Information on how to create your own encounter can be found under the story below.

The year 2015 could easily be recalled as "the summer of the shark."

From shark bites along the Carolina's coastal areas to the viral video of a teen reeling one in along Florida's Flagler Beach Pier, all capped off by the much-hyped return of Sharknado 3.

Now you, too, can get close ... without the fear of "Zombie Sharks" on the Sy-Fy Channel, as seen on Bright House Networks.

"We have a variety of sharks from sand tigers to bonnet heads, which are somewhat rare, we (also) have black tips," says Bob Gayler, a shark encounter guide at the Florida Keys Aquarium Adventures, located in Marathon.

With Gayler at your side, you can gain an up-close appreciation for sharks without being scuba certified.

"You got a chance to do your own encounter," Gayler says as he exits a saltwater habitat.

At the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, folks start by getting safety instructions before meeting the fish. Next, it's time to slip into a wet suit and then climb in.

Grab a bottle of squid chunks and squeeze. The tropical fish here love to nibble.

"They do like sushi," Gayler says. "I don't think they have much of a choice."

The grand dame here is "Spotty," a huge eagle ray.

"She loves squid," Gayler said of Spotty. "And as you saw, she loves to come back and feed again and again and again."

The big moment is when you can feed a shark by hand.

"They are quite ferocious with their appetite," Gayler reminds participants.

However, take a deep breath through your snorkel. The sharks here remain on the other side of a glass wall.

Their power is amazing. You can feel the sharks strength through the 6-inch-thick glass wall.

"It's a great opportunity for children to come in here and experience what's out in the ocean in a very safe and controlled environment," Gayler said.

About this Destination

Where: Marathon, Florida Keys, Monroe County

Open: Monday through Sunday

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: 305-407-3262

Email: info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com

General Admission:
Adults: $20
Children ages 4–12: $15

  • Coral Reef Encounter:
    Snorkel: $95
    Dive: $130

Address:
11710 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050

Website: http://www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/

Parking: Free

Accessibility Note:
Stairs lead into the check-in building. Ramps are provided. Steps are in use on the boardwalk lagoon. A pathway will allow those in a wheelchair to bypass the bridge.

GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 24.730222
Longitude: -81.031364

Latitude:  24° 43' 48.7992"
Longitude: -81° 1' 52.9098"

Drive Times:
From Orlando: 5 hours, 45 minutes
From Tampa: 6 hours

Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.

Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip.  Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.