Sleeping Under the Sea with BGD

When visiting Atlanta, there are certain must-see attractions that everyone talks about. From the world-famous Coca-Cola Museum, to the sprawling beauty of Piedmont Park, and the rich history housed within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, there's no shortage of incredible sights to explore. Among these top destinations, the Georgia Aquarium stands out as a true marvel. And lucky for Black Girls Dive’s Georgia and Maryland cohort, we had an opportunity to experience one of its best offerings: the "Sleep Under the Sea" adventure.

The Black Girls Dive (BGD) Foundation is an organization focused on providing young Black women with experiences in marine science, scuba diving, and marine conservation. Our mission is to nurture and cultivate the next generation of conservationists, scientists, and planetary stewards. By targeting the socioeconomic and racial achievement gap, the BGD Foundation aims to uphold the principles of equality, freedom, and opportunity, while helping young people amplify their voices and agency in the world.

Learning About Marine Life 

The evening kicked off with a guided tour through the aquarium’s most popular exhibits. We had an up-close look at the awe-inspiring Ocean Voyager.  Home to majestic whale sharks, and the mysterious Deep Sea exhibit, where eerie yet fascinating creatures reside. Knowledgeable guides shared fascinating insights about marine life and conservation efforts, making the tour both educational and entertaining. The educational aspect of the trip was enlightening, as we learned about the intricate ecosystems that sustain marine life, the challenges they face, and how the Georgia Aquarium has assisted in educating and promoting aquatic biodiversity. This knowledge not only deepened our appreciation for the creatures but also reinforced our commitment to protecting them. 

Sleeping among the fish was an experience we won’t forget! As the night winds down, everyone retreated to their unique, designated sleeping area. Whether you’re beneath the glass of the Ocean Voyager exhibit or tucked away in the cozy Tropical Diver gallery, you’re guaranteed a spectacular view! And in the morning, you’ll wake up to a light breakfast that leads into the aquarium’s morning routine like feedings and tank cleanings. 

Behind-the-Scenes Adventures

One of the most exciting parts of our experience was the behind-the-scenes tour. We were able to access an area typically off-limits to the public, providing a rare but educational glimpse into the inner workings of the Aquarium. This tour included a visit to the top of the Ocean Voyager exhibit, where we observed the whale sharks from above. By learning about their feeding schedules, stories before they came to the Georgia Aquarium, and their overall daily lives. We saw the meticulous care and effort that goes into maintaining the health and well-being of marine animals. 

Personally, if you had to ask us all…our favorite exhibit? The newest gallery SHARKS! Predators of the Deep.

Interactive Animal Encounters

The highlight of the evening for the Atlanta cohort was–undoubtedly– the interactive animal encounters! Our group was lucky enough to have a hands-on experience with the Aquarium’s resident seals. These playful and intelligent creatures quickly stole our hearts. Under the guidance of the trainers, we learned about the Seals’ behaviors, their training routines, and the conservation efforts in place to protect their wild counterparts. We got the chance to feed them and perform tricks with them to take a closer look into their daily lives as rescues at the Georgia Aquarium.

Dive in the Ocean Voyager Tank

One of the best parts of the trip for the Maryland cohort was their dive Ocean Voyager tank! Swimming alongside manta rays, whale sharks, and thousands of other fish while people are watching you from the other side of the glass. It's an experience that our Maryland cohort will never forget! A truly spectacular way to get up close and personal with marine life and see things from a whole new perspective.

Conclusion

The "Sleep Under the Sea" experience at the Georgia Aquarium was more than just an adventure; it was a celebration of our shared commitment to learning about marine science, and conservation– and appreciating the nautical world around us. For black women in Marine Science, opportunities like these are invaluable. Offering inspiration, education, and a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts. We look forward to many more experiences and continue our journey to safeguard our oceans!

So, If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta or are a local looking for a novel way to experience one of the city’s top attractions, the Georgia Aquarium’s sleepover is a must-do. It's a rare chance to see the underwater world from a whole new perspective and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your sleeping bag, get ready for an unforgettable night, and dive into the adventure of Sleeping Under the Sea.