I managed to convince my girlfriend to let me take her scuba diving at the Blue Zoo Aquarium with Steve at SinoScuba. I didn't initially tell her that we would be diving with the Sharks,LOL But I must admit that even I was a little intimidated by the idea at first despite my many years of experience with diving. However, once we met with Steve and he started to show us around and explained how the dive works and how to properly interact with the Sharks, my girlfriend and I were both very comfortable with the whole idea. Steve actually compared approaching the sharks in the way you would approach your neighbors dog, which made a lot of sense. One we got in the tank and he demonstrated it was obvious that the sharks weren't bothered by us at all. We eventually got to pet the sharks and the big turtles. It was the most amazing dive experience I've ever had and my girlfriend had the time of her life!!!
Todd DeRegnaucourt
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BTW, I should have mentioned that my girlfriend had never been diving before and she's not much of a swimmer either. But she was very comfortable working with Steve and had no problems enjoying the entire experience. Todd
Hi there, Mahan/fatalistic cynic,
I just wanted to add that I, too, had an amazing experience there. I've actually been there twice -- both times with friends who had never been diving or worn scuba equipment before, and they all enjoyed it immensely, as did I. The one thing I will say is that if you're blind as a bat (which I am) then it's probably a good idea to bring your own prescription facemask, or you'll miss out. The first time I went, I just went diving and saw the usual blur of shapes moving past. The second time (with my prescription facemask) I could actually see the dive instructor pointing/encouraging me to pet the sharks and turtles (under his careful supervision). Spectacular! Unfortunately I usually work at weekends -- otherwise I'd probably go more often.
Big thumbs up to my SinoScuba experience. And some other fingers for you, Mahan.
I did all my practicals to get scuba certified in the shark aquarium at Blue Zoo last Spring with Steve from SinoScuba and I gotta say, it's an amazing opportunity considering most learn the basics in a regular swimming pool! Steve was patient and a great teacher. Since then, I've signed up with as many scuba trips as I can afford and most recently, I went scuba diving with dolphins with SinoScuba at the Beijing Aquarium (by Beijing Zoo). Being under water, up-close and personal with these beautiful, graceful, playful creatures was an experience I will never forget. It was RMB 900 for the dive and worth every jiao. I'm definitely going again and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had an interest to swim and play with dolphins!
What type of shark you and your girlfriend encounter in Blue Zoo Aquarium? As far as I know, there are many kinds of sharks. I once experience diving with the whale shark in Philippines by the help of cebu whale shark tours and some tour agency. There is a briefing center there which gives the tourists the information on how to properly interact with the whale sharks and how the dive works.