Shark Reef

Shark Reef Review

If you felt like jumping into the tank at Epcot's The Seas with Nemo & Friends, make tracks for this 360,000-gallon snorkeling tank. The coral reef is artificial, but the 4,000 tropical fish—including rainbow parrotfish, sting rays, trigger fish, yellowtail damselfish, and amiable leopard and bonnet-head sharks (only 2 to 3 feet long)—are quite real. A sunken ship divides the reef; its portholes give landlubbers access to the underwater scene, though the windows are filmy and viewing is a bit blurry. During the warmest months (late March through September), adults and children ages 5 and older can don personal supplied-air snorkeling equipment at no charge. Life vests are provided for weak swimmers. To prevent algae growth, Shark Reef is kept at a brisk 72°F, which is about 15° cooler than the rest of Typhoon Lagoon. For those who prefer a long, leisurely snorkel, this experience will be too brief. For people with disabilities: The sunken-ship viewing area is wheelchair accessible. This is popular, so come early or late. Even in the busy summer months, though, the wait is often under 20 minutes.