Germany: Nettebad Osnabrück Offers VR Snorkeling Tours Again

As of now, guests to Osnabrück’s Nettebad (Lower Saxony) once again have the opportunity to dive into virtual worlds. Guests can now book diving tours with virtual reality goggles again, where snorkelers can enjoy 360-degree views. In addition to the waterproof VR diving goggles and a snorkel, guests are also equipped with a special weight-bearing flotation belt to help them stay underwater. The belt also keeps guests in place to avoid collisions with other divers. “Our experience has shown that reality and virtual reality blur together for the participants,” explains Nettebad manager Tilo Schölzel.

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Visitors can choose between three different VR scenarios, including underwater worlds with turtles and whales as well as galactic adventures in space simulation. The technical equipment for the VR diving experience was supplied by wiegand.waterrides, with the films programmed by the US firm of Ballast. Each participant receives a briefing on VR snorkeling in advance, and each dive will be accompanied by Nettebad staff. The duration of the experience is 4.5 minutes. VR diving is possible on 18 and 25 October from 10am-12pm. Beginning on 5 November, VR diving will be available as a regular offering on the first Saturday of each month between 5-7pm. Participants, who have the option to pay online (three euros) or on site (four euros), must be at least six years old and able to swim. (eap)