Shark Reef @ Typhoon Lagoon

[Queenie]

Hi guys,

I'd like some opinions on the snorkeling with sharks thing you can do at Typhoon Lagoon. Specifically, is it ok for a non-swimmer (I can technically swim but I panic in water deper than I can stand in) to do? Some websites say you can hire a life jacket and go in wearing that, if that's true then great, I can do it no problem. Others say you can't do it if you're a non-swimmer. I'd like to do this as I can't afford to do Discovery Cove for a few years yet. it's not the same but it should make for an interesting experience. Also are you allowed to take single use underwater cameras in with you? Again some websites say yes, others say no.

Experiences?

Thanks!

 

[gillian1]

You can get life jackets/float aids where you get your snorkel gear (no need to hire there free). We done it in July with 3 kids. 1 could swim the others could not, but they all got life jackets. I didn't see any adults with the jackets but you could ask. They also have other blowup float aids which might be of some use. Its very deep, but quite a short swim. We really enjoyed it, but just make sure your mask is as tight as it will go (my mum had a few problems with hers). You can change your mind about doing it right up until you get into the water and have a look at the deapth, length etc. (which a lady in our group done). There are lifegards in the water so if you do have any problems you will be fine. Be prepared for the water its a shock at first as its very cold. I would say try it, if you change your mind when you get in (on a platform) just get back out.
hope this helps a little.

 

[alanjones]

First off, you can definately take a camera with you. I did last time we were there, and I asked the guy in the huts where you get your snorkel, and the instructor just as we got in the water, and both said it was no problem at all. The water is cold, and salty, so be prepared for that. Also, consider whether you can overcome the psychological issue of keeping your head underwater and breathing through the snorkel. As much as I try, I can't do it for more than a few seconds at a time, and I'm a very good swimmer, been swimming for years, even at club level when I was younger. For some reason, by brain just won't let me keep my head under water!

There are pleanty of lifeguards there to help you if you run into problems though, and there is a rock half way across which you can stand up on for a breather if needed. Also remember you are more bouyant in salt water than you are in fresh water anyway, so even with just the wet suit jacket they give you you may feel confident enough with that. The water is deep though, and as you'll be looking towards the bottom, you'll know exactly how deep it is! You do get an area to stand on thats in the water though before you start the swim, so you can put your head under while stood there to see what it is like first. Don't be affraid to turn around though. Much better to walk out straight away than go across, panic, and let it affect you for the rest of the day!

 

[Queenie]

If I can have a floatation device (life jacket or similar) then the depth will not be an issue. Breathing through the snorkle gear might be a different issue but I'll stand on the platform at the side first and try it out. Thanks for the info. I'll definately try and do it depending on how my confidence is that day!

 

[mariechez]

l really wanted to do this but freaked out at the last minute and didnt go. My husband, eldest son and his friend did it and said it was great but myself and the 2 younger boys just watched. Ray said the water temp is a bit of a shock and the snorkel really can take some getting used to.

 

[alanjones]

Even if you find you can't breath through the snorkel, just hold your breath long enough to have a look around with your head underwater, lift for air, then put your head back under, etc. Thats the way I've always done it so I at least get to see the fish, sharks, etc.

 

[Buckleigh]

BUMP

These posts are a little old...anything change? will be there in Sept.

Thanks!

 

[DisneyJo]

We went in 2005 and I wouldn't do it again, it was a huge wait and unlike other queues you couldn't see it was really long! The swim is very short and you have to keep swimming the whole time, you're not allowed to stop and as previous posters have said the water is freezing.

The life jackets were free and I did take underwater photos

Maybe it's because I've done lots of snorkelling that I wouldn't do this again, but if you've never snorkelled it is a good introduction, although as I said before very cold and we went in August, the fish are quite a bit below you so not scary!

 

[katiec]

My DH is a very nervous/not so good swimmer - ie can just manage a length of the pool.
We have just returned from Mexico and he was desperate to snorkel in the sea.. but didnt want to look silly in a life vest, but i wasnt going to let him go out without one!!!! So it was either get in on or dont get in!!

After swallowing his pride (only a bit ) we had a practice run in the shallow end of the pool with the snorkel so he could get the feel of it.. even I as a fairly good swimmer had a practice go too!!

He had a fab time in the sea, and the life vest was a godsend - he could spend ages in the water without worrying (and worrying the life out of me too!)

Anyway after this long tale the important bit is that an hour after we came out of the water we saw 4 other people (who had also been there 3/4 days!!) in the water snorkelling with a life vest on... we had started a trend!!

Like the others have said the water is very cold - it is a shock when you get in - it was a long time ago but if I remember right it is shallower around the outside?
Take your time getting used to breathing in the snorkel - when you first get in just bend over and put your face in the water - check for leaks and DONT PANIC when you can hear your breathing - it is a very different sensation - and just remember you wont swallow any water - unless you dive with your snorkel on!!

You will really enjoy it if you take the time to get used to the cold water and the breathing first.

 

[wayneg]

Like Jo says the lines can get very long. We did it about 2 years ago and only 5 mins we were floating across. Not worth waiting more than about 10 mins IMO, its OK, especially if you have children who have never snorkelled, just to give them a taster.