Shark Reef

[Keneva]

We are interested in doing Shark Reef at TL. Can someone tell me what it's all about? Cost, timing, training required, other tips, a must do?

[Capt_redshirt]

We are interested in doing Shark Reef at TL. Can someone tell me what it's all about? Cost, timing, training required, other tips, a must do?

There is no added cost you just have to have a ticket to TL. Its a swim through salt water with fish and sharks (nurse sharks if i'm not mistaken) it takes a few mins the first time you go through to listen to the instructions of a lifeguard to properly breath through a snorkel and what you can and cant do in the pool (no splashing and so on) I think its fun to go and see fish that close its not something you can really do unless you have SCUBA training.

[minnie04]

to the above post... the only other thing can tell you from my kids doing this, is that the water was FREEZING, so just be prepared for that. They really enjoyed doing it. If you have time in your day and want to do something really cool. I say go for it!!!

[retiredfigment]

Kids and I did this years ago, none of us having any snorkeling or scuba experience. Was a lot of fun, after I got over my terror. (Terror only lasted a few seconds) I believe they say you don't need swimming experience because you can pretty much dog paddle along, but I felt swimming experience helped.

[Capt_redshirt]

Kids and I did this years ago, none of us having any snorkeling or scuba experience. Was a lot of fun, after I got over my terror. (Terror only lasted a few seconds) I believe they say you don't need swimming experience because you can pretty much dog paddle along, but I felt swimming experience helped.

you dont have to have swimming experience because they will provide life jackets if it would make it easier..

[Tigerinvestigator]

My wife and daughters loved it, I on the other hand had a hard time breathing in water that cold with a snorkel. Maybe it was just me but too cold to do again.

[steamboat willy]

First of all, I'm an experienced swimmer, Old Lifeguard and certified Scuba Diver. As PP said, you do not have to be great swimmer. Since it's Salt Water you float much better than fresh water. You just have to pull with your arms to get from one end to the other and a very short pool. The water is colder due to the sea life swimming about, but it's Florida so the cooler wafeel goods good on a typical hot day. Just splash water up on you when entering the pool to get body used to it. You are instructed to NOT kick your feet, just use your arms so to not disturb the fish. It's easy even for the novis swimmer.
I highly recommend it and would do it again! I did it back to back on our trip.
One bit of advise, lag back and be one of the last swimmers to leave the entrance area. Swim slow, enjoy the fish you will probably never swim with any where else. The small nurse sharks are harmless and swim on the bottom and don't feed on feet. You are NOT allowed to dive down to the bottom. I even took a cheap disposable waterproof camera and got a few good pics of some of the fish and tank. There is a structure that non-swimmers can walk through that has port holes in it and they can view your swim with the sharks without getting wet!
Don't worry, enjoy your swim!