Learn something new at SeaWorld
Sharks Up-Close Tour takes guests on a fin-tastic aquatic adventure.
When I think of sharks, I often hear the iconic music to “Jaws” or picture the horrifically intelligent fish from “Deep Blue Sea.” While these animals are often depicted as monstrous creatures, a SeaWorld Orlando tour addresses some shark fallacies.
“The Sharks Up-Close Tour is going to be a little bit of an introduction to the sharks, not only how SeaWorld takes care of them — from the smallest, tiniest little fish up to the biggest sand tiger — but also trying to dispel some of the myths, the misconceptions that sometimes people might have about sharks … ” said Zach Reisig, an instructor in SeaWorld’s animal programs department.
The tour began with a feeding in the shark shallows in front of Shark Encounter. While most of the sharks didn’t seem overly hungry, their cohabitants enjoyed the snacks.
Reisig informed my group that sharks play an integral role in the environment, eating sick, diseased and dying creatures.
“Sharks are so important in our world,” he said. “Without sharks, nobody would be here in this world.”
Reisig explained how sharks use their senses to hunt prey. First, they rely on sound because this is one of their stronger senses and they can hear low-frequency noises. Next, they use their sense of smell, followed by sight — sharks can only see clearly about 50 feet away and after that, it’s just shadows, he said.
But I also learned something new: Sharks have a sixth sense. Pores around their faces detect electrical currents from other animals, Reisig said.
After washing our hands, we went backstage for my favorite part of the tour: viewing the grand finale of Shark Encounter from above. My group watched as sand, tiger, nurse, zebra and sandbar sharks swam to and fro over a conveyor-belt of visitors.
Throughout the 45-minute experience, Reisig addressed various shark myths, including that sharks pose a huge threat to humans.
He explained that ten people on average are killed each year by sharks, but up to 100,000 sharks are killed by people each year, mainly for their fins.
At our last stop, we had the
chance to touch epaulette and whitespotted bamboo sharks. This interaction happens on most tours, but its dependent upon the cooperation of the animals.
The tour ended where Shark Encounter begins, giving the group a chance to walk through the exhibit we just viewed behind-the-scenes.
The Sharks Up-Close Tour accommodates up to 12 people and runs daily. The price starts at $20, but varies depending on the season and day of the week; kids under age 3 are free. (Note: Park admission is not included and must be purchased separately).
For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-545-5550 or visit SeaWorld’s website.