Aquarium Ecology Diver Specialties Course

Why take this course?

Are you ready for some serious diving fun? If so, our AQUARIUM ECOLOGY SPECIALTIES COURSE is for you!

Scuba diving opens the door to exploring the magic of the underwater world. Our Denver Downtown Aquarium Ecology Specialty Diver Course has been recognized as “one of the most unique courses of its kind in the country.” It will provide an up-close and personal experience and enhance your knowledge of the cool critters you often encounter while diving.

You’ll apply the information you learn while reading the Shark Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, Fish Identification, and Manta & Ray Ecology digital specialty manuals, gain a better sense of how to identify a large variety of animals, observe their characteristics, and behaviors, and identify their many shapes, sizes, and colors. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation of the fragility of the underwater world and more knowledge of sharks, turtles, fish, eels, rays, and coral than you thought possible.

The opportunity to apply the information you learned in two amazing diving environments at the Denver Downtown Aquarium, will make for an extraordinary diving experience.

Aquarium Ecology Diver Specialty Course

FISH IDENTIFICATION AND MARINE ECOLOGY

  • Observe and identify different species of fish
  • Record sightings, abundance, sizes, and shapes of fish
  • Describe behaviors and characteristics of a variety of fish

MANTA & RAY ECOLOGY

  • Identify different species of Rays
    • Southern
    • Cownose
    • Reticulate
    • Guitarfish (yes, it’s a ray)
  • Note the body shape differences, gill slits, spiracles, eye location
  • Note the tail shape differences
  • How do they swim?

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY

  • Note turtle species
  • Record identifying characteristics
  • Note the behavior exhibited by the turtles

SHARK ECOLOGY

  • Identify several shark species
  • Record identifying characteristics of each species
  • Record the largest and smallest body sizes
  • Note unique behaviors

  • Be a certified Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver from a recognized certification agency.
    Please note: you’ll be asked to show proof of certification when you arrive for the course at the aquarium
  • Create a personal MySSI account with an uploaded digital photo

There are (10) required documents you need to complete for this course. Be sure to download, print, complete all required areas on each form (name, date, initials, etc.) and hand the completed documents to the instructor, when you arrive for your Ecology Specialty Course at the Aquarium.

View the Required Course Documents

VERY IMPORTANT

If you have been requested to submit a medical evaluation signed by a medical professional, please note that we (SSI and A-1 Scuba) cannot accept the form with any comments, whether handwritten or typed, regardless of who put them there.

The form should be seen as a yes/no type of approval and any stipulation added by anyone effectively negates the validity of the form, even if everything else was done correctly.  

The medical form itself was put together by highly qualified medical professionals (NOT SSI) and neither SSI, A-1 Scuba or their Instructors, the diver, or the medical professional are authorized to amend it beyond simply filling it out and signing as indicated.

If anyone feels that changes need to be made to the form, please inform SSI and we will follow up, but the current version remains in effect until changes are officially implemented and a new version is published, should that be deemed necessary.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE PARTICIPANT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE WATER UNTIL THE PROPER DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, SIGNED, AND REVIEWED FOR ACCURACY BY YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

Includes

  • SSI Diving Professional
  • Shark Cage Experience
  • (1) Scuba Dive
  • Four SSI Ecology Specialties (Fish ID, Sea Turtle, Shark, Ray/Manta-Ray, and Marine Ecology)
  • Use of:  Tank, BCD, Regulator, Gauges, Exposure Suit, Gloves, and Beanie
  • (1) day aquarium pass (that day)

Not Included

  • Required Dive slate (for recording important information while underwater)
  • Mask, Fins & Booties
  • Parking (there is a separate fee for this)
  • Swimsuit, towel, and personal hygiene items
    VERY IMPORTANT
  • Sorry, no bare feet allowed.  Please bring shoes (Keens, flip-flops, water shoes, etc) to wear on the wet deck
  • Cannot use an underwater camera (still or video) during the training dives

Course Fee – $495

CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER POLICY
Payment in full was required to reserve your space in the class.

  • Once the e-Kits are issued there is no refund for the digital materials.
  • Should you cancel or transfer, FOR ANY REASON, less than 48 hours before the starting date of the course, all fees will be forfeited.
  • Should you transfer less than seven days, but more than 48 hours before the starting date of the class, there will be a 50% transfer/cancellation fee.
    SSI Advanced Diver

Once you complete the Aquarium Ecology Course and digitally log 24 dives, you will automatically be sent the SSI Advanced Diver (Level 3) digital recognition card………….for FREE!

Eco Diver Specialty Program
Standard Course
$495
Our Aquarium Ecology Specialty Diver Course provides a unique underwater diving experience that will help you enjoy the diving experience and enhance your knowledge of the cool critters you often encounter while diving.
REGISTER/VIEW DATES
CUSTOMIZED
Private Request
$TBD
Call for Pricing
Similar to our Standard Ecology program around your schedule with the option to add additional ecology courses like Marine Ecology, Marine Mammal Ecology, Coral Identification, and more!
Please allow 2-3 weeks to Schedule.
CALL TO SCHEDULE
303-789-2450

Landry’s is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks to provide the best possible experience for our Guests. We welcome Guests with disabilities who wish to bring their service animals into the Aquarium with them. However, for safety reasons service animals are not permitted on the third floor for guests participating in our dive and snorkeling programs.