CLEVELAND -- Instead of staring at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium's sharks through glass, you can soon see them from a new vantage point -- by going inside their tank.
The GCA's new "Feet First" program will take certified divers inside the 230,000-gallon shark tank, which is filled with 34 species of sea creatures -- including four species of sharks.
You must be an open water SCUBA certified diver to participate (see requirements below).
Included in the experience is a tour of the dive platform, a fish identification session, use of all dive equipment needed, a souvenir, a photograph of the dive, a shark's tooth and admission into the aquarium for the diver and one viewing guest.
Open water SCUBA certified divers must be ages 15 and older. Ages 15-17 require a supervising SCUBA certified adult to participate in the dive.
The program is offered Sundays (8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.) and Mondays 4-6 p.m. It costs $205 per diver for passholders and $255 per diver for non-passholders.
Reservations, which are now being taken, must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling 216-862-8803.
The first dive session available will be held on Monday, Oct. 1.
Requirements to participate in the shark tank diving experience:
- Provide Open water certification card from a nationally recognized SCUBA certifying agency
- Government issued picture ID with date of birth
- Signed GCA liability waiver
- Signed PADI medical waiver with NO medical contraindications
- Signed PADI safe diving practices release
- Completed diving questionnaire
- Completed emergency contact sheet
- Be of sound body and mind and able to handle inherent risks involved with SCUBA
- Must be able to carry and lift 50lbs.
- Must be able to climb stairs and ladders with weight of SCUBA gear
- Dan membership strongly recommended
WKYC-TV