Aquarium of the Pacific to allow public dives in tropical exhibit

This is one tropical reef dive that involves virtually no risk of shark attack.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., on June 1 will begin allowing members of the public--if they're certified scuba divers--to immerse themselves into its 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat exhibit, which contains thousands of colorful fish, corals, sea turtles and, OK, a small number of very well-fed sharks.

The two-and-a-half-hour adventure costs $299 for non-members, or $279 for members, and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the volunteer dive program, use of an underwater camera and take-home memory card, and a souvenir towel.

Participants must be at least 15 and make reservations at least 24 hours in advance by calling (562) 590-3100, ext. 0. Equipment will be provided if necessary. The capacity is four divers per day and the program runs daily from 3-5:30 p.m.

I've been behind the scenes and met some of the volunteers, who told me diving in the exhibit is a special experience. I hope to find out for myself one of these days.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific