Shark Reef. . .HELP!!!

[Thumbs18]

I'm going to go snorkeling for the first time next year at Shark Reef and I've got a couple questions!

Can you use your own snorkel gear?

Are there any barriers between the snorkelers and the fish?

What kind of fish and sharks are there?

Does it cost to do this attraction?

Do you need any training?

Thanks any help would be nice!!!!!!!

 

[Gerweniel]

If you are referring to the Shark Reef at Typhoon Lagoon, I can help you as we've done it several times.

I do not believe you can use your own gear as they provide sterlized gear right there.
As far as the names of the fish and sharks, I don't know the names, but they are plentiful and the sharks are small (2' at the max I would guess) and hang near the bottom for the most part. The water is cold and salty as you can imagine. The CM's move you along and you can't stop moving, so you get about 4-5 minutes max in the area and that is if you swim very slowly.

There is no additional cost to the reef other than Typhoon Lagoon admission.
The CM's have a brief instruction spiel for use of the snorkel and procedure for the pool.

It does get crowded and the lines don't move fast, so best to do it early in the morning. Have fun!

 

[daisyduck123]

I'm going to go snorkeling for the first time next year at Shark Reef and I've got a couple questions!

Can you use your own snorkel gear?

Yes, you can.

Last May, my DS8 did not want to use the face mask or snorkel provided.
He just used his own swimming goggles we'd brought from home.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I've also heard that you can use your own gear.

Do it, it's great! Basically you float along with your legs behind you (you can't put your feet down) and just lightly paddle along (or don't-the slight current will propel you forward). You have to keep facing forward, no turning around. There are lifeguards in the water to help you if you need it. Yes, the water is cold , but you get used to it. The fish swam freely around you though they don't get to close. The sharks are harmless. The rays have their stingers/barbs removed. The larger fish/sharks/rays do tend to stay away, however, last time as I was nearing the exit point, one fairly large ray was on the ledge!-luckily I was looking down before I put down my feet or I would have stepped on him!

If you want to check it out before you do it, there is an underwater viewing area (a ship) where you can look through the portholes to check it out.

It's completely safe, and how many times can you say "I swam with the sharks!"

My DD7 has been practicing using a snorkel so she'll be ready in Sept. to do it. Last Sept. she backed out at the last minute-she was worried since she never used a snorkel before. Now she is totally prepared! I'll make sure to bring a water cam to take pix of her first time!