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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.