It is a baffling thought in the first instance of hearing it, yes, but apparently not everything is all that it seems.
With the image of sharks in a common notion of being saw-toothed, blood-hungry monsters of the deep blue, who love to snack on unsuspecting swimmers in the high seas, one would certainly feel an instant chill down the spine if you were invited to try a ‘shark safari’ and spend time with these creatures underwater in the humungous glass-walled fish pool of the Aquaventure Water Park at the Atlantis, The Palm.
Of course, in the spirit of trying something new (but wishing to go back home in one piece), the adventurous OutdoorUAE team (Daniel and I) were quick to accept this kind invitation and hopeful that the creatures would be kinder as we make our descent into the deep, fish-filled pool.
We were met by a handful of others who were also invited to try out the water theme park’s latest attraction and were equally enthused about how it would go.
With the sharks and rays on the other side of the glass wall, it may have one flushing in caution due to the stereotypical images fed into people’s brains about their ferocious nature, but if you would take time to understand and learn how these creatures behave, you will find that respect is what they truly deserve.
And besides, the sharks that are inside the giant pool were tamed and even shy to get up close and personal with.
Aquaventure’s Maraika and Robert explained to us the breathing apparatus that we would be using in the pool. Robert went on to demonstrate to us how the Sea Trek – an underwater helmet which pumps 3 times the amount of oxygen required – was worn and how it worked underwater. Once that was done, the group was taken at the top were the pool was located, listened to the compulsory reminders, signed a waiver, and then decided who would go down with the sharks first!
After a short while of waiting, the OutdoorUAE team was up next and quickly strapped on the shoulder pack where the oxygen tank was fitted. A fish bowl-like breathing helmet was worn and underwater we went.
The amazing sight down below will greet you as soon as you set foot on the pool’s floor; schools of different kinds of fish 
slowly meander around you whilst a variety of stingrays glide above the pool floor; including marble rays and cowtail rays. Ironically the rays, which we assumed would behave later on tried to bite, whilst the sharks, which of course are feared the most, were actually harmless and even shying away from people, going about their own business. The plethora of shark species one can see in the pool are; the bowmouth, guitar, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. People were advised not touch them though, as it would provoke them to attack you.
Daniel got the chance to try his Go Pro camera along with the crafty rig he worked up to check out how well the camera’s waterproof case would perform underwater. The team also took the opportunity to take a picture with a copy of last month’s issue underwater and Aquaventure’s Steve Kaiser was happy to help out and get the needed shots (thanks, Steve!).
As soon as the team got out of the pool, still exhilarated from the underwater safari moments ago, one of the managers took us to the feeding area and invited us to experience feeding the sting rays (with poisonous stings removed, of course).
What happened next, well, picture an image of a young man haplessly squealing like a girl as he feeds a bunch of cute and harmless pups on the water; it was quite a laugh for Daniel indeed as he held his camera and recorded the priceless moments on video.
After that was done, the team said their thanks to the people operating the shark safari and sighed as they had to go back to the life in the office. The experience was an enjoyable memory worth reliving though, as they have made friends and hung out with some of the oceans’ respectable inhabitants.
Published in July 2012
