Sea Lion Dive Adventure, New York

Set along the Niagara Gorge, and a short stroll from the Niagara Falls in New York , the Aquarium of Niagara features 1,500 aquatic animals ranging from the sturgeon of the Great Lakes to the piranha of the mighty Amazon. As part of the experience, the aquarium offers a "Sea Lion Adventure," which includes a briefing by a marine mammal trainer on sea lions, information and expectations about the dive, and then a 20-30 minute dive in the aquarium's 100,000-gallon main saltwater pool surrounded by the resident California seal lions. A 15-month-old harbor seal is among the group. A trainer joins the divers for some interactive fun, and a sea lion show follows. Divers can spend the rest of the day visiting the aquarium's exhibits. Divers must bring their dive gear and wet suits (no dive knives, and no exposed lead weights). All divers must show their C-card and complete a waiver form.

Depths to: 15 feet (5 m)

Visibility:
Swimming pool visibility

Water temperature:
64-66 degrees
Fahrenheit (18-19
degrees Celsius)

Aquatic life:
California sea lions

Fees: $100 per diver

On-site amenities: Lockers and showers.

More info: Call the Aquarium Marine Mammal Care Department at (716) 285-3575, ext. 214, or visit www.aquariumofniagara.org/aquarium/diveadv.htm.

Open: Divers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. for the 8:15 a.m. briefing. The experience concludes with the 10:30 a.m. sea lion show. The aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Getting there: From the south ( Pennsylvania ) take Interstate 90 east to Interstate 190 North. Proceed across Grand Island . Immediately after crossing, take Exit 21 ( Robert Moses Parkway ). Proceed west and exit the parkway to the right at John B. Daly Blvd. Take John B. Daly Blvd. to Niagara Street . Turn left onto Niagara Street and proceed west to Third Street . Turn right onto Third Street . The Aquarium of Niagara is three blocks ahead on the left.