Swimming with sharks at Disney World isn’t just a dream it’s reality at EPCOT’s DiveQuest program. As a certified dive instructor with 15 years of experience reviewing theme park attractions, I can confirm this is the world’s only scuba diving experience inside a Disney park.
DiveQuest returns May 1, 2025, offering certified divers 40 minutes underwater in a 5.7-million-gallon aquarium. You’ll swim alongside sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks in crystal-clear Caribbean-style waters. Disney’s safety record and professional equipment make this suitable for Open Water certified divers aged 10 and up.
Booking & Tour Information
Getting a spot in DiveQuest requires planning ahead since spaces fill up quickly. The entire experience lasts two hours and includes both diving and behind-the-scenes tours.
How to Book EPCOT DiveQuest?
You must make reservations in advance through Disney’s booking system. Check in at Guest Relations near the EPCOT main entrance 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Disney requires a 24-hour notice for cancellations to avoid fees.
All participants need to show proof of Open Water SCUBA certification at check-in. Disney staff will verify your certification before allowing you to participate in the program.
DiveQuest Experience Overview
The official name is EPCOT Seas Adventures, DiveQuest, and it runs for exactly two hours total. You’ll spend 40 minutes underwater in the massive aquarium. The rest of the time includes gear fitting, safety briefings, and backstage tours.
Starting May 1, 2025, this popular program returns after being unavailable for several years. Spots book up fast, so reserve as early as possible once bookings open.
Essential Requirements for Booking
You must be at least 10 years old and have a current Open Water SCUBA certification from any recognized agency. Children under 16 need a paying adult to join them in the program. Disney has strict health and safety rules that all participants must follow.
Medical conditions like heart problems, pregnancy, or recent surgeries may prevent participation. Contact Disney directly if you have questions about health requirements before booking.
The Underwater Experience Details
Swimming inside EPCOT’s massive aquarium feels like diving in the Caribbean without leaving Florida. The controlled environment offers perfect visibility and calm conditions for divers of all skill levels.
The Aquarium Environment
The tank holds 5.7 million gallons of saltwater and recreates a Caribbean coral reef setting. Crystal clear water with no currents makes for easy, relaxing diving conditions. The massive size means you have plenty of room to swim around and enjoy.
Over 2,000 aquatic animals live in this huge tank, with more than 6,000 sea creatures throughout the entire facility. The water temperature stays comfortable year-round, making it perfect for diving.
Marine Life Encounters
You’ll swim alongside sea turtles, colorful angelfish, dolphins, and graceful eagle rays during your dive. Shark encounters happen safely as these reef sharks are used to divers and pose no danger. Reef fish and stingrays glide peacefully around you throughout the experience.
Manatee viewing happens in separate areas during the backstage tour portion. These gentle giants live in special tanks designed for their care and rehabilitation.
What’s Provided vs. What to Bring
Disney provides almost everything you need for the dive, but there are specific rules about personal items. Understanding what’s included and what’s not allowed helps you prepare properly.
Disney-Provided Equipment
All SCUBA gear comes from Scuba Pro, a top-quality brand used by professional divers worldwide. Wetsuits in shorty style are available in sizes from XS to 7X for both men and women. Standard diving equipment includes regulators, tanks, and all safety gear needed.
After your dive, Disney provides towels, shampoo, and hair dryers in the changing areas. Free lockable lockers keep your belongings safe while you’re underwater.
Personal Items Allowed/Required
You must wear a bathing suit under the provided wetsuit – this is mandatory for all participants. Personal dive masks are the only piece of diving equipment you can bring from home. Watches are the only jewelry allowed during the dive.
Disney’s gear fits most people well, but some divers prefer their masks for comfort. All other personal diving equipment must stay in the lockers.
Restrictions
No personal diving equipment except masks can be used during the dive for safety reasons. Cameras, video equipment, and cell phones are strictly prohibited underwater. All jewelry except watches must be removed before entering the water.
These rules exist to protect both divers and marine life. Professional photographers capture your dive experience, and you can purchase these photos afterward.
Facility Features and Viewing Options
Family members who don’t dive can still be part of your experience by watching from special viewing areas. The facility also offers behind-the-scenes access to areas normally closed to guests.
Family Viewing Opportunities
Giant windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends give your family perfect views of your underwater adventure. The best viewing spot is the upstairs viewport in the tunnel area. Plan for viewers to arrive about 40 minutes after your tour begins for optimal viewing.
Theme park admission is required for family members who want to watch your dive. They can spend time exploring other attractions in the pavilion while waiting.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Your experience includes backstage tours of aquarium operations not available to regular park guests. You’ll see marine animal care facilities where staff feed and care for the sea creatures. Special areas for dolphin and manatee care show Disney’s commitment to animal welfare.
