ATLANTIS, THE PALM OFFERS KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SHARKS

Dive Atlantis at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai has unveiled a range of new dive programs with youngsters in mind, allowing them to get even closer to the 65,000 marine animals that call Atlantis their home. In collaboration with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), the resort has developed world recognized certification processes for kids and adults, in the form of three brand new programmes.

The first of the new dive programmestailored for young divers is the PADI Bubblemaker course. PADI-approved and available to kids ages8to 12, the PADI Bubblemaker course is as fun as it sounds – a chance for kids to blow bubbles whilescuba diving. Children can learn the skills of using scuba gear to breathe underwater and swim around the shallows in a safe, controlled environment. The two hour programme costs Dhs490 (Dhs420 for resort guests) and is a fantastic way to build kids’ confidence, both socially and in the water.

For kids who have caughtgot the scuba bug, the newly launched PADI Seal Team and PADI Seal team specialty program are world recognized certificationswhichwelcome young scuba divers who are looking for action-packed fun surrounded by sharks and rays by completing exciting AquaMissions. Children ages8to 12 will learn what it islike to dive with flashlights, take digital pictures underwater and float effortlessly like an astronaut. Beyond learning basic scuba skills, there are specialty AquaMissions, such as wreck diving, navigation, buoyancy, environmental awareness and more. Part one, AquaMissions 1 - 5, covers basic scuba diving skills, such as breathing underwater, clearing a mask of water, recovering a regulator and swimming around experiencing the sensation of being weightless. Each session takes about an hour and costs Dhs1,450 (Dhs1,250 for resort guests). Part two, which requires PADI Seal Team as a prerequisite, offers 10 specialty AquaMissions, includingadventures like creature identification, search and recovery diving, and skin diving, Dhs250 (Dhs210 for resort guests). Complete all of these and you will become a PADI Master Seal Team Member – joining an elite group of young scuba divers.

Divers ages10 and above can also apply to the PADI Scuba Diving programme at Atlantis, which upon completion,  young drivers are certified to dive up to 12m anywhere in the world, accompanied by a dive master or instructor. Lasting 12 hours over two days,  the experience includes three confined water sessions, three knowledge reviews andtwo open water dives in The Ambassador Lagoon for DHS1,950 (DHS1,700 for resort guests).

Steve Kaiser, Vice President, Marine Sciences & Engineering for The Lost Chambers comments ‘Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. They want to know how things work, how creatures live, and especially where they live. They also have an urgent need for exploration. Scuba diving is an excellent way to really satisfy this need whilst simultaneously teaching them about conservation and habitat preservation to ensure generations to come strive to keep our waters a clean, safe place to live for their new ocean friends. We havealso found that many children who learn to dive early on become proactive in their community and teach their friends the responsibility of keeping our planet clean. As an added bonus, SCUBA diving also teaches a child math skills, physics, and natural science, which can make them more critical thinkers in the classroom’.

Additional programmes 

In addition to the range of new programmes, adults can also enjoy existing Lost Chambers Marine Animal Adventures programmes such as:

Ultimate Snorkel: From AED 225

Perfect for young and old alike, Ultimate Snorkel lets you explore the lost city of Atlantis and all its marine inhabitants from the perfect vantage point.

Dolphin Scuba Dive: From AED 1,450

Certified scuba divers are invited to experience the rare opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins underwater.

Atlantis Dive Discovery: From AED  950

Always wanted to experience Scuba diving? Atlantis Dive Discovery is designed specifically for non-certified divers. Learn basic diving skills and then meet our sharks, napoleon wrasse, colourful angel fish and butterflies amidst the ruins of Atlantis.

Atlantis Dive Explorer: From AED 800

For certified divers, delight in the rare experience of diving alongside incredible sea creatures and marvel at the artifacts the ancient Atlanteans left behind in this single tank dive.

The Ultimate Dive Experience: From AED 1,950

The Ultimate Dive Experience is exactly that. This premier two tank dive allows you the rare opportunity to hand-feed our giant rays, and concludes with a relaxing Arabic mezze on our rooftop terrace.

Kaiser added: “Every visitor and hotel guest can experience the amazing new programs at Atlantis, The Palm this summer. Kids and adults alike will be aided by our experts at the Dive Centre to enjoy a unique underwater world that cannot be found anywhere else in Dubai.  We are currently offering discount packages of up to 33% on the dive adventure for online bookings.”

Home to over 65,000 marine animals, including sharks, fish and many species of rays, The Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis, The Palm is the perfect place for diving. During diving activities, experienced marine experts guide guests on a journey through this 11 million litres, 10 metre deep, marine habitat and underwater exhibit. This habitat focuses on marine life found in the local waters of the Arabian Gulf, including Golden Trevallys, Cobias, Crescent Angelfish and a variety of sharks and rays.  Here, guests can watch the sea life peacefully, learn about fish species and ocean preservation and even feed some of the hungry rays and sharks.