Can’t get to the ocean for some snorkeling or SCUBA diving this summer? Have no fear — aquariums are here! Aquariums around the United States offer snorkeling and diving opportunities within their tanks, so you can dive right in and get up close to marine life during a visit.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa offers several swim and dive programs from which to choose, so choose which marine life you would like to swim with and jump right in! Water enthusiasts ages 6 and over can Swim with the Fishes above a replica of the Dry Tortugas, one of the most vibrant reef systems found in the Florida Keys. Or, for those seeking more thrills, opt for the Shark Swim (ages 9 and over), or even Dive with the Sharks (ages 15 and over) and count just how many teeth are in the aquarium’s sand tiger sharks.
Swim with a different breed of sharks — whale sharks — at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Here, swimmers 12 and older can join the gentle giants in the aquarium’s Ocean Voyager exhibit, where they’ll float at the water’s surface and watch the sharks effortlessly swim by below. Or, don your SCUBA diving gear (12 and older) and settle on the bottom of the exhibit and watch the largest fish on earth from below. You will also be amongst zebra sharks, sawfish, manta rays and plenty more, so keep your eyes wide open.

© Rdelchiaro74 | Dreamstime.com
One of the many cool things at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is it encompasses the bay into its educational exhibits. Curious kids between the ages of 8 and 13 can dive right in with Underwater Explorers, during which they will go surface SCUBA diving with the aquarium’s leadership-level dive staff. All kids need to bring along is a sense of adventure.
Try out cage diving at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash., during which time you’ll be nose-to-nose with more than a dozen sharks while at the same time learning about their biology and efforts to conserve the majestic fish. SCUBA divers and non-divers alike, ages 8 and up, will submerge into 225,000 gallons of 74-degree water, wearing a dry-suit to keep their street clothes perfectly dry.
Go on, dive into these fun underwater opportunities.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Feb 10, 2025Frost-Free Winter Outdoor Adventures in Mississippi
Travel with your family to Mississippi for frost-free outdoor adventure. Beat the winter blues by exploring Mississippi’s diverse landscapes in mild spring temperatures.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Feb 10, 2025Villatel Orlando Resort Will Open Next to Universal Orlando Resort
More offerings come to Orlando, Florida, for family travelers! Villatel Orlando Resort announced its grand opening will take place March 3, offering 270 villas with immersive themed rooms, 256 apartments, a water park and other resort experiences. The resort is positioned on International Drive, within easy access to Universal Orlando Resort, Orange County Convention Center, Dezerland Park Orlando and more.
Destinations / North America
Feb 7, 2025Where to See the Northern Lights in British Columbia
When a solar wind blows clouds of electrically charged particles into the earth’s atmosphere, the results can turn northern skies into a fantastic screen of moving, swirling and dancing colors. The sight is unforgettable, and one family travelers won’t want to miss if in British Columbia in the winter.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations / Caribbean
Feb 7, 2025What’s New in Dominica for 2025
With record-breaking visitors in 2024, Dominica is a hot spot for family travelers in 2025. New hotels and attractions are slated to debut throughout the year.
ShareThis