Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

About this experience

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is an aquatic attraction in Anna Bay, near Sydney, where visitors can get close to a range of resident sharks and rays across several guided encounter formats. The facility runs sessions lasting around two hours, with knowledgeable staff providing English commentary throughout, giving context on the behaviour, biology, and conservation status of the animals in residence. Five per cent of annual profit goes directly into ocean research and conservation programmes, making it one of the more purposeful Sydney attractions for anyone interested in marine life. This ticket is admission to the aquarium and its guided encounter programme. The guide leads visitors through each stage, explaining what they are observing and handling. Options range from a shallow wade in a lagoon and poolside petting and feeding sessions to a wetsuit dip, a tropical snorkel among the resident sharks and rays, a dedicated zebra shark encounter, and a tawny nurse shark encounter where participants can feel the suction these animals generate, reportedly up to six litres of water per second. Admission covers entry to the aquarium as a spectator, interaction from the pool edges, free animal food for feeding sessions, and access to hot showers. The in-water experience is not included in the base ticket price but is available to purchase on-site. Wheelchair access is available, and the meeting point is 2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay. Live animals are not sold through this listing. Any animals encountered are part of the visit and none leaves with the guest.

Highlights

• Two-hour shark and ray encounter sessions in Anna Bay
• Get close to live sharks and rays across multiple formats
• Expert English commentary on animal behaviour and biology
• Covers conservation status and biology of each species
• Five per cent of profits fund ocean research programmes
• Located in Anna Bay, within reach of Sydney

What is included

• Entrance to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
• English commentary by knowledgeable staff
• Interaction from edges of pools
• Petting and feeding with free animal food
• Admission to the aquarium as a spectator
• Hot Showers are available for all

Not included

• In-water experience (available to purchase on-site)

Before you go

Arrival and timing The full visit runs for around two hours, so plan your day accordingly. Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled timeslot to check in and get your bearings before the encounter begins. Getting around the venue The experience centres on poolside lagoons and aquarium areas where you can watch, interact with, and feed the animals from the water's edge. In-water experiences such as snorkelling or the specialist shark encounters are not included in the standard admission but can be purchased on-site on the day. Hot showers are available for all guests, which is useful if you do opt for a water-based encounter. During your visit Staff provide English commentary throughout, so follow their guidance on how to approach and interact with the animals safely. Out of respect for the animals and other guests, keep noise to a reasonable level and follow any poolside instructions given by the team.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.