Stepping into the home of 1,092 sea creatures, I was slightly apprehensive about the welcome I was about to receive.

As, let’s face it, when you think about swimming with sharks, the Jaws theme tune automatically blasts out in your head – naturally instilling a sense of forewarning and foreboding.

But when I was told that I could visit the residents of the deep blue sea without even getting my hair wet, I knew that this was going to be a unique and unmissable experience.

Sea Trek is a jaw-dropping sea bed walk through the largest tank in the Sea Life Centre at the Trafford Centre’s Barton Square.

The unforgettable trip is the first of its kind in Europe as no diving experience is required for those wishing to take part.

Kitted out in a specialist diving suit, complete with a fully waterproof helmet, I descended into the tank.

Warrington Guardian: Swimming with sharks... at The Trafford Centre

Despite being filled with 480,000 litres of water and 35 different species of sea creatures, as I reached the bottom of the tank, a sense of peacefulness washed over me as the fear instantly faded.

As I trekked along the bottom of the sea bed, I came face to face with schools of tropical fish – silently floating passed me, ignoring the intruder that had entered their home.

The reef sharks kept their distance during my short but sweet visit but the same cannot be said for a giant sea turtle called Ernie.

His inquisitive nature meant he would glide close to where I was standing, brazenly welcoming us to his not-so humble abode.

The experience lasted for approximately one hour with 10 minutes under the water and the rest of the time spent with expert divers, prepping you for the sea trek.

There was also the added bonus of admission into the Sea Life, which was included in the price for the Sea Trek experience.

With more than a million litres of water, 5,000 sea creatures, an underwater tunnel, 30 marine displays and an appearance from Nemo, my visit to the Sea Life Centre left me bream-ing (sorry, I couldn’t resist) from ear to ear.

The centre is open from 10am seven days a week, remaining open until 7pm daily, with the last admission at 5pm.

The Sea Trek experience costs £60 per person including admission to the attraction.

  • For more information go online at visitsealife.com or call 0871 221 2483.