"Dive With the Fish," "Dive With the Sharks," and "Swim With the Fish" are three
programs offered by this downtown Denver attraction. In 2003, Denver's Ocean
Journey Aquarium was purchased by Landry's
Restaurants
Inc. and in July 2005, Landry's reopened the redesigned complex as Downtown
Aquarium. Participants in the Dive With the Fish, and Swim With the Fish
programs use the "Under the Sea" tank, while the "Depths of the Pacific"
accommodates divers in the Dive With the Sharks program. A local dive shop
assists with the aquarium's dive operations. After divers/snorkelers check in,
they receive a short presentation on exhibit safety, fish biology, fish
identification and scuba safety, plus listen to a short dive plan briefing.
Approximate time in the water is 30-40 minutes. Registration is required two
weeks in advance, and a C-card is required for both dive programs. Divers can
bring their own dive mask but other gear is provided by the aquarium.
Depths to: 22 feet (7 m) in the 400,000-gallon "Depth of the Pacific" tank and
14 feet (4 m) in the 200,000-gallon "Under the Sea" tank.
Aquatic life: Includes a
250-pound (-kg) Queensland grouper, moray eels, guitarfish, and red drums in the
Fees: $75 per person for "Swim With the Fish"; and $175 for "Dive With the Fish"
and "Dive With the Sharks." Price includes aquarium admission, T-shirt, fish ID
booklet, a coupon for a free appetizer, and a dive guide. Underwater reusable
cameras are available for sale. Divers who bring their own camera must pay a $20
fee.
On-site amenities: Dining and gift shop inside and all the amenities of downtown
Denver nearby.
More info: Call (303) 561-4487, or visit
or
. Restrictions vary
depending on your preferred dive/swim program so call ahead to avoid surprises.
Open: The dive program is offered Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead to get the
times for your preferred program.
Getting there: The aquarium address is 700 Water St., in Denver. To get there
from northbound Interstate 25, exit on 23rd Avenue (Exit 211). Follow the exit
to the right (you will now be heading west) where you
will immediately see the aquarium on your right.
Restaurants
Inc. and in July 2005, Landry's reopened the redesigned complex as Downtown
Aquarium. Participants in the Dive With the Fish, and Swim With the Fish
programs use the "Under the Sea" tank, while the "Depths of the Pacific"
accommodates divers in the Dive With the Sharks program. A local dive shop
assists with the aquarium's dive operations. After divers/snorkelers check in,
they receive a short presentation on exhibit safety, fish biology, fish
identification and scuba safety, plus listen to a short dive plan briefing.
Approximate time in the water is 30-40 minutes. Registration is required two
weeks in advance, and a C-card is required for both dive programs. Divers can
bring their own dive mask but other gear is provided by the aquarium.