CDF’2008: A Lion’s Dive at Curacao Sea Aquarium

One of Andi's lectures was at the Curacao Sea Aquarium where you can see dolphins, sealions and other interesting creatures. Like always we had mixed feelings about animals in captivity. But when we fround out more about the aquarium, talked with some of the trainers and saw the wide natural seawater areas the animals have, we were amazed. So we didn't think twice, when we were offered a dive with a sealion. These dives are organized with Animal Encounters – a dive base within the aquatium.

First there is a extended briefing given to the divers by the sealion trainer. Then the divers enter the housereef together with a photographer, who will take pictures of the dive. The trainer enters the reef together with a sealion and then joins the group. When we did the dive, it was Camilla's turn. On the reef the six year old sealion lady got little snacks from the trainer jonathan once in a while. In between she constantly circled the divers – and who ever puts his hand staight out got some petting from her swimming by. A wonderful experience. But Jonathan assured us, that the sealions enjoy doing the dives – actually he does the same reef-tour with them even if there is no customers. And if a sealion doesn't want to join him for the reef tour it doesn't have to.

You can book the dive either directly at Animal Encounters in the sea Aquarium or at Ocean Encounters dive bases around the island. For exemple through Lions Dive at Breezes. Anyway – the dive is definately worth doing it. Find some pictures attached.

The Sea Lion trainer Jonathan explains the procedures for the dive to guests Andi waiting to take the Sea Lion for a walk Snacks for the Sea Lion at Animal Encounters, Curacao Rough weather and rocky entry for the Sea Lion dive at the Curacao Aquarium Here she comes, Camilla is a six year old sea lion When you hold out your hand the Sea Lion comes Camilla the six year old Sea Lion of Animal Encouters, Curacao Aquarium Trainer Jonathan takes Sea Lion Camilla for a walk on the reef Camilla the Sea Lion making her way through a bunch of divers Animal encounters at the Sea Aquarium offers a photo service for the Sea Lion dive on the reef After every round on the reef Camilla the Sea Lion comes in to stub her Trainer for a small snack The magic snack for the Sea Lion is in a box with the trainer Jonathan Sea Lion and her trainer Jonathan in perfect harmony on the reef Camilla the Sea Lion looking into the frame Camilla the Sea Lion waves "bye, bye.." before returning into her habitat at the Sea Aquarium, Curacao Animal encounters at the Sea Aquarium offers a photo service for the Sea Lion dive on the reef Camilla inspecting herself in Andi's dome Camilla passes by for another petting job The Sea Lion is very nosy and enjoys to browse the group of divers around her Camilla the Sea Lion makes a turn

• CDF'2008: Curaçao Dive Festival Summary
• CDF'2008: A Ray-mazing dive at Animal Encouters
• CDF'2008: Diving the housereef of Curaçao Habitat
• CDF'2008: Wreckdiving the Superior Producer
• CDF'2008: Diving Westpunt with Ocean Encounters