CANCUN | INTERACTIVE AqUARIUM
Dangerous Waters E
nter into the watery depths with some of the most feared predators in the ocean. Te salt water is a cool 24 C when you enter onto the
1.8-metre-deep submerged platform. As you familiarize your- self with your watery cage, the only advice given is it to keep your arms and legs within the acrylic walls. It’s when you place your head into the water and peer into
its depths that you grasp the enormity of the tank below. Over the precipice of the platform you can see for the first time its deadly inhabitants; smaller black tipped sharks, groupers of ev- ery size, some so large they dwarf the small sharks. A lemon shark swims through the wreckage of a ship below, while a bull shark glides slowly by the clear wall that separates you, seeming to look through you, emotionless. Te largest and most intimi- dating is the huge nurse shark silently pacing the tank. Swimming this close to these magnificent creatures will give
you a new appreciation for sharks. Teir enormity makes your heart skip a beat. Te way they stealthily glide, stalking their surroundings, is fascinating and the dead look in their eyes, bone-chilling. After what seems like an eternity on your own, your guide enters the water to introduce you to the predators swimming below. Horizontal slats in the wall are large enough for an arm or leg and some of the smaller fish swim through.
Feeding Time A sharp slap to the top of the water summons the sharks
as your guide waves a baited pole into the chasm, tantalizing them. A couple of the smaller sharks nose around but soon move off; the largest shark in the tank has taken an interest. Noiselessly, the nurse shark approaches, assessing the situation. Her size is intimidating, and she is silent and quick. After a few passes she comes closer, this time from below, swimming right along the clear divide, dwarfing you with her size. Te guide motions for you to touch her, you reach through the wall and feel the strength within her massive body. Her solid white belly is rougher than expected, her face, one you’ll never forget and the experience, once in a lifetime.
So Much To See And Do Open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., the Cancun
Interact with engag- ing sea creatures at the Cancun Interac- tive Aquarium.
Interactive Aquarium is located in the La Isla Shopping Mall. A day pass allows visitors to view stunning marine life without ever getting wet. Tickets include a seat at the only dolphin show in Cancun, set in an intimate arena with limited seating. Te aquarium is not massive but well sized and offers a wide assortment of sea creatures to view and interact with. Te in- credible two storey shark tank is a sight to behold but is even more impressive when seen from the inside. Experiences that allow you to swim with the sharks, dolphins and sea lions are also available for an additional cost. A simply wonderful show, wonderful aquarium and wonder- ful experience overall.
44 • Fall 2014 The Hub
Photos courtesy of the Cancun Interactive Aquarium.
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