Shark Dive FAQ

Who can participate in the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive Experience?

• Experience: No prior snorkeling, SCUBA or swimming experience is required.
• Age: Participants must be at least age 8 on the day of the dive. Minors need to be accompanied to the zoo and program by an adult.
• Health: Divers must be in stable health and fill out a health-question form, which will be included in the purchase confirmation. Pregnant individuals and people with certain medical conditions will not be able to dive underwater but can participate in a modified version of the program, which will still include viewing sharks.
• Sizing/Weight: Suit sizing is available from XXXS to size 6XL/36W. The maximum weight is 360 lbs. If you have any questions about suit sizes, please contact us.

How much does a dive cost?

Includes Zoo admission and a souvenir video taken by staff during the dive.

January 7, 2026 – May 31, 2026: $125 (plus tax) for non-member / $105 (plus tax) per participant for Zoo member.

June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026: $130 (plus tax) for non-member / $110 (plus tax) per participant for Zoo member.

How many people participate in each dive experience?

Each dive has space for up to 4 divers. You can buy one dive spot or more if you choose. Or you can book all 4 dive spots for a private experience with your friends or family.

*We may be able to accommodate up to 5 divers from the same group during certain dives scheduled on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons.  Contact us by phone or email to book this extra diver.

How long does a dive experience last?

You will spend about 20 minutes in the water. The entire program is about 60 minutes.

Where do the dives take place?

The dives take place in the warm-water Outer Reef habitat of the Tropical Reef Aquarium.

What will happen during my dive?

After an introduction and instructional briefing, you will get suited up to dive. You can enter the water through ladders, steps or a lift. You will have time to get used to the equipment at the surface while holding onto the dive wall that partitions off the dive corner, all while seeing sharks! You can stay at the surface the whole time, or (assuming no medical limitations) you can descend underwater with a highly trained staff member who will act as your underwater guide for the duration of the dive.

How will I breathe underwater?

You will wear the type of masks that SCUBA divers wear and breathe surface-supplied air through a special, easy-to-use mouthpiece. Our dive experts will show you how to use the equipment and ensure that you and the other divers are comfortable before you enter the water.

Will I leave that corner of the habitat?

No. You and the other divers will stay in the reserved corner during your entire underwater experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?

We supply all the necessary specialized gear. You should bring comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, and an extra change of clothes. Many guests will wear drysuits, which will zip over street clothes and seal out water. Some guests will wear wetsuits, including those who have severe latex allergies. Your heads, hands, and feet will get wet — in all cases. We will provide a towel, or bring your own if you prefer.

Can I bring my own equipment?

• We supply all the dive equipment needed for the dives.
• You may bring a prescription mask if you already have one that you prefer to use. We have standard prescription masks in -2.0 to -7.0 available.
• If there is an item you believe you need for your comfort, please contact us in advance to discuss it.

Can I wear contacts or glasses during the dive?

Contact lenses can easily be worn. Glasses cannot be worn as they will interfere with the mask sealing around your face. We have masks with preset prescriptions (-2.0 through -7.0) for use. If you have your own prescription mask, you may wear that. You will also find that the water provides some magnification.

Do I need to be a good swimmer?

No. We welcome swimmers of all levels, including non-swimmers.

Can I wear ear plugs?

Only if you are staying at the surface, unless they are specifically made for SCUBA divers (have a vent hole in them). If you have an ear issue, such as a ruptured ear drum or open tubes, you may be able to wear your earplugs and participate in a modified surface-only version of the program.

Can I wear a swim cap or head covering?

Yes. You will need to adjust it so it does not seal your ear canal as that would prevent the equalizing (pressure balancing) of your ears during the dive.

Can I participate if I have special needs or a disability?

Our dive building is wheelchair-accessible, and we have many options for divers to enter the water, including a lift with a weight limit of 360 lbs. All participants will need to be able to understand and follow directions from staff.

Please submit a request for accommodations: ADA Accommodation Requests. Select “Diving (Shark dive at PDZA)” as the activity.

Can my 7-year-old child participate in a dive if their 8^th birthday is the day or week after the dive?

No. Participants must be at least 8 years old on the day of the dive. Anyone who shows up to dive and is not 8 years old will not be able to participate in the experience. Please don’t cause this disappointment for your child or us!

How do I register for a dive? 

• Register online at Shark dives: Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
• If you need assistance, please email us [email protected]

What is the cancellation/reservation change policy?

• All purchased dives are non-refundable, non-transferable, and reserved for a specific time and date.
• Changes made to a dive will be considered only if received seven days prior to the confirmed dive date and only if there is room available for accommodation.
• A 20 percent fee per participant will be charged for each session change.
• Exceptions:  If a participant was recently diagnosed or is in isolation due to Covid-19 or has another respiratory illness. Please contact us and do not come to the dive.

Where do I go for my dive and how do I prepare?

Before your dive day: Complete the waiver and medical paperwork for each diver.

On your dive day: Scan your tickets at our front gate and follow the map below to our dive meeting spot — outside the entrance of the Tropical Reef Aquarium. Our dive staff will greet you at your meeting time. All dive programs begin promptly, so please arrive at the meeting area 10-15 minutes ahead of time. Please allow extra time for traffic, parking, and navigating to the meeting area. We cannot accommodate late arrivals, issue refunds or reschedule participants who miss their dives.

Other Important Information  

• Clothes for your dive: Wear comfortable street clothes and leave jewelry at home. Although the water is warm (about 75 degrees Fahrenheit) you may want to wear a thermal or other warm shirt/sweatshirt under your dry suit. Please bring a swimsuit if, for any reason, your dive would be more comfortable in a wetsuit.
• Wet clothes: In the unlikely event that your clothes get wet, please bring a bag for your damp/wet clothes and extra clothing to change into if needed. We also have laundry facilities and clothes that you can borrow while your clothes dry.
• Cameras: You’ll be too busy enjoying your experience and watching the sharks to take your own video, so please leave personal underwater cameras at home. Our dive staff will take a video of each dive and a copy of it is included in the cost of your dive.
• Additional photos: Friends and family can photograph you from the Outer Reef viewing window in the Tropical Reef Aquarium.
• Friends and family viewing: Your friends and family can watch you dive through the Outer Reef viewing window — with paid admission or membership.
• Parents or guardians: Parents or guardians may accompany their children through the whole experience if they also purchase a dive. Parents who choose not to dive and just watch will need to pay zoo admission. One non-diving adult/guardian per minor may accompany their child through the safety briefing, and then join other observers to watch through the Outer Reef viewing window. After the dive, the parent or guardian will need to return to the dive briefing area to meet their child.
• Purchasing dives as gifts: We offer a Gift Eye-To-Eye experience ticket, which can be purchased without choosing a date. The recipient will need to redeem that ticket to schedule their experience in advance.  To purchase the Eye-To-Eye Gift Tickets please call us at 253-404-3800 option 0.