grip. This protects the diver’s hands from the Stingrays and Sharks’ mouths, whilst making sure they can keep their grip on the feed.

SCUBA Divers in our shows. They’re more than just cool to watch.

Once in the water, the divers head over to the Aquatheatre. Where they do the first dive show of the day. There are always at least two SCUBA divers. One doing the feeding and one safety diver. They keep an eye out for any drifting Sand Tiger Sharks that are coming close. It’s the shark’s home and the divers need to move out of the way. As visitors take their seats on the dry side of the massive acrylic window, the divers already know which Stingrays to feed and how much they’re supposed to eat that day. Although the show can look hectic, when the divers resurface after it, they’re able to tell us exactly which Rays have eaten by their names.

Time to feed some sharks

Part of the Dive Supervisor role that day was to feed the Blacktip Reef Sharks, which was a highlight of the day for me as I got to do it! First, I attached the feed to a target. I lowered this into the water for the sharks to eat. Watching them swim up and grab the food was fun. As one of our SCUBA divers said, it feels a bit like reverse fishing!

The SCUBA divers daily jobs

As the divers of Blue Planet, the team are responsible for a lot of the upkeep of the aquarium’s exhibits. As well as feeding they also clean. They scrub algae from the inside of the glass and the walls. Even vacuum the floor of the exhibits to remove fish waste. All whilst respecting the animals of the exhibit, it’s important to remember the animals always have right of way! They’ll also maintain their diving equipment, refill air tanks, scrub salt from the fittings around our exhibits and train and escort divers on Blue Planet’s Shark Diving Experiences.

End of the day

At the end of the day the divers, will change, clean off and head home. The Dive supervisor will make any final notes on anything that happened that day, feeding habits, animal behaviours, equipment irregularities, and tasks completed. Lastly, clean up the containers for the animal’s food. When they’re done, it’s time to head home! It was a highly enjoyable day and a privilege to work with the dedicated people of the Blue Planet dive team and to work first-hand with the amazing animals that call the Aquarium home.

Tags: Blue Planet Aquarium, Dive, Scuba Diver, Shark Dive

With the first dives done in August 2000, this month marks the 20 year anniversary of our extremely popular, PADI recognised shark dive experiences. The dive team have proudly received a 20year trophy of recognition from PADI for hosting the experiences.

Over the years the team have hosted thousands of dives. Taking our daring divers for the ultimate experience – getting face to fin with huge 3 metre long sharks!

How dives change

A lot has changed in the 20 years since we first started offering dive experiences. Initially, Blue Planet Aquarium offered ‘Discover Scuba Dives’ experiences. We’ve expanded our repertoire of courses to welcome both qualified and beginner sessions for juniors and adults!

• Divers as young as 8 years old can now book onto our Junior Shark Encounter. Which are PADI certified ‘Bubblemaker Dives’. Teaching juniors how to dive. Then jumping in with Stingrays, Black Tip Reef sharks, Wobbegongs and Zebra Sharks!
• Qualified PADI Divers can skip the training and jump into our incredible 3.8 million litres tropical tank! We also work closely with some amazing PADI dive centres. Enabling club members to enjoy the experience on trips too.
• Blue Planet Aquarium is excited to start offering a ‘Project Aware Shark Conservation’ course. For those divers who want to learn more about shark biology and the conservation threats to sharks in the wild.

Joe Cross, Dive Officer said:

“We love to introduce so many new people to diving. Many of them go on to dive regularly as a hobby or even take it on professionally. The ultimate career change! We’ve been very fortunate to meet so many amazing divers and shark ambassadors over the years too.
“We are very proud to say that 20 years on, our Shark Dives are still incredible experiences, with nothing available across the UK quite like the experience we offer!” Joe added.

As a centre for conservation and education, Blue Planet Aquarium work to raise awareness of UK based shark conservation charity, Bite Back, which brings to the surface the threats facing our ocean’s most loved predator. Discover more about Bite-Back.

Interested in learning more about Blue Planet’s dive experiences?

Blue Planet Aquarium Diver, Donovan Lewis has won the ‘Behind the Scenes’ category with ‘Hold Your Gaze’ at the popular annual competition, entered by hundreds of budding zoo and aquarium staff and volunteers across the UK.

The photograph was taken at Blue Planet Aquarium during a shark dive. Visitors receive PADI recognised training with experienced divers such as Donovan and can get up close to giant sharks without a cage – offering the perfect underwater stage for a stunning photograph.

Competition judge and BIAZA spokesperson Andrew Hall said: “Huge congratulations to all of our winners! Every day our zoos and aquariums share the extraordinary beauty and fragility of the natural world and this is evident in the incredible winning photos. Now more than ever our society needs zoos and aquariums.”

“We were blown away by the incredible entries to the competition – from the love and care of the keepers to the engaging personalities of the animals, our zoos and aquariums are amazing organisations, making our world a better place.” continued Hall.

The annual competition was judged by TV naturalist Nick Baker among others. There were four categories: Life in a BIAZA Collection, Behind the Scenes, Hearts and Minds, and In the Moment.

To find out more about the shark dive experiences available at Blue Planet Aquarium see the following link, or call the team on 0151 357 8804. Shark Dives are available to both adults and juniors either looking for an exhilarating experience for themselves or as a gift for a shark enthusiast!

