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Swim With The Fish2023-07-31T15:00:19-04:00

SWIM WITH THE FISH

Get up close and personal with tarpon, snook, trout, redfish, and a 5 foot green moray eel! Please inquire about possible snorkeling options or go behind the scenes to see what it takes to maintain this massive 33,500 gallon tank.

SWIM WITH THE FISH

Get up close and personal with tarpon, snook, trout, redfish, and a 5 foot green moray eel! Please inquire about possible snorkeling options or go behind the scenes to see what it takes to maintain this massive 33,500 gallon tank.

SWIM

Swimmers, ages 8 years old and up, have the exclusive privilege to experience what it’s like to snorkel in the 33,500-gallon tank built by our friends from Animal Planet’s hit show TANKED. Our program is led by our expert partners from Marine Exploration Center. Their mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of the value and fragility of the marine environment through research, education and personal experiences.

TOUR

We’re excited about the opportunity to educate the public about these amazing fish and guide them through an experience that will leave them with a deeper appreciation for our local marine life,” explained Zach Ostroff, curator of Marine Exploration Center. Zach earned his M.S. in Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern University and is one of the main guides for the in-tank excursion.

GETTING READY

All participants must stay on the surface of the water at all times. Snorkel vests are required. This program is operated with the highest standard of recreational diving activities. Our open-water lifeguards are on hand and are trained in CPR, first aid and emergency oxygen administration. For your safety, swimmers are not permitted to touch or feed the animals. We do require that all participants be comfortable in the water and should have some experience using a snorkel.

GALLERY

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Awesome!”

Went swimming with the fishes this weekend and had Chrissy and Capt. Tim as our instructors and they were both great and very helpful and the swim was awesome.

“SWF is amazing”

Captn Tim and Zack provided an axing behind the scenes your with great info, very engaging with our kids and we never felt rushed. We would definitely do this again.

“Great experience!”

My husband and I took my 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son. We all enjoyed our tour and swim!! Tim and Bradley were awesome!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I wear?2018-11-05T16:16:18-05:00

All participants must wear shorts. Ladies may wear bathing suit tops but shorts must be worn. ‘Speedos’ and ‘Skorts’ (or skirts with shorts underneath) should not be worn. We do not allow wet suits due to the possibility of contamination. If you require special accommodation please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Where does the “Swim with the Fishes” program take place?2020-01-15T13:52:23-05:00

You will be swimming in our 33,500-gallon aquarium located in RumFish Grill at the RumFish Beach Resort. The aquarium is 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit and has about 13 feet of artificial sea water. It is home to over 30 fish and a large variety of species. The fish are indigenous to what you would find in our backyard (Gulf of Mexico). You will easily see species such as tarpon, amberjack, grouper, redfish, blackdrum, cow-nose rays, pompano, a nurse shark and many more!

Is it safe?2018-11-05T16:14:20-05:00

All participants must stay on the surface of the water at all times. Snorkel vests are required and prevent participants from descending below the surface. This program is operated with the highest standard of recreational diving activities. Our staff is trained in CPR, first aid and emergency oxygen administration. For your safety, swimmers are not permitted to touch or feed the animals. We do require that all participants be comfortable in the water and should have some experience using a snorkel. All participates must sign a waiver prior to the swim. If you or anyone in your party has special needs please inform us ASAP to learn what accommodations are available.

Will I be swimming alone?2018-11-05T16:13:52-05:00

Each experience can accommodate up to 4 participants. Open-water lifeguards are also on-site.

What are the requirements to participate?2018-11-05T16:13:25-05:00

Anyone 8 years and older can participate in the program. However, swimmers ages 8-12 must be accompanied in the water by an adult.
You do not need to be SCUBA certified, but we do ask that participants have a comfort level in the water and using a snorkel.

What is included in the program?2018-11-05T16:12:57-05:00

The program includes a 10-minute immersion experience in our exhibit, an educational session on our animals and conservation, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the operation. All necessary equipment is provided.

When is the program available?2018-11-05T16:11:56-05:00

Currently, “Swim with the Fishes” is offered Tuesday – Sunday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Walk-up registration is available; however, we encourage guests to pre-register as there are a limited number of spaces per program. You can make reservations by calling 727.329.1433 or ext. 3531.

What is the cancellation policy?2018-11-05T16:11:26-05:00

All guests are required to pre-pay for the experience. Guests can cancel their reservation without penalty with at least 24 hours’ notice prior to the start of their program time. Pending availability, guests can also reschedule provided it is done at least 24 hours prior. Changes must be made through our Reservations office: 727.329.1433 or ext. 3531.
No-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. Like all swimming environments, the schedule is subject to change based on the health of the animals, weather and your safety. If purchased online, please call the online store manager to facilitate a refund.

Where do I meet?2022-06-24T10:45:32-04:00

All guests will go to RumFish Grill and check in at the Retail Store reception desk at least 10 minutes prior to their start time. After ensuring all paperwork is complete, we will review all the policies and procedures. Our team will then educate guests on the program and some of our conservation efforts. You will be escorted to the exhibit and given a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility before being split into 4 groups to begin the immersion. Failure to arrive on time may result in exclusion.

What happens if I lose something in the tank?2018-11-05T16:07:56-05:00

RumFish Grill and the “Swim with the Fishes” program are not responsible for any valuables lost in the tank. Recovery or replacement of items will not be accommodated. Camera must have a strap or float attachment if you intend to bring in the water.

What is the temperature of the water?2018-11-05T16:10:34-05:00

76-78 degrees Fahrenheit all year round! We do not allow or permit wet suits in the tank. However, if you have a medical condition that dictates thermal protection, special arrangements can be made.

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