Private tour

Port Stephens: Irukandji Reef Shark Encounter

Private tour

Port Stephens: Irukandji Reef Shark Encounter

From US$ 78.93 per person

This incredible experience includes a shallow water animal encounter plus a a 20-minute private encounter with the largest reef sharks including whitetips and tawny nurse sharks.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Private group

Experience

Highlights
  • Get up close to Irukandji's biggest sharks
  • Feel the force of the shark's powerful suction as they feed
  • Face your fears as you interact with these amazing elusive creatures
Full description

Have an up-close and personal time getting to know different species of fish and animals on this private experience. Enter the lagoon and interact with sharks and rays. The highlight of this experience is a 20-minute encounter with the biggest sharks in the aquarium, the tawny nurse and whitetip reef sharks. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing cruise around the tropical aquarium.

When you first arrive, be greeted by staff members who will guide you through the experience, from learning how to interact safely with the animals to providing you with all the equipment needed to enter the water and meet the animals. You will be given a wetsuit and socks to wear in the water and shown how to safely enter the lagoon for your extra special encounter.

Outside by the lagoon, you will be given a feeding stick and food for the sharks and rays, and then guided around to the different pools by a knowledgable fish keeper. Each of the pools is home to different species of fish with specific food and information provided at each one. You will get to reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their aquatic homes.

Once you enter the lagoon you will find yourself surrounded by sharks and rays of different sizes and species. Your guide will hand out food for them as they talk you through their different personalities, habits, and needs. Marvel at their unique and affectionate natures and fall in love with each unique individual as they glide around your feet or swim into your lap, looking for attention.

Then it will be time to meet the tawny nurse and whitetip reef sharks. Your experienced guide will take you into the lagoon and get you comfortable on the sandy shore while they summon the sharks to come and meet you. As they swim up into the shallows they'll be invited to glide past you and you can reach out and pet them. For 20 minutes you'll have these amazing creatures all to yourself while your guide feeds them and tells you all about their unique personalities and habits.

Your whole encounter will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these gentle, elusive creatures and with a deep sense of stewardship for the ocean.

Afterward, you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before heading in for a cruise around the tropical aquarium Watch the clownfish flounce busily around the local flora and the lionfish proudly cruise around their home. Check out the souvenir shop for a large range of sustainable gifts, cute fluffy toys, snacks, cold drinks, and hot coffee.

Includes
  • Entry fee
  • Shallows encounter in the lagoon, feeding and petting the animals
  • Food for the sharks and rays
  • 20-minute private encounter with the reef sharks
  • Wetsuit and socks
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 12 years

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your tawny nurse shark encounter to prepare.

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Sun hat
    • Swimwear
    • Towel
    • Waterproof camera
    • Biodegradable sunscreen

    Not allowed

    • Sunscreen

    Know before you go

    • Socks, wetsuits, shark food, and feeding sticks are provided
    • Do not bring your own wetsuit as it could harbor marine life from the ocean
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    5 /5

    based on 2 reviews

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    Star rating:

    A unique experience getting up close and personal with these beautiful marine creatures. The rays were lively and seemed not to mind being pet. The stars of the show were definitely the tawny nurse sharks though, as it's hard not to be awed by their intimidating yet calm presence! Overall, really enjoyed our adventure.

    April 17, 2022

    Awesome experience and amazing customer service

    December 3, 2021

    Product ID: 401058