The Dive with the Sharks program is designed to dispel the commonly held myth that sharks are man-eaters and to convey a strong conservation message.
Shark Bay is a 93,000-gallon saltwater exhibit at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, that is home to shark species from around the world, including sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, nurse sharks, black tip reef sharks and a green sea turtle.
The dive with the sharks program is approximately 90-minutes long and includes an educational presentation about sharks and a 30-minute dive in the Shark Bay exhibit. The divers will exit the shark cage with an Aquarium dive master and position themselves on the bottom of the exhibit in front of the exhibit window for optimal viewing of the sharks. Family and friends will be able to view the divers during all phases of the dive from the Sea Hunt gallery.
There are two dive masters in the exhibit with you at all times and one surface tender present during all dives. The Florida Aquarium dive team is professionally trained to supervise recreational diving activities by world wide recognized scuba training agencies.
Emergency oxygen and first aid kits are onsite for all diving operations. The dive team and security team have a well-practiced and in-place emergency action plan in order to handle medical emergencies. All dive team members are trained in the use of emergency oxygen, first aid and CPR.
WHERE: The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida
COST: $150 per person, includes aquarioum admission, the diving, shark lecture, and one picture.
WHO CAN PARTiCIPATE: Participants must be certified SCUBA divers 15-years-old or older.
CONTACT: Call the Education/Reservations Office at 813-273-4015 for reservations, or for additional information (including program times and days).