Shark Reef at TL

[Robindianne]

Hi there. Does anyone know if you need a reservation / PS for Shark Reef? Can you take an underwater camera in with you or is it like Dive Quest w/no cameras allowed in the tank?
Thanks so much.

 

[christianweecare]

You do not need a PS, but I would advise doing the shark reef early in the day. DH & I did the shark reef first thing with very few people around. We went back later when there were more people around and could not see as much. DH took an underwater camera and got some great pictures!

 

[kandeebunny]

be prepared the water is NOT warm. I am from NH and live on the beach so 60 degree ocean water is warm for us, but I even froze in this water! The kid who was working there at the time was from Mass and he had on a full winter wet-suit.

 

[soupy11]

I would guess the water is around 70 degrees. I found it to be comfortable but a bit cool at first touch. I can't imagine needing a wet suite in that but if you were in it all day it would be prudent. When I dive in Lake Huron, it is necessary to wear one but that is in low 60's degree water. This is definately tropical water with tropical sea life.

 

[pixiedust23]

The water is most def cooler than 70. I think its in the 50's or 60's and it has to be for the animals who live in the tank. It's a very quick swim through however so you wont be in there too long.

 

[Ilovestitch]

They keep it 68 to 72 degrees. Remember- you are 98.6 degrees so of course the water will feel cool.

I have a 55g aquarium at home and its kept around 77 degrees and it feels cold when you put your hand in.

 

[soupy11]

50's would not support the life in there. I would say 65 would be the lowest and not have the fish totally lethargic. It certainly feels like it is high 60's.

 

[Robindianne]

OK, early morning it is. I'm very excited. We moved to the mainland from Hawaii last summer and we used full 3/2 or better wetsuits in the ocean for scuba diving and sometimes even for snorkeling. Water was 80 or so (maybe 78 to 85 depending on the season). I'm hoping winter in Seattle (even tho it was a mild one) will have thickened my blood a bit. Otherwise I'll just shiver and deal with it and ignore the cold/cool temp in the tank. How is the visibility? Can you see the animals well?
Thanks for the tips and info.

 

[soupy11]

Visibility is near limitless. You can easily see the entire length of the tank.

 

[becobscot]

Are the sharks behind plexiglass or do you actually swim with them? We have snorkeled with nurse and reef sharks in the Keys and the Bahamas so it would be cool if you were actually swimming with them.

 

[soupy11]

No seperation, you really swim with them. It is a lot of fun.

 

[pixiedust23]

I dont know maybe I'm spoiled from snorkeling in Hawaii, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but I dont think it's all that great. The sharks stay at the bottom of the tank and you are not permitted to dive down near them. It is extremely short and the fish are def less than colorful. To each his own however. I would def tell people to give it a try, but my entire family feels this way.

 

[soupy11]

I agree. It is still worth checking out for those that would never get that chance to dive in the wild. As a bonus, it is a lot safer and kid friendly.

 

[jclark3]

Here are some pictures I took in 2000. Definitly no plexiglass.

Here are some pictures from another thread.

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

Does anyone know if they offer flotation vests along with the mask and snorkel? DW is not a strong swimmer, but would still like to try this.

 

[pixiedust23]

yes i beleive the flotation vests are actually mandatory. They keep you warmer in the water and they prevent you from diving down to the sharks at the bottom of the tank.

 

[Ted and Holly]

yes i beleive the flotation vests are actually mandatory. They keep you warmer in the water and they prevent you from diving down to the sharks at the bottom of the tank.

Vests are not mandatory. The only thing keeping you from diving down is the scolding you would receive when you return to the surface.

The water is chilly. Generally around 70 degrees, 75 or so at most. Keep in mind, however, that the fish you see are native to Florida waters. In the Gulf, the water gets suprisingly cold during the winter. It can get into the 50s. Because of this, these fish can be quite tolerant of a wide range of temperatures.

Ted

 

[Ilovestitch]

We didn't see any adults using lifevests when we were there. The water is salty so you float really easily.

 

[marriedmarylander]

I assume these are small sharks that aren't going to bite

Is this pretty much just like snorkeling? I've been snorkeling in Hawaii, Mexico, and Bahamas. Hawaii was the best snorkeling IMO. I didn't see sharks though just fish. Is this experience similar? Is there a line to wait to go in or is it just like a pool ?

 

[JDarling]

There is generally a wait since they put you through a quick "snorkeling for dummies" class before you hop in, and that takes a few minutes for each group. I get the feeling the only way these sharks would bite you is if you grabbed thier tail or something. They are small sharks and they are bottom dwellers. Since you're not allowed to the bottom, you're safely kept away. I go in the winter time and find the water actually somewhat warm, but when it's 60 outside, 70 is warm!