Shark Dives at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Now Available for Purchase

Are you ready to dive into the world of sharks? Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, is offering an exciting opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures through their Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program. Tickets for this popular experience are now on sale, with the program set to return on August 21.

The Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program has been connecting people to sharks and their conservation efforts since 2013, with over 22,000 participants to date. This year, returning guests will notice improvements to the diving space within the newly remodeled Tropical Reef Aquarium’s Outer Reef habitat, providing a more comfortable experience for both sharks and humans.

Lead dive safety officer Heidi Wilken explains that guests will be taught the basics of breathing surface-supplied air before being guided into the 240,000-gallon shark habitat. No prior diving experience is necessary, making this a unique opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world.

The Outer Reef habitat at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is home to six shark species, including blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, zebra sharks, and tasselled wobbegong sharks. These sharks coexist with tropical fish, stingrays, and a charismatic potato grouper, creating a diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystem.

The main message of the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program is conservation and coexistence. By replacing stereotypes of sharks with wonder, curiosity, and enthusiasm, the program aims to inspire guests to support shark research and conservation initiatives. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining ocean ecosystems, and by fostering empathy and passion for these creatures, guests can contribute to their protection.

The cost of participating in the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program is $95 for Zoo members and $115 for non-members, which includes zoo admission and a souvenir video taken by staff during the dive. To learn more about this unique experience and to book your dive, visit pdza.org/dive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to come face-to-face with sharks and learn how you can help protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. Join Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in their efforts to safeguard sharks and promote conservation initiatives through the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive program.