SINK YOUR TEETH INTO SHARK WEEK AND DIVE INTO ADVENTURE AT TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
July 1, 2024
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Dive into the frenzy as Shark Week is upon us! The Texas State Aquarium has plenty of jaw-some opportunities where you can learn more about our oceans’ top predators, their habits and characteristics. Our guests will discover multiple species, as the Aquarium houses bamboo sharks, epaulette sharks, nurse sharks, brown sandbar sharks and tiger sharks.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Shark Week with the resident sharks at the Aquarium. Below are some of the shark experiences that visitors can enjoy.
Let’s Talk Sharks Daily Presentation
During your visit to the Texas State Aquarium, be sure to stop at the first level of the Caribbean Journey Exhibit to enjoy the Let’s Talk Sharks presentation. Visitors will have an interactive experience with our knowledgeable shark educators and learn about our six resident brown sharks. Plan accordingly, this presentation is available to the public at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:40 p.m. daily.
Touch a Shark
When you’re walking through the Islands of Steel Exhibit on the first level of the Gulf of Mexico chain, you have a unique opportunity to touch the juvenile bamboo and epaulette sharks. With staff at the ready to guide guests, they will learn how to properly place your hand in the shallow touch pool, extending two fingers out to touch the sandpaper-like surface of a shark’s skin. This hands-on encounter offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
OCEARCH’s Tag-a-Shark Exhibit
Guests can track tagged sharks in real time using OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker. The interactive exhibit equipped with large screens is displayed in the Gulf of Mexico chain and will help you navigate the waters that these top predators swim, while tracking their migration patterns.
Megalodon’s Jaws Photo Opportunity
View the jaws of the largest shark on the planet. On the first level of the Gulf of Mexico chain, you will find a scaled model of Megalodon’s jaw where you can grab a selfie. The jaws are also large enough for a group photograph.
Snorkel-with-a-Shark Encounter
Experience the thrill and chill of getting up close to our six resident sandbar sharks in our Caribbean Sea Exhibit. Learn about their biology and how we can protect them in the wild. You will also snorkel with stingrays, barracudas, eel, and a variety of fish. This is an incredible adventure and is offered upon scheduled availability. To see the schedule and book your encounter, click here.
Special Guest, Dr. Kesley Banks, Presents Let’s Talk Sharks
Special guest, Dr. Kesley Banks, Associate Research Scientist in the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, will be hosting the Let's Talk Sharks presentation on Friday, July 12th at 11:30 a.m. You won't want to miss it, as she will deliver a packed-to-the-gills educational experience for our guests in front of the Caribbean Sea Exhibit. Dr. Banks will remain in the main lobby along with fellow scientists with the Sportfish Center after the presentation until 1:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) institution that is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas and support wildlife conservation. TSA, the largest Aquarium in Texas, cares for over 4,000 animals and has been named the #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org.
Our longstanding fear of sharks has always been evident in literature, and in countless movies and TV shows – perhaps most prominently in the movie “Jaws” and Discovery Channel’s popular “Shark Week” series. While the media loves to play up ou... Read More