by Rachel Ang
Who would’ve thought that you could dive in S.E.A Aquarium’s Open Ocean Habitat? I certainly didn’t but when theylaunched their Ultimate Marine Encounters, I leapt at the chance to participate in the Open Ocean Dive programme – coming face-to-face and within grasp of a giant manta ray, a leopard shark, countless groupers, and many more of these amazing marine animals. And it all happened right here in Singapore.
Typically, a dive trip involves researching on the best locations and seasons to SCUBA dive, nit picking on lodgings and things to pack, and spending hours traveling from location to location. And when you are there, the last 24 hours must be spent dive-less, because if you are planning to fly, you stand the risk of decompression sickness – severe headaches, joint pains, extreme fatigue and even skin rash – definitely not something you want to end the trip with.
In lieu of a time consuming trip overseas, diving in the Open Ocean habitat is the perfect fix for busy adventure junkies like me – I get to dive, see almost all the majestic animals I have ever wanted to see in a single dive location, and it is all pretty fuss free.
Did you know?
The Open Ocean habitat is classified and recognised internationally as an Open Water dive site, and you can officially log your dives!
This dive adventure is part of Marine Life Park’s latest offering, the Open Ocean Dive. One of four Ultimate Marine Encounters, this 150-minute programme consists of 30 – 45 minutes of SCUBA diving and will bring divers on an exploration of the 18.2 million litre habitat filled with over 50,000 marine animals from 80 different species.
Like most dive locations, there are the usual pre-dive checks, to ensure that divers met all the requirements. The friendly dive guide then gave an overview of the animals I’d get to see, tidbits of fun facts, and most importantly the Dos and Don’ts to ensure an enjoyable dive experience for everyone, marine animals included.
While suiting up, I was given a wetsuit with a hood to wear. The guide explained that the wetsuit and the hood are used for thermal protection and to protect from accidental brushes with the friendly rays.
Before diving in, the guide told me the water temperature was at 25 – 27°C. That sounded really chilly to me. Maybe it was the adrenaline or perhaps it was the 3mm wetsuit, but during the actual dive, I felt pretty warm.
Here’s me with the Giant Grouper, Leopard Shark, and if you take a closer look, you can see a ray hiding beneath the sand.
I was able to ‘tango’ with the Giant Manta Ray.
Part of the dive adventure also involved going 12 metres deep and swimming between the rock works to seek out animals that were hiding amongst them, much like an open ocean dive site.
The Bowmouth Guitarfish seen here is known to crush clams and rocks in their mouths. You definitely don’t want your hands or fingers caught in there.
The most fascinating part of this immersive experience was the friendly animals. The fishes would swim right up to you and circle around in a curious manner. But however tempting it is to want to touch them, I was advised not to – because by doing so, I would be wiping away a natural protective layer over their bodies.
After making two trips around this habitat, waving back to guests on the other side of the viewing panel, I made my way to the top of Ocean Dome for a three-minute safety stop – to allow absorbed nitrogen to be released from my body.
Taking a 3-minute safety stop at the top of Ocean Dome. View looks impressive from up here.
And then I was out. I got my quick nitrogen fix, no fuss, no hassle. Check out this video to see what I experienced.
Rachel is an outdoor adventure junkie who is modest about her adventures of the green and blue. She also enjoys sewing, bringing her Pomeranian dog Pixie on long walks, and unintentionally breaking office doors.
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Open Ocean Dive
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Open Ocean habitat, the centrepiece of S.E.A. Aquarium. Descend up to 12 metres to marvel at majestic manta rays, groupers, and schools of fish swimming in unison for an unforgettable up-close encounter with the ocean’s gentle giants.
SCUBA-certification is required. Please contact us to pre-book. Walk-ins will not be entertained.
Find out more on the Resorts World Sentosa website.
Daily session: 10.00am
Price: S$288 (Adult) S$278 (Senior)
Top-up rate: S$252 (requires Adventure Cove Waterpark admission)
Terms and Conditions:
▸ Limited to a maximum of 4 guests per session. Subject to availability.
▸ Must be at least 15 years old to participate.
▸ Current SCUBA diving qualification from a nationally or internationally recognised organisation is essential. Must be active divers within the last 12 months; beyond this is a check dive might be required. Certification cards and dive logs must be produced.
▸ Must be medically fit based on the medical / health declaration.
▸ Must sign a liability form before entering the water. Guests under the age of 21 must have a parent/legal guardian complete and sign the health declaration and liability forms.
▸ Must NOT be due to fly within the next 12 hours.
