Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an amazing experience of interacting with Sharks and Rays. The owners are passionate and dedicated to our Ocean's conservation and Marine Science. Every visitor can learn about the ocean depths and step outside their comfort zone by feeding and patting these amazing ambassador animals. Once you have experienced these majestic creatures individual personalities, you will have the confidence to take the next step and enjoy a snorkeling experience or private encounter, meeting these misunderstood animals in their own environment. If you are after an out of this world experience that can be shared with the whole family (even tiny babies get a wetsuit to wade with the sharks) then Irukandji is your next adventure waiting to happen.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
333 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
59
Average
27
Poor
4
Terrible
6
padani
Canberra, Australia13 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Went there the front office staff were nice.
Once you are inside it's different. Feeding the friendly rays was part of the starter ticket. I found it really hard to get 2 CENTS worth of feed to feed the rays. You will need a bit longer meat to put it on the stick with a metal clip which they give us to feed the 'rays'. I asked for the 2 CENTS worth of meat. The lady grudgingly gave a very small piece. Needless to say, the ray wasn't able to eat it because it was very small.
The shark lecture was nice there are some sharks. Here also the guy came with 2 pieces of fish and came back. He didn't feed the shark.
If you pay extra you will be given some wet suits and then have some time near a small shark.
Altogether this experience is not worth the money you pay for it
Once you are inside it's different. Feeding the friendly rays was part of the starter ticket. I found it really hard to get 2 CENTS worth of feed to feed the rays. You will need a bit longer meat to put it on the stick with a metal clip which they give us to feed the 'rays'. I asked for the 2 CENTS worth of meat. The lady grudgingly gave a very small piece. Needless to say, the ray wasn't able to eat it because it was very small.
The shark lecture was nice there are some sharks. Here also the guy came with 2 pieces of fish and came back. He didn't feed the shark.
If you pay extra you will be given some wet suits and then have some time near a small shark.
Altogether this experience is not worth the money you pay for it
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jowe E
9 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
I've always wanted to check this place out and finally this weekend (since it was cold and rainy on and off at Nelson Bay), we went to Irukandji.
The place was amazing and our lil one (3 year old) just couldn't get so much of it. We were able to pat the sharks and rays, feed them and just let them go around our legs. They're pretty friendly and harmless.
The staff was definitely passionate about the marine habitat and very knowledgeable in giving us much information and background.
you can also snorkel with the sharks!
a definite must to check out whilst there.
The place was amazing and our lil one (3 year old) just couldn't get so much of it. We were able to pat the sharks and rays, feed them and just let them go around our legs. They're pretty friendly and harmless.
The staff was definitely passionate about the marine habitat and very knowledgeable in giving us much information and background.
you can also snorkel with the sharks!
a definite must to check out whilst there.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi j0wee,
Thank you SO much for the kind review! Our small family business really appreciates the support.
We are so glad to hear that the family enjoyed their time at Irukandji. Our Sharks & Rays are super friendly and affectionate. We often refer to them as puppy dogs, due to their adorable nature.
Maybe next time you can snorkel with the sharks!
Hope to see you all again, sometime soon.
Thanks again.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Onceawaitress
Haywards Heath, UK513 contributions
Aug. 2023
Bit of an odd experience, paddling with the rays and sharks in a rather artificial environment. You can also hand feed them.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Onceawaitress!
Oh no, I think you are getting us mixed up with the other shark place down the road that took over in our old location when we moved to Anna Bay! People get us confused all the time as why would there be two within 5 minutes of each other!
We pride ourselves on a beautiful natural habitat for the animals, they have sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, huge caves, small caves, different substrates, natural algaes and deep sand for all the rays to sleep under. Even when we were at the old location we had natural sand and habitat in place, separately we also don't have hand feeding here, all the feeding is done with feeding sticks.
We would love to welcome you to Irukandji so you can come see our amazing habitat and conservation experience, if you get a chance please have a search of the other company this review is for. So very sorry for the confusion
Warm Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mum23all
Mount Gambier, Australia317 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
We were in Nelson Bay for a few days, on a short family holiday and decided to visit here. Luckily it was during school term - so not super busy ( except for the school excursion!)... but we had the sting ray area to ourselves for quite awhile, kids and adults both really enjoyed feeding & patting the sting rays, they were super friendly and would swim right over our feet, brushing against our legs. So much fun. The sting ray talk was also great and very interesting, we all learnt a few new things about sting rays! Then we went over to the shark enclosure - that was also really enjoyable, learning about sharks, seeing baby sharks, and touching the larger sharks. What was great about this place is that entry into the water, to touch and feed the sharks and sting rays is included in the entry price - so great value for a family. We'd highly recommend this experience and would love to return on a future visit to Nelson Bay.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi mum23all,
Thank you so much for the feed back and 5 star rating. Our small family business really appreciates your support.
