Have you ever wondered what goes on below the surface of our beautiful beaches? Do you have a passion for preserving our oceans and it’s mysterious creatures? Are you curious to learn more about the fiercest marine predator? Don’t miss your chance to find out at Florida Aquarium's SharkCon 2017, taking place July 8th and 9th at the Florida Fair Grounds.

Calling all shark enthusiasts!

Ecology dedicated institutions including The Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and Busch Gardens are joining forces to bring you the SharkCon2 weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds this July.

With over thirty activities scheduled, SharkCon 2017 ​ is an event every member of the family can enjoy! Kids activities include ocean-related artwork, taking a photo with a mermaid, dad might like that one too, and digging for shark teeth. Look for the ocean-themed bounce house and scream your head off on a thrilling 22-foot-long shark slide!

Get your picture taken with replicas of sharks, hold fossils, ask questions and work on several art projects SeaWorld in the 407area will provide at the Busch Gardens exhibit. Think you can ride a shark? Like a bucking bronco, at SharkCon you can test your skills on a great white. (There is an additional fee to ride the shark). More than a dozen respected ocean enthusiasts will present important information and be available for questions and answers. 

SharkCon 2017 offers an engaging opportunity to learn about marine life as scientists perform a live shark dissection while explaining the enigmatic inner workings of these unique fish. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will demonstrate how they administer marine mammal rescues and offer a hands-on experience with touch tanks.

Speaking of hands-on experiences, if you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, come prepared to get wet! Everything you need to try diving will be available at the Go Dive Now Pool, including safe and shallow environments for new divers. Or head to SharksSUP where SUP pros will show you the correct way to paddleboard. You can try it out on your own, you just have to be prepared to get wet.

For 2017 SharkCon partnered with thirteen conservation organizations to provide interesting information about our oceans, bays, and rivers. The goal, to educate and inform in a fun and entertaining way. Don't miss projects designed by local students to reduce the amount of bycatch in local fishing. Learn about their projects and vote for your favorite.

Join us in learning more about preserving our marine habitats at SharkCon 2017. Click the SharkCon link then 'Tickets' and spend the weekend interacting, playing, and learning how you can become part of the conservation team. Tickets can be purchased for $14.95 for a single day adult pass, $19/95 for a two-day adult pass, $4.99 for a one-day child pass or $7.50 for a two-day child pass (Children ages 13 and under). Proceeds benefit the Florida Aquarium shark and coral rehabilitation programs and OCEARCH Shark Expedition Research.

Find more interesting Thing to Do in Tampa and Events in Tampa, and find The Florida Aquarium in our 4th of July Guide, did you know they stay open late for fireworks? (All photos Florida Aquarium Facebook Page)