You really can swim with sharks at the Denver Aquarium through their specialized diving programs. The Denver Downtown Aquarium offers two distinct shark encounters: a SCUBA diving experience for certified divers and a shark cage experience for non-divers. These programs let you get up close with sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and other marine species in a controlled, safe environment.
About Denver's Downtown Aquarium
Denver's Downtown Aquarium transforms the heart of downtown Denver into an underwater wonderland. This unique attraction houses over 500 species of aquatic life across themed exhibits that transport you from the depths of the ocean to tropical rainforests.
The aquarium's crown jewel is its 150,000-gallon shark tank, home to sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, green moray eels, and hundreds of tropical fish. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views, but the real thrill comes from swimming with sharks at the Denver Aquarium through their immersive diving programs. The facility combines education with adventure, making it a standout destination for marine life enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Beyond the shark tank, the aquarium features interactive touch tanks where you can handle stingrays and sea stars. The Coral Lagoon exhibit showcases colorful reef fish and live coral formations, while the Rainforest Cafe provides dining surrounded by animatronic wildlife. These diverse attractions create a full day of entertainment for families and marine enthusiasts.
Swim with Sharks Experience: What It Includes
The swimming with sharks program at the Denver Aquarium offers two experiences tailored to different skill levels and comfort zones.
Dive With the Sharks: Scuba Adventure
Certified divers can participate in the “Dive with the Sharks” program, which provides an unrestricted underwater experience in the main shark exhibit. You'll spend approximately 30 minutes in the water, swimming freely alongside sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and other marine life. The program includes a professional dive guide, full aquarium admission, and a coupon for a SeaLife Underwater Camera Set to capture your adventure.
Shark Cage Experience
Non-certified divers can enjoy the “Shark Cage Experience,” which offers guided swimming within a protective cage structure. This 20-minute underwater encounter allows you to observe sharks up close while maintaining a safe barrier. The experience includes all necessary diving gear, professional guidance, and aquarium admission.
Both programs accommodate small groups to ensure personalized attention and optimal safety conditions throughout your underwater adventure.
Requirements To Participate
Scuba Diving Program Requirements
To participate in the full diving experience, you must present a valid Scuba certification card from a recognized training agency such as PADI, NAUI, or SSI. The aquarium requires completion of their specialized Scuba Diving Waiver before your dive. All participants must demonstrate current diving skills and comfort in water environments. Recent diving experience within the past year is strongly recommended to ensure you feel confident underwater.
Shark Cage Experience Requirements
The cage experience welcomes participants aged eight and older, making it accessible to families and non-certified swimmers. While no diving certification is required, participants must feel comfortable in the water and be able to follow safety instructions from the dive guide. Basic swimming ability is essential, though you don't need advanced swimming skills.
General Health and Safety Criteria
All participants must complete health questionnaires and liability waivers. The aquarium reserves the right to exclude individuals with certain medical conditions that could pose risks during underwater activities. Pregnant women cannot participate in either program for safety reasons.
Safety First: Dive Protocols and Supervision
Downtown Aquarium maintains rigorous safety standards for all shark encounters. Each session begins with a comprehensive pre-dive briefing where certified instructors explain safety protocols, hand signals, and emergency procedures. You'll learn about the specific marine life in the exhibit and how to interact safely with the environment.
Professional dive instructors accompany every group, maintaining constant supervision throughout the underwater experience. These experts monitor all participants, ensure proper equipment function, and can immediately respond to any concerns. The aquarium's safety team includes certified rescue divers and emergency response personnel stationed nearby during all programs.
Emergency oxygen supplies and first aid equipment remain readily accessible. The facility follows strict diver-to-instructor ratios, ensuring adequate supervision for every participant. Before entering the water, instructors verify that all equipment fits properly and functions correctly.
What To Bring and How To Prepare
Essential Items
Bring a valid photo ID and your SCUBA certification card (for the diving program). Pack a swimsuit to wear under the provided wetsuit, and consider bringing a towel for after your experience. The aquarium provides all diving equipment, including masks, regulators, wetsuits, and fins.
Day-of Preparation
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled dive time to complete paperwork and attend the safety briefing. Avoid consuming alcohol or heavy meals before your underwater adventure. Get plenty of rest the night before, as diving requires mental alertness and physical coordination.
The aquarium recommends making reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Programs cost $235 per person for the scuba experience and $155 per person for the shark cage encounter. Note: Denver CityPASS® tickets do not include either of these programs, they are a separate offering from the aquarium.
Plan Your Shark Adventure With Denver CityPASS® Tickets
Make your shark encounter part of a complete Denver adventure by adding Denver CityPASS® tickets. These tickets provide admission to Denver's top attractions while saving you up to off regular admission prices.
Your Denver CityPASS® tickets include admission to the Downtown Aquarium along with other must-see destinations like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, and Denver Art Museum. This combination lets you explore the city's diverse attractions while maximizing your entertainment budget.
Swimming with sharks at the Denver Aquarium creates incredible memories, and pairing this experience with other Denver attractions makes for an action-packed visit. Denver CityPASS® tickets give you nine consecutive days to explore, providing flexibility to plan your shark dive alongside other adventures. Start planning your Denver getaway and discover why millions of travelers choose CityPASS® tickets for their city explorations.
Denver Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Denver, we recommend finding lodging near Denver's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Header image Denver Downtown Aquarium; oceanmagicproductions.com 2008