Last week 12 brave Events & Adventures members went snorkeling with all types of sea creatures at SEA LIFE located in the Mall of America. It was an hour-long surface snorkeling adventure, and our members were able to get up close and personal with over 75 types of tropical fish including puffer fish and shark. We were even able to bring our waterproof cameras underwater with us to take pictures with the fish and get the ultimate selfie. Those of us who were not quite brave enough to get in the water had a great time walking through the aquarium tunnel, where we got to watch the fish and our fellow members while they were snorkeling.
Once the snorkeling session was complete we had the privilege of getting a 45 minute guided behind-the-scenes tour. The tour took us up to the deck above the aquarium tunnel system where we were able to see animals that were currently off-exhibit. We were then able to explore the laboratory and learn how they maintain the 1.3 million gallon tanks that simulate the ocean and make up the aquarium. Finally, the tour guide took us into the food prep kitchen where we got to see how and what they feed the thousands of exotic creatures in their care. From sharks to sea turtles, and jellyfish to seahorses, SEA LIFE Aquarium showcases thousands of sea creatures underneath Mall of America. By allowing visitors to come face to face with animals rarely seen in Minnesota, SEA LIFE gave us a new level of excitement and understanding of the world’s oceans.
After the behind the scenes tour we were able to explore the rest of the aquarium. SEA LIFE Minnesota is the only aquarium in the Midwest with an interactive stingray touch pool, where you can get up close and personal with real live stingrays, pet them and handfeed them shrimp. It was a fun and entertaining way for all of us to break out of our comfort zones.
All in all it was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and a great opportunity to mingle with fellow Events & Adventures members. Many of us have always wanted to go snorkeling with tropical fish, and finally got a chance to cross that off our bucket lists. We ended the day grabbing food to refuel and chatting about the amazing experiences we all shared that day.