On Monday mornings, the same question arises: What did you do over the weekend?
It’s not often you can say, “I swam with the sharks.”
In the hierarchy of weekend bragging rights, that’s an activity that’s hard to beat. So grab the kiddos, swimsuits, towels and deck shoes and head to the Denver Aquarium today for “Swim with the Fish: A Snorkeling Adventure.”
Every Saturday and Sunday, three groups of up to 10 swimmers splash into the 200,000- gallon saltwater tank and swim with sharks, sea turtles, moray eels and a 400-pound Queensland grouper dubbed “The Super Grouper.”
Time slots are available at 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. No prior experience is required. The event is open to anyone age 6 and older.
Professional instructors from A-1 Scuba guide snorkelers through the process, including how to gear up in wet suits, fins, snorkels and masks. It’s all part of the $75 per person cost.
The adventure starts with a quick tutorial and a behind- the-scenes tour of the facility, where participants learn about the various species of fish in the massive, 15-foot- deep saltwater tank. Then, participants suit up and prepare to take the plunge.
“We see great leaps… in confidence levels within a 30-minute period,” says Todd Hall, dive safety officer for the Denver Aquarium.
“We had a 6-year-old kid come in who was just shaking with fear, but by the end of the swim you could hear him giggling through his snorkel.”
Another newbie was a 75- year-old woman who had never gone snorkeling and wanted to be able to cross it off her “to-do” list.
It’s definitely an achievement, but the learning opportunities go beyond entertainment or personal goals.
“We try to dispel the myths about the animals,” Hall says. “Some people think the eels are threatening because they open and close their mouths, but that’s just their way of breathing.
“And sharks are an important part of the ocean ecosystem. They take out the dying, sick and old, so they are not interested in healthy humans.”
Hall stresses the need to be respectful of the creatures.
“When you’re swimming in the tank, you are a guest in their house,” he says. “And we have a strict no-touch policy, both for the safety of people, and also for the health of the animals. Petting the fish can introduce germs and can interfere with the slime coat that protects their skin.”
This is serious fun with an educational bent, but Hall also wants visitors to be mindful of the ecological big picture. “I hope that people leave with more respect for the ocean,” he says.
“Swim with the fish: a snorkeling adventure.”
Where: The Denver Aquarium, 700 Water St.
When: Each Saturday and Sunday
Register: A-1 Scuba at 303-789-2450 or . Scuba dives also available for certified divers.
Price: $75 per person
