Want to experience what it’s like on the reef?
Go snorkeling or diving in our Marathon aquarium, which is filled with a living ecosystem that closely matches what one would find on any coral reef just a few short miles from our location in the Florida Keys
Our coral reef encounters enable visitors to get in the water and be a part of the action in the thriving ecosystem that exists in our aquarium environment. These unique Encounters introduce our visitors to the reef environment in the best way possible, via immersion in our exclusive Coral Reef tank.
COMPARE AND BOOK OUR CORAL REEF ENCOUNTERS HERE!
Please read all options and requirements for encounters before booking.
We do not allow cameras or personal gear, unless you have a prescription mask.
In this case you must bring your mask in an hour before your scheduled time so we can sanitize it.
Coral Reef Snorkel
- Enjoy our Coral Reef tank and hand feed sharks in this snorkeling encounter. Guests are given all gear including a snorkel, wetsuit, mask and fins. Snorkel around our tank and feed the tropical fish, hand feed our playful Cownose rays and hand feed the sharks through the glass wall.
- Open to ages 5 and up.
- Children ages 5-12 must have an adult on the deck of the coral reef tank
- Available: 9am, 10am ,12pm, 1pm, 3pm & 4pm. (Please call front desk for other time options we may be able to accommodate your schedule)
coral reef surface regulator
- Enjoy our Coral Reef tank and hand feed sharks in this surface regulator encounter. Guests are given all gear including hookah system, wetsuit, mask and fins. Swim around the surface of our tank and feed the tropical fish, hand feed our playful cownose rays, and hand feed our sharks through the glass wall. This encounter is great for those wanting to try using a hookah system without diving. Some guests find this more comfortable than a snorkel, with the same view point as a snorkel.
Medical questionnaire will need to be filled out and sent in - click here for form. - Must be 8 years old
- Children 8-12 must have an adult in the encounter with them
- Available: 10am, 11 am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. (Please call front desk for other time options we may be able to accommodate your schedule)
Coral Reef Certified Dive
- Our Coral reef encounter is great to experience in a dive. If you are a certified diver enjoy diving in our tank on our hookah system. All gear is included; hookah system, wetsuit, weights, mask, and fins. Explore our coral reef tank from a unique perspective and feed our tropical fish, hand feed our friendly Cownose rays, and hand feed our sharks through the glass wall.
- Must be certified, if you do not have your certification card we can look your certification information up.
- Available: 11 am and 2pm. (Please call front desk for other time options we may be able to accommodate your schedule)
Coral Reef non-Certified Dive
- Our Coral reef encounter is great to experience in a dive. If you are not a certified diver try diving in our tank on our hookah system. All gear is included; hookah system, wetsuit, weights, mask, and fins. Explore our coral reef tank from a unique perspective and feed our tropical fish, hand feed our friendly Cownose rays, and hand feed our sharks through the glass wall. Our dive instructor will teach guests how to safely dive
Medical questionnaire will need to be filled out and sent in - click here for form. - Must be 10 years old.
- Children 8-12 must have an adult in the encounter with them.
- This is not a certification dive.
- Available: 11 am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. (Please call front desk for other time options we may be able to accommodate your schedule)
- A parent/guardian must be available on deck (dry) if their 5-12yr old is participating in a snorkel encounter.
- A parent/guardian must be in the FKAE facility if their 12-16yr old is participating in a snorkel encounter.
- Any child between the ages of 8-12 participating in the Surface Regulator Encounter must be accompanied in the water by a parent/guardian.
- A parent/guardian must be available on deck (dry) if their 12-18yr old is participating in a Coral Reef Surface Regulator Encounter.
Hand Feeding Sharks? Who would believe you?
Make sure you have photographic evidence to share with your family and friends! Pre-purchase your photo and video packages and save 25%.
Experience life as it exists in nature
During the Coral Reef Encounters, visitors will experience a personal interaction with a wide variety of marine fish species, while swimming over our custom creation of a simulated Florida coral reef patch.
The most exciting feature of our Coral Reef Snorkel Encounter is that it is separated from our shark tank by a clear plexiglass window. This allows Marathon aquarium snorkeling participants to come face to face with sharks while being protected from the predators!
For our participants who are looking to get a bit more “hands-on” during the Coral Reef Snorkel Encounter, our uniquely designed aquarium technology allows diving participants the opportunity to feed sharks and other predatory fish from our underwater feeding ports that connect the tanks. Our tank allows both snorkelers and divers the opportunity to feed sharks and other predatory fish
Want to reserve a Private Encounter?
If you or your group would like to maximize your time with our animals and enjoy a more personalized experience, call us at (305)-407-3262. A private guided encounter adds a one-time $100 charge to the encounter and guarantees your group exclusive access to the exhibit. No other guests will be in the encounter with your group. Your group can enjoy a one on one with our biologist or diver and extra time feeding and interacting with our animals!