Using VR to Escape Isolation: Several Swimming Wonderlands to Try During Quarantine

Okay, so we’re all trapped inside. Fortunately, some of us lucky folks have access to either a Virtual Reality (VR) headset or an adapter for our phones. With that in mind, let’s talk about using VR to escape isolation.  There are even some recommendations for those without a VR option!

Using VR to Escape Isolation

If we’re being responsible, we’re all following social distancing rules during the current coronavirus outbreak. Fortunately, for those who have home swimming pools, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have ruled that swimming at home is totally safe. But what about those of us without a swimming pool? Well, if you already have access to virtual reality, you’re in luck. Using VR to escape isolation is simple and affordable.

Thanks to modern technology, it is easier than ever before to immerse ourselves in a wild undersea diving adventure. The best part is, you can do this without ever getting wet. Sure, while using VR to escape isolation, you won’t reap the immense health benefits of swimming… but you’ll still be able to have an incredible visual and sensory experience.

As you’ll see throughout this article, there are a number of easily accessible yet free ways to dive deep under the water from the comfort of your living room.

Exploring Coral Reefs

To start out slow, let’s take a virtual trip to Australia. Here, you’ll see one of the world’s greatest diving destinations: the Great Barrier Reef. This first stop on our virtual journey can be joined with or without using VR to escape isolation. First things first, Google Earth has provided some breathtaking images of the reef, as a part of the Netflix documentary Chasing Coral. By following this Google Earth link, you’ll be able to view spectacular 360-degree images of the reef and the research stations.

Additionally, check out David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. This does not require a VR headset, but it is certainly enhanced by one. In this series, the famous documentarian takes the viewer on an interactive journey underneath the waves to this incredible location. Even though you might be trapped at home, this is still an unforgettable trip that we highly recommend.

Diving Deeper

Okay, now let’s really get started using VR to escape isolation. For virtual scuba divers, you’ll absolutely want to journey to these stunning dive spots. Using your headset or phone, you can fully explore a mysterious shipwreck, get up-close-and-personal with fish and sea lions and much, much more. These virtual dives, from the National Marine Sanctuaries, are the key to starting your adventure.

Learn more at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov.

Swim With the Dolphins

Who doesn’t love dolphins? Thanks to the Dolphin Swim Club, you can use these 360-degree videos to have the underwater experience of a lifetime. What’s even better, the dolphins will remain unharmed. In recent years, it has come to light that many sea park experiences can be cruel to these mammals. These videos are shot in open water, and the dolphins are all willing participants. Give it a shot, you’ll see!

What’s more, if you don’t have a VR headset, most of these videos are viewable on flat screens too!

Every Week is Shark Week When You’re in Quarantine

Finally, let’s give ourselves a scare. Instead of the friendly dolphins, how about using VR to escape isolation… and jump into the terrifying world of sharks! A 360-degree video is just one of many shark-happy experiences that can truly add some excitement to your social distancing days.

Additionally, National Geographic has created an up-close-and-personal encounter with a hammerhead shark:

In the end, there turns out to be countless ways in which VR can improve your life during this pandemic. We recommend using whatever method is available to help relieve boredom and inject a bit of excitement or relaxation into your life.