DiveQuest: An Underwater Tour at EPCOT

DiveQuest: An Underwater Tour at EPCOT

Take the DiveQuest plunge with me!

My trip to EPCOT in the early 2000s gave me a vivid memory of playing rock, paper, scissors with a scuba diver through a glass pane at the Living Seas, an experience that sparked my dream of becoming a scuba diver myself. Fast forward almost three decades, and not only did I become a certified diver, but I also seized the opportunity to dive in the Seas with Nemo & Friends at Disney World.

In November 2023, I took part in this remarkable diving experience, which stands out as the best dive I’ve ever had. The 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium, with its calm seas, unlimited visibility, warm 80-degree water, and over 2,000 sea creatures, offered an unparalleled diving environment. The highlight for me was interacting with the guests from the other side of the glass, recalling my own childhood wonder.

A stingray swims in front of Danielle Ernest on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT

For those considering this unique tour, Disney ensures a seamless experience by providing all necessary gear, including wetsuits and neoprene boots. Divers are asked to bring suitable attire for under the wetsuit and a dive computer if they have one. Jewelry removal and special hair ties are mandatory to protect the marine life, and personal cameras are not allowed during the dive. However, friends and family can watch and film from a designated viewing area. The dive is exclusive, with a maximum of 12 divers, ensuring ample space and personal interaction with the aquatic environment. It’s a “no touch” dive for the safety of the marine life.

Priced at $249, DiveQuests might seem steep, but it includes a behind-the-scenes tour, a 40-minute dive, a Photopass photo, and a dive bag, making it a valuable package for such an exclusive experience. Participants must provide proof of SCUBA certification, and all divers must be at least 10 years old, with minors under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. This dive not only fulfilled a lifelong dream but also connected me to a new generation of wonderstruck onlookers, much like I once was.

DiveQuest Gallery

All dive photos courtesy of Katie Darby Cooper. Click or tap any photo for a larger view.

Danielle Ernest preparing for the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Fish swimming in front of Danielle Ernest on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest interacting with kids while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest interacting with kids while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest high-fiving a child while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest waving at the camera while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest interacting with kids while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest high-fiving a child while on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
Danielle Ernest and other divers on the DiveQuest SCUBA tour at EPCOT
EPCOT's DiveQuest dry bag
EPCOT's DiveQuest details

Editor’s note: I want to thank Danielle for sharing her DiveQuest experience and these incredible photos with us. The Seas with Nemo & Friends is sometimes the forgotten EPCOT Pavilion. I promise you everything in SeaBase is worth your time. 10 out of 5 stars!

Disney recommends booking DiveQuest in advance, but same-day reservations and walk-ins are sometimes available. Annual Passholder discounts are also available.

Our reservation date calculator will let you know when you can book DiveQuest and other tours.

Danielle
Danielle Ernest is a dynamic digital strategist and innovative content creator, boasting 14 years of enriching experience that spans various facets of the digital landscape. Her career embarked on a magical note at Disneyland, where she excelled as a Cast Member, setting the foundation for her exceptional journey in digital storytelling.