Sea Life Manchester announces new shark snorkelling experience – and you could be the first to try it

We’re speeding through 2020 already, and it’s time we start ticking things off our bucket lists. Skydiving? Nope. Bungee jumping? No thanks. How about swimming with sharks?

If the latter happens to be on your list, then you’re in luck. Sea Life Manchester has announced a brand new interactive experience where guests can snorkel with sharks.

The aquarium centre, located in Barton Square, has just unveiled plans for the new experience, which is set to launch on 20th March. The new feature welcomes local thrill seekers to dive into unexplored waters and come face to face with over 1,000 different sea creatures – including some very toothy ones.

Explorers brave enough to take the plunge will be invited to dip their toes in the attraction’s 500,000 litre tank, greeted by three different species of shark: black tip reef sharks, measuring up to a whopping 1.6 metres in length; peculiar brown banded bamboo sharks; and Tessa, the resident nurse shark.

However, you need not worry about becoming fish food. Divers will be surrounded by a 100% safe perspex cage, so you can enjoy the wondrous views of the oceans without becoming shark bait.

But it’s not just sharks you can make friends with. 

Nicknamed the king and queen of the ocean tank, Cammie and Ernie – the attraction’s much-loved giant green sea turtles – will be swimming alongside you, as well as giant majestic stingrays and a plethora of other colourful sealife.

“Sea Life Manchester has been inspiring and educating families for many years on the wonders of ocean life,” says general manager Jenn McDonough. 

“Our brand new experience, Snorkel with Sharks, is a fantastic addition to the attraction providing a truly immersive experience that promises to excite the most inquisitive ocean explorers.”   

And the best part? Sea Life is currently searching for two lucky people to debut the new experience. 

To be in for a chance of winning, entrants can comment on the attraction’s Facebook page, explaining why they would love to snorkel with the sharks.  Alternatively, those interested can also write to the aquarium team at [email protected]. 

Tickets for the experience cost £65 and can be bought on the Sea Life website. Best get your flippers on, because those sharks can swim fast…

FIND OUT MORE