I wanted to write some notes about diving and snorkeling experience I had with my family over Labor Day weekend. I've seen arched eyebrows from some divers when I mention this, but gushing reviews elsewhere. I probably tend towards the latter.
These experiences are not well advertised. They are operated by a conservation fund established by Disney. Since they don't contribute to the operating revenue of the parks, they tend to get short shrift. It's an additional fee to pay, and Disney matches that fee. It all goes to the fund.
I'm the only diver in my family, so I was the only one who could do DiveQuest. Basically you dive in the aquarium they have at EPCOT ("The Living Seas"). There's about 5 sand tiger sharks, a bunch of rays, and 2-3 sea turtles, along with plenty of fish. Max depth 24 feet, 40 minutes of time. Disney provides everything - shorty, BC, mask, fins - you only need to bring a swimsuit. I think if you bring your own mask they'll let you in. No cameras allowed though - it's considered "backstage". One guy had his own mask with an HD camera built in, and had to leave it behind. They do have a videographer and you can get a short DVD of the dive.
You get a tour of the facility. They talk about the research they do, and show off some Manatees (with a heartbreaking speech about why they are endangered). They also talk about dolphins, but you don't dive with them. Our divemaster said they were like adolescent males and like to play rough . . .said we were safer with the sharks than the dolphins. Interacting with the people on the other side of the aquarium windows is really fun, and you're family can take pictures. The videographer will also take video of you swimming in front of them, although not knowing that ahead of time, I didn't work out the timing with my family.
Anyway, that dive was amazing. My first time near sharks . . .a little nervous. I knelt in the middle and one of the sea turtles swam within arm's reach of me. I think the best part is that you get a lot of sea life, there's no current, and there is a lot of bottom time. The one weird thing is that even though the coral is fake, they ask you to not touch it, because in the past people in the aquarium would see divers touching the coral and would complain . . .so don't touch the fake coral.
The other thing we did was something my non-diving family could do: supplied-air snorkeling in an artificial lagoon at one of the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon). Basically, you wear a PFD that also has a pony bottle, single reg, and mask (no fins). You float along the surface and watch the critters - leopard sharks, bonnet sharks, rays, fish, but no turtles. This was great because everyone got to do it. The water was a bit cold for my 8-year-old niece, but the rest of us floated around for about half an hour. Here, a camera was allowed, so I got plenty of pictures of them and the critters. As people with no diving experience, my brother and his wife said this was hands down the best part of the whole trip for them. The kids liked it, but as I said the water was a bit cold for my niece. She got to do a lot of other fun stuff though.
Anyway, that's my shameless plug. I would totally do both again. The snorkeling was only $20 a head. The dive was more like $150 - $200 (can't recall - booked months ago - you do need to book in advance).
Edited by Yoshimi, 08 September 2011 - 09:24 AM.
