A SCUBA Santa Claus is braving shark-infested waters to prove that there isn’t any length he won’t go to deliver presents.
The intrepid Father Christmas is taking to the water at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, Fife to deliver presents to the aquarium’s team of divers and also hand out some treats to the fishy residents.
The scuba Saint Nick is sharing the 4.5 million litre Underwater Safari display with three-metre-long sand tiger sharks, angel sharks, giant stingrays and thousands of other fish, crabs and lobsters.
Deep Sea World’s Paul Francis said: “Our regular diving talks and feeding displays are always hugely popular with visitors.
“We’re hoping our sub-aquatic Santa will add a real festive twist to the experience and will prove to youngsters there really isn’t anywhere Father Christmas can’t deliver presents.
“One of the unexpected bonuses is that the sharks and other fish are extremely curious and tend to follow him around the display which makes for some spectacularly close encounters for Santa.”
Diving Santa will be taking the plunge every day from Saturday, November 27th until Friday, December 24th (except on Wednesdays).
Dives will take place from midday with three dives scheduled on December 18th, 23rd and 24th between 12pm-3pm.
The North Queensferry attraction is also offering special prices over the festive period for its Shark Encounter dives with limited places available at just £145.
The aquarium is one of only two in Britain which offers members of the public the chance to actually swim with sharks.
No previous diving experience is required to enter the water where visitors travelling along the 112 metre underwater walkway can watch as punters get acquainted with the marine animals.
There are also Bubblemaker dives available for children (8-15 years) which allows them to swim with the sharks but protected by secure metal gates and cost £55.
Mr Francis added: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, it’s something completely different.
“Kids going back to school could tell their friends about the exciting Christmas present.
“The sharks are safe. They are docile due to the cold water and are fed regularly by the aquarium staff so they have no need to nibble on any divers that may visit.”
To find out more about Diving Santa, Shark Encounters, Bubblemakers and other Christmas activities at Deep Sea World visit www.deepseaworld.com or call 01383 411880.
