Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium

About this experience

Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium Tickets This ticket is admission to a guided Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium, a place where tropical fish, corals, rays, barramundi and rescued sea turtles are kept and cared for on the premises by the aquarium's own team. Your expert guide leads you through behind-the-scenes areas usually off-limits to general visitors, revealing how the aquarium maintains its diverse collection of aquatic creatures and carries out its conservation work. During the guided visit, you will feed gentle cownose rays from a specially designed platform and scatter-feed giant freshwater rays and barramundi in the River Monsters exhibit. The guide then leads you to the on-site Turtle Hospital, where the aquarium's conservation team cares for rescued sea turtles as they recover and rehabilitate. Here you will meet sea turtles currently undergoing rehabilitation and learn about the rescue and conservation efforts protecting local marine ecosystems. Highlights Behind-the-scenes guided tour revealing aquarium operations and animal care Turtle Hospital visit with rescued sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation Feed cownose rays from a dedicated feeding platform Scatter-feed giant freshwater rays and barramundi in River Monsters exhibit Learn about marine conservation and sustainable practices Self-guided exploration of all aquarium exhibitions at your own pace Plan Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium The Marine Life Encounter lasts approximately 3 hours, though you are welcome to spend longer exploring the exhibitions at your own pace. The aquarium opens daily, so check current opening hours before your visit. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time for ticket collection. The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible throughout all areas. Animal feeding activities are supervised by guides and suitable for most ages. Photo ID may be requested when collecting your tickets. While exploring Cairns' marine attractions, you might also consider visiting the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tours to see these creatures in their natural habitat. Lunch is available at the aquarium's aquatic-themed restaurant but is not included in your ticket price. For a complete Cairns experience, pair your aquarium visit with other local attractions like the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail to explore the region's diverse ecosystems both underwater and in the rainforest. Live animals are not sold through this listing. Any animals encountered are part of the visit and none leaves with the guest.

Highlights

• Access behind-the-scenes areas closed to regular visitors
• Hand-feed marine creatures alongside an expert aquarium guide
• Visit the on-site Turtle Hospital and meet rescued sea turtles
• Learn how Cairns Aquarium maintains its complex marine ecosystems
• Go beyond the exhibits with exclusive keeper-led access

What is included

• Self-guided entry through the Aquarium
• Behind the scenes & Turtle Hospital Visit guided tour
• River Monsters fish scatter-feeding
• Exclusive hand-feeding of cownose rays

Not included

• Lunch at the aquatic themed restaurant

Before you go

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Cancellation terms

Cancel for free until 48 hours before your visit date and get a full refund. Rescheduling is possible until 48 hours before your visit date.