Has anyone ever snorkled at Shark Reef?

[momto2]

What was it like? Is there an added cost? Can the kids do it?

 

[Kitty 34]

We did this a couple of years ago and there was no extra charge. Kids can do it, too. It was a lot of fun!!!

 

[dwfanatic]

DH and DS did this last year- kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult...our ds was 6- The water is cold (70 degrees or so) but they give you a wet suit vest to wear. DS wasn't a strong swimmer and also wore a life vest provided there- DS had to snorkle and help guide DS- it worked, though. You do need to swim straight across the reef, however- you can't stop. They did it 3 times in a row!!

 

[stauncie]

We did this last year (at least I tried to)
Everyone is fitted with a semi-boyant neopreen vest, and snorkel and mask.
My kids 8, 10, 12, all really enjoyed doing it, but it was HARD for them to NOT kick!
I couldn't get my mouth around the snorkel right... and had that salty taste in my mouth for the next hour!
The kids all got certificates that said they 'swam with the sharks!'
They also provide life jackets for those that need them.

 

[momto2]

Oh my gosh, my kids are going to love this! Thanks so much for the info.

 

[Eeyore2003]

We did this a couple years ago. The water is a little cold. If you go right when the park opens they let you take more time going through and you can go over and over again with no wait. They told us later the line can get pretty long. This was in August though

 

[slp87]

My DD 7 and Dh did it too and loved it. I stayed on the side and got some great pics!!

 

[Danauk]

I swam the reef last week and just got my pictures back today. I bought an under water camera before we left and the pictures were great. TL wasn't busy the day we went so I was able to take my time, they didn't hurry you and I was able to swim it a few times no problem. Some of the kids found it hard not to kick when they were swimming but I found it OK. You and your kids will love it. I would do it again.

 

[michygoomy]

I tried to do it without a life vest, jumped in, and jumped right back out. I'm not a strong swimmer.

DH did it with DD7 and DS10--the first time he used no life vest, and found it hard to keep with the kids (wearing life vests) and keeping himself afloat. He missed a lot, so he did it again, this time with a vest.

So--lesson learned--even if you're an adult, strong swimmer, you might find it a more relaxing swim if you grab a lifevest anyway.

And I agree with the other poster--go FIRST THING, so you can go through twice if you want with minimal lines.

 

[helenabear]

We did this too a few years ago and loved it!!!! I think we went fairly early in the morning... there was no line and we took a long swim across! It was really cool and if I ever decide to go to TL again I will definitely do this!!

 

[SuiteDisney]

http://www.***********.com/fe3d0ec0.jpg

http://www.***********.com/fe4d0ee0.jpg

 

[Chip126]

Does anyone know the species of aquatic life featured in this attraction?

 

[momto2]

Suite, thanks for the photos. There were great.

Ok just a couple of questions. If you don't kick, how do you get across?with just your arms? How deep is the water? I would like to know the types of fish too. My 7 year old is a great swimmer, yet will he just need the life vest, snorkle and float along?

Thanks again

 

[TZMOM]

We just did this last Thursday (8/28) - no one was being given a vest when we went through - you floated anyway - I guess with the high salt content of the water. You have to use your hands to move - no kicking. It was a little difficult for some not kick their feet - saw a lot of adults panic and needed to be pulled to the end by the lifeguard. Once you get the hang of breathing w/the snorkel - it's really cool to see the fish. Some get really close - sharks stay down at the bottom - I'm not sure how deep it is - I'd say at least 8-10 feet. It doesn't take anymore than 2-3 minutes to float across. Get a disposable underwater camera to take some pics - I haven't gotten mine back yet so I don't know if they even came out - my thumb is probably in the way of most .

 

[dgaston]

We were just there on August 20. For children who aren't strong swimmers, the guards were telling the parents to be the swimmer, and to let the kids hold on to you. I was one of the embarrassed ones who automatically kicked (yes I did hear don't kick) and the guard had to yell at me! I was able to figure out the snorkel, and did enjoy it. DH complained about the water temp, but I didn't think it was that cold. Still waiting to finish the camera for the underwater pics.

 

[Taximom]

Just to add...there is a large rock part way thru that we had to use for my 10 yr old son. The lifeguard came over and explained to him that the sharks were so small that they couldn't even hurt a baby bird. He felt a little less scared, and snorkeled again in the afternoon. My son watches too many shark shows on the Discovery Channel!
My underwater camera took great pics, and my son showed his friends the sharks he swam with!

 

[PatriciaH]

DH and I just did Shark Reef Tuesday! It was great- we got to TL around 2pm and it was not too crowded. It rained for 1/2 an hour around 4pm and cleared out a lot. They were only giving out vests if you asked for one, it is not required like the last time we went. DH and I brought our own masks and snorkels-last time mine leaked all over. There are Sting Rays, Leopard Sharks, Parrot Fish, Blue Tangs, and MANY more fish. Some were coming right up to us. If you are not a strong swimmer get a vest-it is pretty deep and very clear so you can see how deep it is. Some guy was kicking me in the face he was so nervous and trying to get to the other side

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

This was our first trip here in all of our trips and it was the BEST. We all had a great time. I am very claustophobic (?) so it took me a few min. to get in the cold water. After that we went back like 4 times. We were there around 10ish before it got real busy. It took a bit longer later on in the day , cause they have to wait for the snorkel stuff to get sanitized. Your whole family will love this for sure. The whole park was alot of fun. Course by 230ish the worst storm was rolling in so we had to leave early.

 

[uofl]

would my son who is almost 3 be able to do this?