Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Did you know there are numerous places to see Florida sharks up close and personal?
Whether you want to go diving with sharks, see them from a boat, or view them in an aquarium, you won’t want to miss this list.
There are many great options for Florida shark enthusiasts.
Florida Sharks and Where To See Them
Check out our list of 10 JAW-some shark activities throughout Florida.
Florida Aquarium, Tampa
Florida Aquarium has a “Swim with the Fishes” adventure that allows guests to experience the Florida Keys coral reef dive sites without being a certified scuba driver.
You can swim with sharks, stingrays, barracuda, and sea turtles.
Florida Aquarium Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Florida Shark Diving, Jupiter
Florida Shark Diving gets you up close and personal with sharks in their natural surroundings, with some of the largest numbers of sharks in the world.
You can be an experienced shark diver or a novice looking to see a shark for the first time.
You have two trip options – viewing the sharks from the boat or cage-diving and free-diving with the sharks.
Florida Shark Diving Address: 1095 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
Keys Shark Diving, Marathon
The Florida Keys and its offshore waters are the natural habitats of various sharks. Whether it’s your first time diving with a shark or you’re experienced, Keys Shark Diving has an excursion.
You can either take a shark viewing trip (non-diving) or a shark diving trip inside a shark cage. No scuba certification is needed for these trips as the cage floats on the surface next to the boat.
Keys Shark Diving Address: Marathon, Florida 33050
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in the Marathon Islands.
Shark Tours, Riviera Beach
Shark Tours Florida lets you swim with sharks in open water off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. Don’t want to get in the water?
You can sign up as a rider and observe from the boat. You’ll be able to see lots of varieties of sharks depending on the time of year, including:
- Silky Sharks
- Hammerheads
- Bull Sharks
- Blacktip Sharks
- Lemon Sharks
- Tiger Sharks
Shark Tours Address: 255 E 22nd Ct, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
The Theater of the Sea “Swim with Sharks” program includes a 10-minute orientation and 20 minutes of interactive time with the sharks.
You’ll be able to feed and hold nurse sharks while sitting in the water and have the opportunity to snorkel with sharks in the saltwater lagoon.
Theater of the Sea Address: 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Emerald Charters Shark Tours
Emerald Charters offers shark dives in Jupiter, Florida. Certified divers can see a variety of sharks.
Some possible shark types you could see include bull sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and more.
You must be a certified diver to go out with this charter.
Emerald Charters Shark Tours Address: Under the Bridge, 25 N Coastal Way, Jupiter, FL 33477
Sea Life Orlando
SeaLife Orlando is an indoor aquarium under the Orlando Eye (Icon Park). Visitors to SeaLife can see a variety of sharks and other fish and sea life.
At SeaLife, you can see Epaulette Sharks, Bamboo Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Zebra Sharks, and Bonnethead Sharks.
You will have to pay admission to see these sharks at this attraction. However, parking is free in the dedicated parking garage.
Sea Life Orlando Address: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Miami Shark Tours
Miami Shark Tours offers 4-hour boat tours in Biscayne Bay. They can bring sharks near the boat using bait without ever going into the water.
This allows those not interested in diving to see sharks in the wild. It’s common to see Lemon Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktips, Hammerheads, and Tiger Sharks.
There is a fee and a schedule for booking these tours. Speak with Miami Shark Tours to book your trip: (305) 395-9140.
Miami Shark Tours Address: Serving Miami – Ft Lauderdale – Palm Beach – Florida Keys
Discovery Cove Orlando
Do you want to swim with sharks in a safe environment? Discovery Cove Orlando offers a shark swim for an additional fee.
You will have the opportunity to swim with more than 20 sharks in the habitat. You can also free swim with blacktip reef, nurse, zebra, and bonnethead sharks.
This is pricier than most places we profile on Authentic Florida, but it’s a fantastic experience.
Reservations may be made via Discovery Cove’s website.
Discovery Cove Orlando Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
BONUS #1: Shark Bite Capital of the World
It’s hard to believe, but the charming city of New Smyrna Beach is also known as the Shark Bite Capital of the World.
It’s really all of Volusia County that has been given that title. New Smyrna Beach just happens to be located in Volusia County.
The reality is unprovoked shark attacks have been down considerably in the past decade. In fact, you have a 50% better chance of being struck by lightning than being attacked by a shark.
Volusia County has a five-year annual average of nine attacks, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).
So don’t believe the hype. However, it’s best to swim near a lifeguard and use common sense if swimming in the ocean. Remember, it’s their home, too.
BONUS #2: Discovery’s Shark Week 2023
Not to be mistaken with Discovery Cove, the Discovery Channel hosts Shark Week 2023 starting on Sunday, July 23rd. Find fintastic shark crafts, treats, and facts to entertain you all week.
Also, National Geographic Channel is holding a 2023 SharkFest for the entire month of July.
BONUS #3: Shark Tank Success Stories
Are you not a daredevil and looking for something a little more tamer? Check out these five Floridian Shark Tank success stories.
- Ben Stern – Nohbo Ball – an eco-friendly shampoo ball created by Stern, who was just 16 years old when he was on the show.
- Chris Gilpin – SignalVault – a tech firm that helps fight credit card fraud.
- Gaston Blanchet & Jesse Potash – The Trunkster – water and shock-resistant suitcase featuring a built-in digital scale, USB charging station, and GPS-enabled tracking system.
- Jesse Wolfe – O’Dang Hummus – salad dressings and hummus are available at Whole Foods and Publix.
- Phil Dumas – UniKey – powers leading smart locks with a secure mobile platform to replace keys, codes, and passwords by turning a smartphone into a universal electronic key.
BONUS 4: An Authentic Watermelon Shark Carving
If you a crafty type, try making this watermelon shark carving. If you do it, please take a photo and tag us on your social media posts or tweets: Use #AuthenticFlorida.
Looking for other suggestions, check out:
- 4 Ways to Use an Entire Watermelon
- A Recipe for Authentic Watermelon Gazpacho
- Add this Fun Watermelon Carving to Your To-Do List
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- 10 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss
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- Celebrating the History of Marineland Florida
- The 2023 Florida Scalloping Season Guide