shark deep dive at seaworld

[theb52s]

Hi, has anyone done the shark deep dive at Seaworld? We are thinking of doing it but seems expensive for the 4 of us to do it. Is it worth it at $150 each? How long do you get in the cage? Thanks

Lesley

 

[misspickle]

hiya i have booked this for my dh i thought it was really cheap, you get 2 hours in the cage plus u get free t-shirt and photo etc when are you planning on doing it i will be back on the 2nd jan and i will let you know how it went.

 

[theb52s]

Not going to Florida until 19 February so would like to hear what you thought of it when you get back. Thanks

 

[cleo]

I would never disagree with misspickle, but I'm afraid you don't get 2 hours in the cage. It's more like half an hour, with the remainder of the 2 hour experience being training, education about sharks, suiting up, getting into the pool, getting into the cage, then showering afterwards and asking any questions you may have.

It's a fantastic experience, truly amazing to be down there in the shark tank. Not only do you get as up-close with these astonishing creatures, you also get to see the tube guests walk through and wave at people taking your picture! If you really look hard, you can also see the inside of Sharks Underwater Grill, which is pretty cool.

We had some fish in the cage with us (they can just swim right in) and many of the sharks came close enough for us to have touched them (which we didn't!). They look you right in the eye as they swim by, and that's an experience most people aren't likely to have any other way.

The pressure inside the tank also comes as a surprise. If you've had a burst eardrum, you'll remember it when you get into the cage and go under water. Immense pressure (not painful, just intense).

I couldn't say if it's worth $150. If you don't have park passes and are going to use the 2 days free tickets with your tour, I'd say it's worth it. Or perhaps it's worth it for the person who most wants to go. My opinion would be, it's probably not worth it for children who aren't overly keen to try it, but if you're a shark fan, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal. I'd do it again.

 

[misspickle]

i apologise for getting the information incorrect i was going with all the buff that i got on it, i am glad that you corrected me lol..

 

[cleo]

It's still a seriously cool (actually, literally cool. In fact....cold!) experience, misspickle, so don't worry about getting the timing wrong. I think you'll really enjoy it. Let us know what you thought when you get back!

 

[jtlover]

Just out of curiosity, I wonder if travel insurance would cover this?

 

[cleo]

Would you believe they make you take your jewelry off and tell you where to put your hands (INSIDE the cage, folks!) so that you don't NEED your insurance?

 

[theb52s]

Just wondered if you need a scuba certificate or some experience of diving to do this? Our kids are 13 and 11 and both really seem keen, would it be suitable for their ages?
Thanks for your replies.

Lesley

 

[cleo]

You don't need certification of any kind for the snorkeling experience (inside the cage, of course, but with a snorkle instead of a tank) and as long as they can catch on to the snorkeling concept they'll be just fine. You don't actually 'dive', as such, you just work your way down to the handles inside the cage and hold on (while holding your breath). Then you can pop up for a quick breath before going back down. I had a burst eardrum that was seriously uncomfortable with the pressure of the tank so I didn't spend all my time down where the handles are. You could be mostly under water with your snorkle sticking out, as long as your hands aren't around the bars with your fingers where the sharks can get at 'em (Sorry...bad thought. But hey...they're sharks, right? )

There may be an age limit (I'm too tired to look it up at the moment, but check their website), but if the children make the age limit they (and you) won't need any sort of certification. I'm betting Mum or Dad needs to be with them, though. And, if the limit includes 11 and up, I would think they're the perfect age for such a thing. It really is extremely memorable.

 

[karentan]

another option would be the epcot aqua seas tour (or divequest if youre scuba certified). then you'd got to swim with the sharks as well as the rest of the fishes