We are thrilled to hear that you all enjoyed your time with us, meeting & feeding our beautiful critters. Visiting outside of our peak periods (school holidays, weekends, public holidays) definitely has its perks! Sounds like you made friends for life with some of our stingrays in our temperate natural style lagoon.
We plan on expanding, with several stages still to come. We hope you can visit us again and check on our progress.
Thanks again for visiting.
Take care and all the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amanda B
3 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
This was our second visit, our first visit at the new premises and wow amazing well worth the money and definitely a must when in the area. Not sure who was more excited me or the kids. All the staff were Amazing.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi amandabN6678LH,
Thank you so much for the 5 star review. We really appreciate the support.
We love our new premises, with the natural style lagoons, sand, sea grass- we have put a lot of time and effort into creating our lagoons as close to the real thing as possible. We love it, and most importantly, our animals are so happy in their new homes.
Thanks for sharing your feedback about our staff. We will be sure to pass it on. It will make their day to hear the impact they had on your experience. We think they are pretty special too.
Please, keep visiting and checking on our progress. We have several stages of expansion yet to come.
We wish you all the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paddu b
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
Could be more interactive. For seniors and older generation not very welcoming. Some explanations were good.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi FarAway550430,
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We take the suggestions, thoughts and opinions of our guests very seriously, as we are always looking at ways to improve.
It breaks our hearts to hear that you did not enjoy your experience with us and felt it wasn't interactive enough. We are very unique, as we have removed the glass seen in traditional aquariums and invited our guests to enter the water with our animals, offering several different levels of engagement, depending how wet each visitor would like to get. There are not many aquariums that enable you to hand feed shark and rays. Our basic entry pass includes all your shark and ray food, feeding and petting our animals plus wading barefoot into the water of our natural style lagoons. We apologise if this was not explained properly to you and the level of engagement was missed. That is on us, and we will make sure we improve our communication with our visitors.
We pride ourselves on catering for guests from all walks of life, as we are all incredibly passionate about creating an inclusive experience for everyone. Once again, if this was not demonstrated during your visit, we apologise.
We hope you may consider giving us a second chance and visiting us again.
We have several stages of expansion yet to come, with more interactive displays, animals, cafe facilities and more. As a small family business, this will take time however. Perhaps you can check in with us at a later date and hopefully we can give you the Irukandji experience you deserve.
We wish you all the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
taniabarnia
Wellington, New Zealand12 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
What an unexpectedly interesting 3 hours. Listening to people sharing their infectious passion for the water on your doorstep with some of the oceans keystone marine animals. Getting to watch and admire the gracefulness and playfulness of the world around us. #engaging #interesting #great for all ages
Written 15 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi taniabarnia,
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback!
This was such a pleasure to read- brought a smile to our faces. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us.
You have managed to sum up our wonderful staff perfectly- they certainly do have an infectious passion for the water and its inhabitants. We think they are pretty special too.
Watching our sharks and rays move through the water is a site to behold. We could spend all day admiring them.
Please visit us again soon.
All the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley
Wollongong, Australia17 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Family
The park is an amazing experience, it was such fun to feed the sharks and rays. There were plenty of sharks and rays to feed and pat. All staff were friendly, answered questions and genuinely seemed to enjoy their job.
Written 16 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Global10061471565,
Thanks for the kind words! It means the world to us.
We will pass on the lovely feedback to our staff. They will be stoked to hear that they contributed to your incredible experience. Thanks for sharing. We think they are all pretty special too.
Our sharks and rays are like friendly, playful puppy dogs- they love a pat!
We hope you can visit us again.
All the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bri B
1 contribution
Mar. 2023 • Friends
The staff there are amazing! They were so nice and any questions they answered amazingly!!!! You get your moneys worth 110%. Great place to be around!
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 490brib,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. It means the world to our small family business.
We love our staff. You wont meet a more passionate bunch of people. Thank you for sharing your feedback, we will pass it onto everybody and it will surely make their day.
We are only going to get bigger- with several plans of expansion in the works. Please visit us again soon and check on our progress.
All the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jody G
Kirrawee, Australia58 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
This was a great way to spend a couple of hours. Informative too. I didn’t think I’d personally participate at all with entering the water or touching the sharks or sting rays but I did. My kids and husband both loved this experience a lot. Feeding the sting rays was a highlight. The staff are all lovely too.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi jodyg667,
Thanks for the kind words. We really appreciate the support.
