I took my wife on a Shark Interaction Program for her birthday last week. It was absolutely incredible. It was truly an experience that we will never forget. We actually wanted to to the dolphin program but as neither one of us has ever dived before, much less be certified, we chose the shark and equally cool, sea turtle route.
Let me start by saying that the behind the scenes part of the Blue Zoo sees a lot of action, divers, feeders, mermaids and repair/ cleaning divers use the facilities constantly, so the shower/changing area can look a little grubby. And if you've never breathed under water before, jumping in and swimming with sharks can be a bit intimidating, no matter how docile they appear to be or how recently they have been fed. But don't let any of that affect you. Once you are in the water, immersed in such a strange and beautiful environment, with an amazing variety of fish, sharks, eel, and some truly amazing turtles, you will realize that this is an experience you will never forget and that might change you forever.
Steve was awesome and even got us a slot on an off day on short notice so we could do it on her birthday. Maybe I shouldn't mention this because I don't want Steve to get a hundred phone calls asking for the same, but I want people to know how accommodating he was.
Our divemaster was very competent and made sure we felt safe the entire time. He pointed out what species were ok to touch( I think some of the fish have a bad reaction to human sebaceous oils, at least that's my theory, i forgot to ask) and encouraged us to touch the larger sharks (two species) and the graceful turtles. I touched them both, while my wife touched the shark and played an unsuccessful game of tag with the ridiculously fast turtles.
Be sure and do the trick with the falling pebbles to make the fish swarm around as if for feeding. Truly a beautiful experience. Made a slightly grizzled guy feel like a kid again. Next? certification and dolphins. We can't wait.
Thanks Steve.
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