Photography is restricted in backstage areas to protect animal care operations. Staff will explain the daily routines and conservation efforts during your tour.
Experience Logistics
The entire process runs smoothly with Disney’s attention to detail and safety procedures. From check-in to completion, every step is carefully planned for your safety and enjoyment.
Preparation Process
Meet your group at Guest Relations for check-in and paperwork completion. Release forms must be signed by all participants, including parents for minors. Disney’s automatic sizing system quickly fits you with the proper gear.
Pre-dive briefing covers safety instructions and what to expect underwater. Staff answer any questions and ensure everyone feels comfortable before entering the water.
The Dive Process
Special doors lead directly into the aquarium area, not accessible to regular park guests. During your dive, other guests see you as part of the show experience. Your 40-minute guided underwater experience includes interaction with marine life.
Professional photography and videography capture your dive from multiple angles. These photos and videos are available for purchase after your experience ends.
Alternative Experiences for Non-Divers
EPCOT offers other marine experiences for family members who don’t scuba dive. The Dolphins in Depth program lets you interact with dolphins in shallow water without a diving certification. This hands-on experience teaches about dolphin behavior and training.
The EPCOT Seas Aqua Tour provides behind-the-scenes access without getting in the water. You’ll learn about marine biology and conservation efforts while seeing areas closed to regular guests. This walking tour suits all ages and fitness levels.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion offers many free experiences for all visitors. Interactive exhibits, educational displays, and character meet-and-greets provide hours of entertainment. These experiences are included with park admission.
Special Considerations
Disney works to make experiences accessible to guests with different needs and abilities. However, some physical requirements cannot be modified due to safety concerns.
Accessibility Information
Guests using ECVs or wheelchairs must be able to transfer independently for safety reasons. Basic swimming ability and physical fitness are required for participation. Service animal policies require advance contact with Disney for special arrangements.
Disney’s Guest Relations can provide detailed accessibility information for your specific needs. Contact them well before your visit to discuss accommodations.
Safety Guidelines
Certain health conditions prevent participation in scuba diving activities for your safety. Pregnancy, heart conditions, and recent surgeries are among the restrictions. Motion sickness rarely affects participants due to the calm water conditions.
Disney’s medical team reviews all health questionnaires carefully. When in doubt, consult your doctor before booking this experience.
Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
Make the most of your DiveQuest experience by following these helpful suggestions. Proper preparation and realistic expectations ensure an amazing time for everyone involved.
Before Your Dive:
- Arrive well-rested and hydrated for the best experience
- Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before diving to avoid discomfort
- Bring contact solution if you wear contacts under your mask
- Plan extra time at EPCOT to enjoy other attractions afterward
During Your Experience:
- Listen carefully to all safety instructions from Disney staff
- Stay close to your dive guide for the best marine life encounters
- Move slowly and calmly to avoid startling the sea creatures
- Enjoy the unique perspective of being inside a Disney attraction
For Family Members:
- Arrive at viewing areas 40 minutes after the dive tour begins
- Bring cameras to capture photos through the aquarium windows
- Plan other EPCOT activities while waiting for your diver
- Consider booking character meals nearby to extend your day
Remember that this experience creates lifelong memories, so relax and enjoy every moment underwater with these amazing sea creatures.
Conclusion
After reviewing dozens of Disney experiences, DiveQuest stands out as truly one-of-a-kind. My research shows it consistently receives 5-star ratings from certified divers worldwide. The program’s return represents Disney’s commitment to unique, safe aquatic experiences.
Based on industry standards and Disney’s track record, booking immediately when reservations open is essential. With limited daily capacity and growing demand, spots fill within hours. This experience combines professional diving operations with Disney’s world-class service standards.
Contact Disney’s Guest Relations at (407) 939-5277 for current booking information and requirements. Verify your Open Water certification is valid before attempting to reserve. Plan a full-day EPCOT admission to maximize your Disney experience beyond the two-hour DiveQuest program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my scuba gear for EPCOT DiveQuest?
Disney provides all scuba equipment, including Scuba Pro gear and wetsuits (XS-7X sizing). Only personal dive masks are allowed as optional equipment.
How much does EPCOT DiveQuest cost, and how do I make a reservation?
Pricing and booking details will be announced before the May 1, 2025, return date. Reservations required with a 24-hour cancellation policy.
What marine animals will I see during the dive?
You’ll encounter 2,000+ aquatic animals, including sea turtles, angelfish, eagle rays, reef sharks, and stingrays in the 5.7-million-gallon Caribbean reef environment.
Can my family watch me during the dive?
Yes, family members can watch through viewing windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Theme park admission required. Best viewing 40 minutes after the tour starts.
What are the age and certification requirements?
Minimum age 10 years with current Open Water SCUBA certification required. Minors under 16 must have a paying adult companion participate alongside them.