In our experience, guests come to Irukandji for the sharks, but fall in love with the stingrays. They really are like friendly puppy dogs, all with their own unique personalities.
We are so happy to hear that the whole family enjoyed their experience.
Hope to see you all again, sometime soon.
All the best.
Kind Regards
The Irukandji Team
Written 23 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma D
Pennant Hills, Australia36 contributions
What size do the wetsuits go up to/do they have wetsuits for people in the plus size category? Abt size 16-20?
Irukandji_SharknRay
Nelson Bay, Australia5 contributions
Hi Emma,
Our wetsuits go up to a mens 3XL, if this is not adequate we allow visitors to bring a rash shirt and board shorts of their own to wear in instead.
Cheers
therese_phu
Sydney17 contributions
Hi, After you finish your in water tour, what are the facilities for getting clean and dry?
Irukandji_SharknRay
Nelson Bay, Australia5 contributions
Hi therese_p
Thank you for your enquiry!
The facilities are limited until we get into the new centre. At the moment we provide clean towels for those who don't have their own (and change rooms). The shower blocks are way to pricey for us to build twice sadly, though we can't wait till we are all new!
If you have any more queries don't hesitate to ask.
missdizzie
Sydney7 contributions
The centre sounds amazing and offers a wonderful experience for kids. I'm keen to show my daughter but I have some reservations that this might not be humane - I mean great for humans but how do the animals fare? I'm not against it I would just like to know somehow if there are some assurances that the animals are content and cared for? Can anyone offer advice on certifications etc? Thanks so much
Irukandji_SharknRay
Nelson Bay, Australia5 contributions
Hi Missdizzi,
Thank you so much for your question and concerns for our fish family. Also a big thank you for all those positive replies from the reviewers, it means a lot to us as our fish health and happiness is the absolute top of our priorities.
At Irukandji we have a saying called APS all our staff and volunteers run every aspect of our day with this in mind. What it stands for is Animals, People, Sustainability. This is the order of our priorities and our animals health and happiness is the first priority, followed by people, followed by how we can run our business in the most sustainable way possible.
We are not your normal aquarium, all our fish have names and individual personalities, we love, target feed, entertain and care for every single one of them, not sleeping if something is a miss. Last year we spent $7000 in one day for a vet visit, since it was winter and there wasn't the money to pay the owners took out a personal loan to pay to make sure immediate treatment was provided. I can think of a lot of people who wouldn't do that for their own pet, let alone one of 200 fish. This is a very small business and we pride ourselves on taking the correct ethical path in everything we do especially when it comes to our animals. Hopefully some of the large companies will notice after a while and say "if we can do it then they can"
Our fish family are ambassadors for the ocean and extremely important ones, they may be born in captivity not living the most natural life possible but at the rate we are going they will have no wild cousins left to save. Every year 100,000,000 Sharks and Rays (this is just the legal ones) are slaughtered, this equals 190 sharks per minute.
Our Tawny Nurse Sharks were bred in captivity in a program that has saved them from extinction in the wild (dating back to the 70's) Tawnies grow to be very large (3m), it takes them 14 years to become sexually mature and then they have only 2 offspring at once, then it takes them 14 years... chances are they become shark fin soup long before that.
14 of our species are endangered or threatened, many are simply unknown.
Everyday we get visited by children and adults many who are terrified of sharks thanks to the media, everyday we get to change their minds and send them off into the world to spread awareness about the importance of sharks and ocean conservation! Every day people are blown away about how wrong their preconceived opinions of sharks are and thanking us for opening their eyes to the easy ways they can help save the ocean in their normal day to day lives.
At the moment we are in the process of releasing some threatened rays born at Irukandji to the wild to push up the wild populations, and all these things are just a tiny portion of what we are, can and will be doing for wildlife.
I hope this answers your question and thank you again for being concerned for animals! It is extremely important that you research your zoo before visiting it and I wish more people would do this, some zoos (especially in 3rd world countries) are terrible and are giving the rest of us a bad name. If more people could take the time to research and support the right facilities then more wildlife would be getting supported. protected and bred and released.
Thanks again :)
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Claim your listingIrukandji Shark & Ray Encounters: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
- Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Hotels near Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters:
- (0.26 km) The Retreat Port Stephens
- (0.15 km) Nelson Bay Rd 4296 Cheeky Tiki - spacious and with a pool in the compex
- (6.53 km) Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point
- (1.50 km) Bays Holiday Park
- (8.21 km) Nelson Bay Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters:
- (0.22 km) Spectrum
- (5.00 km) The Poyer's
- (1.68 km) CREST Birubi Beach
- (1.82 km) Pasta Di Porto
- (0.97 km) The Beach House