How to go
What: Shark Bridge
Where: Newport Aquarium, One Aquarium Way, Newport, Ky.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Aug. 31 (extended summer hours)
Cost: $23 adults, $15 ages 2-12
More info: 1-800-406-3474 or www.newportaquarium.com
Cue the “Jaws” movie music: “Dah-Da … Dah-Da … Dah-Da.”
Those who love the thrill of sharks will be scared breathless to walk above a pool of predatory ‘selachimorpha’ at Newport Aquarium in Newport, Ky. One of the country’s largest air tank displays is featuring two unique ways to experience sharks.
Thrill-seekers choose the Shark Bridge, where your feet are just inches above nearly two dozen sharks. It is the only suspension bridge in the country that close to the mammoth saltwater predators. The 385,000-gallon tank also includes four shark rays, two stingrays, a loggerhead sea turtle and more than 300 other species of fish.
On tripadvisor.com, there were plenty of brave souls who’ve dared to cross the 75-foot, v-shaped rope bridge.
“Loved our trip to the [Newport] Aquarium. One of my grandchildren was mesmerized walking under a well-lit tunnel with fish above and below. The Shark Bridge was traversed nine times,” said Linda C. of Fairfax, Va.
Although people walking the bridge experience side-to-side motion and uneven footing in places, the bridge is quite safe. It took 788 hours to construct, with more than 4 miles of rope and 1.5 tons of steel. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
For those who prefer steady ground, there is a walkway along the top edge of the saltwater tank. The Shark Bridge addition and expanded floor space has tripled the guest viewing area at this popular Newport Aquarium attraction.
Another way to enjoy the sharks is to watch the Shark Ray Feed at 1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at the theater and Surrounded by Sharks exhibit area.
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