Raina swims with tiger sharks at Florida Aquarium

**AniaR** · 12-05-2015, 09:03 PM

As part of my birthday celebration I swam with sharks at the Florida Aquarium. I can't recomend the program enough- especially if you're someone like me who lives in a place where scuba diving isn't very easy to do/practical.

For me because I am not scuba certified (pending health issues) I had to stay on the surface with a dive master. But that made little difference because the big female kept coming up underneath me and at one point swam right between my legs.

It was an amazing experience. I've never had anything quite like it. The only thing I found scary was that I had trouble keeping the regulator in my mouth sue to my awkward dental appliance and bad cough. The sharks would come out of your blondspot and be so close you could feel them brush you. That was a bit freaky because you wouldnt see them until they were there.

I have MAD RESPECT for mers who swim with sharks. I'd be so afraid of bumping into them and not seeing them well lol.

**PetLoverSpy** · 12-05-2015, 10:21 PM

Firstly, happy birthday! (I cannot believe you're thirty, you don't look it at all) Secondly, kudos to you, that's awesome! You first shark encounter is aways a huge step

I've never been in the water with sand tigers before, but I dove with tiger sharks in the Bahamas and I get what you mean about the regulator + braces, it's so annoying xDD But I love to see mers (and people in general) experience sharks and love them! They're beautiful creatures, just so misunderstood by most.

**Spindrift** · 12-06-2015, 12:48 AM

This is awesome!

**SeaNymph** · 12-20-2015, 03:44 AM

This was certainly a great experience for you!!! But these are sand tiger sharks, not tiger sharks. Tiger sharks are about 18 feet and usually are not kept in aquariums.

**AniaR** · 12-20-2015, 11:34 AM

yeah I know they're sand tiger sharks. I typoed and missed the sand in the title here and you cant go back and edit titles. But everywhere else I shared it I said sand

**PearlieMae** · 12-20-2015, 12:27 PM

Still! SHARKS!

(Awwwww c'mon! It's the only time I get to use the shark emoji in actual shark context. Let's not get our anal fins in a tangle over 'not all sharks are dangerous' yaddy yaddy yaddy!)

**Echidna** · 12-20-2015, 01:47 PM

ye, I don't think it was meant in a "that's a non dangerous species"- way.
My first thought reading this thread was "sandtigers, not tigers" as well.
But I was too lazy to log on and say it

anyway, sandtigers are hardcore.
Livebearing species, the pregnant female carries several embryos in her womb, but only the most vicious, which have been eating all the others, will get born.

**Stefani** · 12-20-2015, 06:00 PM

Wow, that's a great experience. beautiful.I also want to try

**PearlieMae** · 12-20-2015, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Echidna

ye, I don't think it was meant in a "that's a non dangerous species"- way.
My first thought reading this thread was "sandtigers, not tigers" as well.
But I was too lazy to log on and say it

anyway, sandtigers are hardcore.
Livebearing species, the pregnant female carries several embryos in her womb, but only the most vicious, which have been eating all the others, will get born.

Damn! That's harsh!

PS: I was just pre-empting any shark defense.

**AniaR** · 12-20-2015, 06:43 PM

again, I can't change the title here folks.

**Stefani** · 12-20-2015, 06:50 PM

I think it is not easy to swim with scuba gear , have tasted. Would have to attend a class before.( Sorry my English )

**PearlieMae** · 12-20-2015, 07:19 PM

Sorry, Raina! I think this is awesome!

I was trying to make a joke and it got all literal! I can delete it if you like, I didn't mean to hijack your thread!