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People interacting with a zebra shark in shallow water during an encounter experience.
Person interacting with a zebra shark and stingrays in shallow water.
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Highlights

  • During this tour, experience an intimate and private encounter where Zebra Sharks glide gracefully under the sea for a span of 20 minutes.
  • Engage with local wildlife while gaining insights into conservation efforts that help protect these precious marine species in Port Stephens.
  • Explore the rich biodiversity at Sea Shelter's tropical aquarium, showcasing a vast array of saltwater creatures from different habitats.
  • Interact closely as you spend time amid adorable sea animals during this tour, allowing them to swim around your feet or even into your lap for gentle touches.

Your Experience

People interacting with a zebra shark in shallow water during an encounter experience.
Person interacting with a zebra shark and stingrays in shallow water.

Your Experience

The Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters place a strong emphasis on conservation efforts through their association with Sea Shelter. This not-for-profit organization provides care for rescued animals at the facility, nurturing them until they can be safely returned to their natural habitat.

  • Upon arrival, you'll meet welcoming staff who will guide you in interacting safely with these magnificent creatures and provide all necessary equipment for your water experience.

In the lagoon's shallows, witness a variety of sharks and rays up close. Your tour includes learning about each animal’s unique personality traits as they playfully interact around you while being fed by your guide.

  • Explore various pools on land to observe different fish species and engage with them in their natural environment. Hourly educational talks cover topics like marine conservation, dispelling myths about these fascinating creatures and suggesting ways to protect ocean life.

Afterward, freshen up under a warm shower before taking part in a tropical aquarium cruise where you can admire clownfish darting among anemones or lionfish gliding through their surroundings. Be sure to visit the store for sustainable gifts and souvenirs like soft toys and snacks.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Access to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Port Stephens, Australia
  • Shark and ray feeding experience included during Your Experience Conservation event at Sea Shelter
  • Private 20-minute zebra shark encounter as part of Tickets to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters with Zebra Shark Feeding Experience (based on option selected)
  • Use of wetsuit and sock hire for Shallows encounters
  • Individual Costs

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Must Know

  • Good to carry: swimwear (also available on sale if need be), biodegradable sunscreen, a camera.
  • What not to bring: wetsuits, creams, lotions, repellants, or snorkels.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the water. The adult must purchase a ticket for the encounter as well.
  • Daily: 9am to 5pm. Please arrive by 3:30pm to make the last tour.
  • Irukandji is open 364 days a year, closed only on Christmas day.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

  • Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your experience to avoid any delays.

Ticket Redemption Point

  • Redeem your ticket at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.

  • Address: 2 Jessie Rd, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia.

Get Directions to the Ticket Redemption Point

Getting There

  • Port Stephens is approximately a 2.5 hr drive North of Sydney on the M1 Motorway.

When leaving from Newcastle

  • Follow the signs towards Nelson Bay. At Salt Ash, you will precede through 2 Roundabouts. About 10 minutes later you will come up to a third roundabout. Turn right at the roundabout from Nelson Bay road onto Jessie road and you will head straight into the new Irukandji.

When leaving from Nelson Bay

  • Follow Nelson Bay Rd for about 10 minutes. You will pass through the roundabout that turns off towards Anna Bay to your left. Not long after this, you will come upon another roundabout. Turn left at this roundabout onto Jessie Road and right into Irukandji.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Conservation is at the heart of Irukandiji's Shark & Ray Encounters, and they also support Sea Shelter, a not-for-profit organization.

Rescued animals are nursed back to health at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters before being released into their natural habitat.

Visitors will be greeted by friendly staff who guide them through the process, including learning how to interact safely with animals and providing necessary equipment for water entry.

You should carry swimwear (available for purchase if needed), biodegradable sunscreen, and a camera. Avoid bringing wetsuits, creams, lotions, repellants, or snorkels.

Irukandiji is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and visitors should arrive by 3:30 pm for the last tour. It operates 364 days a year.

You will have a private encounter lasting 20 minutes to paddle in shallow waters and interact with Zebra Sharks.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the water, and the accompanying adult also needs a ticket for the encounter.

You will marvel at local wildlife and sea animals, learn about conservation efforts, tour a tropical aquarium with diverse saltwater species, and interact closely with various marine creatures.

The ticket does not cover personal expenses incurred during your visit to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.

Your ticket includes entry, food for the sharks and rays, a private encounter with zebra sharks lasting 20 minutes, and shallow water interaction using provided wetsuit and sock hire.

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