Deeper Dives – A Unique Look at the Tennessee Aquarium
Deeper Dives is a unique Tennessee Aquarium tour which offers an educational and fun hands-on look at what goes on behind the scenes at the aquarium.
Deeper Dives is a must for any family who loves the ocean life found at aquariums. It’s particularly great for families because the educational component of the tours is full of information that both kids and adults will enjoy, and the interactive nature of the tours make them incredibly engaging for children.
The Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga, is equal parts education, entertainment, and conservationism and has been dazzling visitors since it first opened. Its two massive buildings house a wide variety of habitats that showcase the path of the waters of the Southeast from the mountains to the sea and the fascinating animals that call it home.
In addition to highlighting the native creatures of the Southeast, the aquarium also offers a look at sea life from the most remote parts of the world. Plus all the freshwater rivers, especially those flowing into the Tennessee area.
You can read a bit more about a tour through the Aquarium and IMAX HERE.
Be on the lookout for photos by renowned National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, even at the entrance.
Deeper Dives Tours
We’ve been to the Tennessee Aquarium several times, and one of our favorite ways to visit was the Deeper Dives tour.
Consisting of two different tour options, Deeper Dives offers the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and interaction, offering guided, behind-the-scenes tours that are as in-depth as they are entertaining.
A Guided Deep Dives Tour
This tour takes place before opening so you get a look at the animals without the crowds. During this tour, an aquarium educator guides the party through the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, offer new perspectives on favorite exhibits and peeks at how the animals are cared for each morning.
You see areas which are focused on the life of a species, from birth, to feeding, to healthcare.
There’s even an opportunity for those on the tour to meet one of the aquarium’s ambassador animals.
This striped tortoise made an appearance at the end of our tour.
You are able to go back into the aquarium to explore a bit more if you didn’t get enough.
These are normally offered Thursday through Sunday mornings, an hour before opening, so check AQUARIUM WEBSITE for all details for admission, age requirements, and pricing. Reservations are required.
You get to see many things behind the scenes of some feedings, how they care for the animals and even some of the babies. You can tell how well everything is cared for. And loved.
Had to see anything Razorback.
Favorite Things to See
No matter how many trips we make to this or any other aquariums or zoos, there’s always a few favorites.
Lemurs
We even got to feed some by hand in Florida once. And those eyes!!!
Peguins
Another one we got to pet once at Busch Gardens. There’s even a new baby here in Chattanooga.
All the color
Feeding Frenzy – Another Tour
The second of the two Deeper Dives tours, Feeding Frenzy offers a unique look at how the animals at the aquarium are fed, answering one of the most common questions from visitors: Why don’t the sharks eat the other fish?
During this experience, the group joins an Aquarium educator and aquarist for a behind-the-scenes look at Ocean Journey. They’ll also assist in feeding the residents of the Secret Reef exhibits. While feeding the animals, the group will be able to view the sharks, rays, colorful reef fish, and the aquarium’s resident Green Sea Turtle. Throughout the experience, they’ll also learn about how sharks and rays eat.
Reservations are also required for this tour.
Advantages of a Behind the Scene Tour
If you have ever visited an aquarium, you know how everyone wants to get close to the glass walls for photos. In this tour, usually 8 people or less, it is great since not so many people will be in your way.
Ever wonder about something? The tour guide is a wealth of information.
Experience Deeper Dives at the Tennessee Aquarium
Deeper Dives is one of the best ways to experience the Tennessee Aquarium. Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium and its residents through educational, hands-on experiences, Deeper Dives is both educational and entertaining and a great experience for kids and adults, alike. If you’re in the Chattanooga area, I highly recommend either of the two experiences offered by Deeper Dives. Just remember to make reservations and Chattqanooga is in the Eastern time zone.
More to See and Do in and Around Chattanooga
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Happy Travels,
Rosemary
