top of page

Things To Do for Shark Week in Orlando

  • Writer: Alastair Mac
    Alastair Mac
  • Jul 16, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 28, 2023

Shark Week returns each July on Discovery, and here in Orlando you can join in, check out how!


Things to Do For Shark Week in Orlando


Shark Week is an annual, week long event on the Discovery Channel, since 1988, Shark Week has been devoted to conservation efforts and correcting misconceptions about sharks.


It is the longest-running cable television programming event in history, broadcast in over 72 countries, and here in Orlando you can experience the power and beauty of sharks first-hand.


Celebrate Shark Week at one or all of several shark attractions here in Central Florida, from a shark coaster to swimming next to sharks!



SeaWorld Orlando

Visit SeaWorld Orlando for a real up close and personal encounter with Sharks! At Shark Encounter, you experience a rare, up-close look at prehistoric predators whose ancestors dominated the sea over 450 million years ago, long before even dinosaurs walked the earth.


At Shark Encounter you enter into a fascinating journey through one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels. Shark Encounter is included with park admission,


For an even more close up encounter with the sharks at SeaWorld Orlando, you can participate in an Up-Close Tour to venture above the shark aquarium in Shark Encounter and touch a small shark and learn more about their care from a member of SeaWorld's Animal Care team.



Wanna get even closer? Yo can actually go for a swim with the sharks at SeaWorld Orlando.


Have a experience of a lifetime by getting up-close and swimming with sharks at Discovery Cove. Add this experience to your All-Inclusive Dolphin Swim and Day Resort packages. Limited availability for guests ages 10+.


If that wasn't enough excitement don't miss your chance to ride Mako!


A Mako Shark is the world's fastest shark, and you can enjoy a ride on the Mako hypercoaster at SeaWorld Orlando, the area's tallest, longest, AND fastest coaster.



After all those thrills, head inside Sharks Underwater Grill for cocktails or a meal. This signature dining experience puts you face to face with even more sharks and other passing sea creatures while you dine.


Before leaving SeaWorld Orlando, don't miss taking a Shark Selfie in front of the captivating mako mural painted by artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey.


PLUS FOR ONE WEEK ONLY EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE SHARK EXPERIENCE


The all-new Ultimate Shark Experience ticket is only valid during the week-long celebration of sharks in SeaWorld parks, July 21-28, 2023. Guests will have the unique opportunity to see, feed, touch, and learn about the 21 species and nearly 300 sharks that call SeaWorld home in Orlando.


For more information and to purchase Ultimate Shark Experience tickets, please visit seaworld.com/ultimate-shark-experience/.



Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove, is a unique all-inclusive day resort where you and your family will experience exciting animal encounters, including sharks in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere.


At the Grand Reef you can swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish through this stunning coral reef habitat.


Surprises abound. Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to see sharks swimming below. Play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from small colorful angelfish to velvety rays. Further out in the reef, stunning habitats create the feeling of swimming right alongside sharp-toothed reef sharks, which are safely behind glass.



For an upgraded experience you can Swim with Sharks. Enjoy this exclusive experience of a lifetime as you get up-close and swim with over 20 sharks.

Step into the shark habitat for an intimate shark training session with Discovery Cove’s expert Aquarists; and, with more than 20 sharks in the habitat – there is a lot to learn about! Take the next step and don a snorkel and mask to enjoy a deep-water, free swim alongside blacktip reef, nurse, zebra, bonnethead sharks.


During the program you will gain a better understanding of the uniqueness of each shark species and the care they receive at Discovery Cove



EPCOT at Walt Disney World

Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort has a perfect way to celebrate Shark Week for the littlest ones in your party.


Over in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, you can spot Bruce the Shark lurking around in a family-friendly slow ride. It's okay though, because, "Fish are friends, not food."


After the ride, you'll find yourself surrounded by aquariums and other interactive experiences, including an indoor shark education play area. Here, you can pose for photos with Bruce, learn interesting shark facts, and allow the kids to enjoy some fun away from the sun while the adults relax and cool down.



Upstairs, immerse yourself in the amazing aquariums, where you will see sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and plenty of fish all swimming along. Hang out long enough and you might even see divers going for a swim. You too can swim with the sharks and other sea creatures with Epcot's DiveQuest. (Note: DiveQuest requires an advance reservation and proof of SCUBA certification!)



Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Don't miss the fun of visiting a Walt Disney World park where you'll most definitely need swimwear! Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is one of the two water parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, and it's the perfect mid-week attraction.


Enjoy slides, a wave pool and more, but don't miss out on visitng the underwater shark reef to swim with real sharks! This man-made salt water reef allows visitors the chance to snorkel with leopard and bonnethead sharks, stingrays, and schools of blue tangs (think Dory from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory). Just be warned - this 362,000-gallon coral reef is a brisk 68-degrees, just how the fish like it. You will definitley cool down here!



Universal Studios Florida

Come face to face (or tooth to tooth) with one of the world's most famous sharks at Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort: JAWS! This famous great white shark scared many people out of the water after debuting in the 1975 movie, but you'll want to be brave enough take a picture with this film icon!


Afterwards, visit theUniversal UNIVRS store on Hollywood Boulevard inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort, for lots of coool Jaws movie merch!


UNIVRS store location at Universal Orlando Resort

Exclusive merchandise will be released in limited quantities, from tees and jackets, to tracksuits and skirts, to tote bags and hats, products will range in price from $30-$150 and in size from XS-2XI, across the mens, womens and unisex categories.



SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium for both shark fun and education. On the top of every hour between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., you can enjoy Shark Ship Wreck Talk offering the chance to learn more about these amazing creatures. With more than 2 million gallons of water in their aquariums and dozens of sea life species, the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is definitely a must-do for your Shark Week vacation.



For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day.


You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.



Please Note:

Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida.


We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

留言


Emma Walton News Producer

Emma Walton

News Producer

Shane Walton News Producer

Shane Walton

News Producer

Aly Mac News Editor

Alastair Mac

News Editor

bottom of page