When
From February 2012
Where
Sea Life London Aquarium
Get up close and personal with some of nature's most awe inspiring but misunderstood creatures at the Shark Reef Encounter at London Aquarium, which features a glass walkway suspended above the aquarium's shoal of sixteen sharks.
New attraction
Newly opened in time for the 2011 February half term school holidays, the Shark Reef Encounter at London Aquarium is a permanent attraction that gives all ages the chance to see and learn more about these magnificent but much maligned animals. Admission to the attraction is included in the general ticket price to the aquarium, and is bound to be a memorable highlight for visitors both young and old.
Shark walk
At the beginning of the Shark Reef Encounter at London Aquarium visitors have the chance to journey across a glass walkway suspended above the tank which contains sixteen sharks, including two 2.8 metre brown sharks and a shoal of 10 black tip reef sharks. Expect to hear a few squeals of excitement from other visitors as you walk just inches away from where these fascinating creatures of the deep are swimming.
Pacific display
After completing the glass walkway section, the Shark Reef Encounter at London Aquarium continues with a three floor Pacific display, decorated with Easter Island Heads and featuring more sleek and toothy sharks. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the 2.30pm feed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, where you can see all the inhabitants of the Pacific display compete for their fair share of food.
Myth busting
Towards the end of the Shark Reef Encounter there's the chance to get hands on with an array of displays that aim to educate and entertain in equal measure, and dispel many of the unhelpful and harmful myths that have grown up about sharks. Touch the surprisingly sharp shark skin and discover why coconuts can be more deadly than sharks.
The Shark Reef Encounter at London Aquarium opens in time for the 2012 February half term, and is a permanent display. Opening times are 10am - 6pm Monday - Thursday and 10am - 7pm Friday - Sunday.
General admission tickets for the Sea Life London Aquarium cost £19.80 for adults and £14.40 for children aged 3 - 15. Advance discounts are available. For more information and to buy tickets, call 0871 663 1678.