ORLANDO, Fla. – Every year, shark appreciation comes to the surface and Shark Week isn’t limited to TV programming.
This year, Shark Week kicks off on July 7 and several Central Florida theme parks offer limited and year-round experiences fit for the shark fin-atics.
Discovery Cove
If you think about it, humans swim with sharks all the time in ocean waters, but at Discovery Cove, guests can socialize with trained sharks in a tranquil environment.
News 6 got an up-close look and feel at sharks during the Shark Snorkel and Shark Interaction. Both are upgrade options to a day package at Orlando’s only all-inclusive resort. Located in The Grand Reef area, the habitat is home to over 20 sharks and offers a comfortable and relaxing experience for fans and those who are shark-curious.
“Sharks are keystone species. They are sitting at the top of that food chain and while that may sound like a scary thing, sharks are extremely important to the health and well-being of our oceans,” said Isabel Bowen, Discovery Cove shark trainer. “We wouldn’t be able to have the environment that we have without sharks, so a big part of why we do the Shark Interaction and Shark Snorkel is to be able to educate and inspire guests on how important sharks are.”
Before any shark experience, guests must suit up in a long wetsuit and wear footwear.
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The snorkel experience is the “first step” to connecting with sharks. The deep-water free swim includes Discovery Cove’s resident Pacific blacktip, nurse, zebra, whitetip reef, and bonnethead sharks.
For the more adventurous shark-lover, the Shark Interaction includes the snorkel portion as well as guest participation in training sessions. Due to their specialized muscle, nurse sharks are able to lay on surfaces which is perfect for guest interaction and education. That same muscle is essential to feeding as it allows for sharks to suck in food.
“That’s actually where we got the name nurse shark from,” Bowen said. “Scientists believe that it sounded like a baby nursing on a bottle.
With every Shark Interaction program booking, 5% of the proceeds support the Guy Harvey Foundation, which conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.
You can watch footage of a Discovery Cove Shark Interaction in the media player at the top of this web story.
SeaWorld Orlando
From thrilling rides to dining, SeaWorld Orlando is ready to celebrate the oceans’ VIPs (Very Important Predators) with the return of its Ultimate Shark Experience.
In addition to a single-day park ticket, these opportunities include:
- Dive into the depths: Experience an incredible view of sharks up close with a guided behind-the-scenes tour led by SeaWorld aquarists.
- Feed and touch sharks and rays: Safely feed and touch sharks and rays under the guidance of SeaWorld’s knowledgeable animal care experts.
- Meet Sydney the Shark: Snap a selfie during a personal meet-and-greet.
- Ride the waves: Speed like a shark with front-of-the-line access to award-winning shark-inspired thrills, such as Mako — voted the second-best roller coaster in the United States in the 2024 USA Today annual 10Best Readers’ Choice.
- Dine with a view: Sink your teeth into tasty treats, including a free meal and drink redeemable at any quick-serve spot in the park, and sip on a special 60th Anniversary cocktail or mocktail. Don’t miss out on dining at SeaWorld Orlando’s Sharks Underwater Grill and Bar where guests enjoy captivating views of sharks swimming all around.
- Shark souvenirs: Get your fins on some shark-themed swag, including a shark sipper cup, as a memento of the experience.
- Support shark conservation: Learn about SeaWorld’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve sharks, and how each guest visit contributes to shark care and preservation. A portion of every Ultimate Shark Experience ticket sold is donated to the SeaWorld Conservation Fund to support projects to protect sharks around the world.
Universal Orlando
Before Shark Week, there was the first summer blockbuster about a great white that preys on the fictional Amity Island.
“Jaws” left a shark bite on pop culture when it was released nearly 50 years ago and it’s always had a huge presence at Universal Studios Florida.
In the San Francisco area, a hanging Jaws is one of the best park photo ops. In the lobby of Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, there are props from the film.
This summer is the perfect time to get your “Jaws” on because Universal Studios is celebrating the film at their Summer Tribute Store (You’re gonna need a bigger bag for all that merch). Jaws can also be seen in the nighttime lagoon show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular in Central Park, and the Mega Movie Parade where he’ll get his own float.
Walt Disney World
His name is Bruce and he’s the star of a fish-friendly and fun walkthrough exhibit at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion at EPCOT.
His famous toothy grin is worthy of a photo. Bruce also makes an appearance in The Seas with Nemo & Friends and docks right into SeaBase where you can see all kinds of marine life including sharks.
Legoland Florida
A trip to Legoland should not be complete without a photo with mascot-sized LEGO Minifigures.
LEGO Shark Suit Guy has become a popular character at the Winter Haven theme park. You can spot him at the Summer Brick Party which runs through Aug. 11.
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