 
The idea of diving with sharks can bring a mix of feelings. A little fear but also excitement to get up close and personal with these fascinating underwater creatures. There’s nothing more memorable than going beneath the surface and experiencing the beauty of these animals up close. 
But when it comes to Blue Planet’s shark dives, what should you expect? 
Whether it’s your first shark dive as a brave junior or thrill-seeking adult, diving with huge sharks, stingrays and hundreds of stunning tropical fish can give you some of the best feelings. Here’s every thought you’ll have on your shark diving experience…
 

1. That nervous, but excited feeling

In the lead-up to your dive, your tummy might be filled with butterflies. It’s perfectly normal to experience a few nerves before diving with sharks, especially on your trip to the aquarium. 
But don’t be put off, our highly qualified dive team will guide you through the whole experience. They are always on hand to make you feel at ease. Whether you’re taking on the junior encounter or adult experience. Try to embrace the nerves and you’ll feel an even bigger sense of achievement once you’ve finished your dive. 
 

2. Getting comfortable

You won’t just turn up and get chucked into the deep end of the tank. Now, that wouldn’t be fun for anyone! Instead, getting yourself comfortable in the water is something you’ll definitely experience before swimming with the sharks. Before you venture into the big tank, you’ll get to test out our more manageable training pool. It’s perfect for getting used to the water and easing yourself into the feeling of being beneath the surface.  
 

3. Appreciation for new skills

Whilst you try out our training pool, you’ll also get the chance to learn some new skills. Sounds good, right? As you get used to the water, you’ll receive full training on how to use the scuba equipment safely. 
Our experienced divers will teach you how to fit your scuba masks correctly. As well as the technique of mastering how to breathe using the equipment. We’ve got the gear to cater for all ages, from juniors to adults. Relax, we’ve got you covered and small heads are definitely welcome. 
You’ll get plenty of time to practice and have the opportunity to quiz our divers on anything you like. From how the specialised equipment works, to how many times they’ve dived with sharks in their lifetime! 
 

4. Sheer excitement 

It’s time to take on the big tank. Holding 3.8 million litres of water and full to the brim with sharks from a range of species. Now’s the time to get excited. Guided by our expert divers, you’ll slowly enter the tank and submerge yourself under the water. There is no cage, you’ll be in the tank without any barriers, so prepare yourself. Taking in your new underwater surroundings is a pretty special experience. 
Going along as a spectator? You’ll be able to witness this incredible moment from our underwater tunnel. Be sure to wave hello to your kids, family, or friends from the other side of the shark tank! 
 

5. Total amazement

Once you’re fully underwater, more than a dozen species of sharks will glide around you. Each one is incredibly unique in its own way. Look out for the real giants of Blue Planet. Namely, the Sand Tiger Sharks, these can be as large as 4 metres long!
You’ll also be able to spot Blacktip Reef Sharks and the bizarre-looking zebra sharks! As well as Stingrays swimming above your heads and smiling down at you. Additionally, there are hundreds of stunning tropical fish displaying all kinds of shimmery colours. 
 

6. Please, can we do it all over again? 

We wish you could swim in the tank forever too. Unfortunately, our sharks might have something to say about that! So after your designated time underwater, it’s time to go back to the dryer side of the tank. Although your Blue Planet shark dive might be over, it’ll definitely be an experience you’ll always remember! 
 
Ready to take the plunge and dive with Blue Planet’s sharks? Find out more about our Junior and Adult Shark Encounters here. 

Nothing says ‘romance’ like some fun beneath the waves, right?

Grab your love goggles, because Blue Planet Aquarium is sending Cupid and his bow underwater to give the singletons of the North-West a little helping hand in the dating department.

• Are you single?
• Are you 18 or over?
• Are you able to travel to Blue Planet Aquarium on Saturday 26 January 2019?  

If the answers are YES, then you’re about to experience a date like never before – welcome to First Dives!
Let the scuba-diving matchmakers find your perfect aquatic match. Fill in your details here and describe your ideal date. The wave-riding Cupid will have his bow and arrow at the ready, and it won’t be long until you’re diving into the depths of the ocean with your blind date.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and have the chance to come face-to-fin with Blue Planet’s resident underwater giants. Experience what it’s like to swim with sharks, scuba dive, and learn all the secret underwater codes that divers use to speak to each other. We’re sure the only hand-code you’ll be interested in making is the love heart because you’ll be under the waves with your perfect match.
Interested in causing some splashes with Mr or Mrs Right? Make sure you sign up quick because there actually aren’t that many fish in the sea…

First Dive Terms & Conditions

For Sign-Ups
By signing up to First Dives, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the following terms and conditions:

• You are 18 or older.
• You will declare any medical conditions you have that could prevent you from partaking in underwater activities.
• You are able to travel to Blue Planet Aquarium (with notice).

For Shortlisted Applicants
By agreeing to take part in First Dives, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the following terms and conditions:

• We reserve the right to cancel, alter, or amend any of the times and dates without notice if operational or other circumstances require us to do so.
• If we cancel, postpone, or alter any of the dive events at any given time the participant accepts that we are not responsible or liable for any external costs, including but not limited to travel and accommodation costs.
• We reserve the right to refuse admission or to remove any visitor whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate by our staff.
• You must provide no less than 14 days’ notice if you are unable to participate in the dive – this 14-day notice must be strictly adhered to.
• You must complete a PADI medical disclaimer prior to the dive. This is a basic health questionnaire; if any of the questions apply to you then please contact us, as you will require an additional form to be signed by your GP prior to commencing the dive.
• Our dive instructors reserve the right to refuse medical notes if they feel that you’re unsuitable to participate and could possibly jeopardise your and others’ health and safety.