THE LITTLE RAY CUDDLE $60 packaged with ENTRY PASS  (all ages welcome)

NOTE- If you are looking for a different Entry Pass, Snorkel or Encounter please go to that product as they have special times and availabilities.

This intimate encounter is the ultimate experience for stingray lovers! These affectionate and friendly animals just love coming up for a cuddle on guests' laps, indulging in pats and attention. You will get a 20 minute experience in a small intimate group with a number of different ray species. During your encounter you will learn lots about them and enjoy getting to know their sweet, playful personalities.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment as there is only 6 spots per session.

SPECIFICS

• Entry into the Lagoon shallows
• Shark food at various feeding locations during Shallows Encounter
• Interesting and informative animal talks
• Swimming not required
• Encounter Experience is at a set time (see your booking times and availability). 
• Booking time is arrival time, to allow guests to check in and get into wetsuits prior to the experience starting. 
• Encounter time will take 20 minutes 
• Shallows time is up to you - most guests take an average of 2 hours, but you may stay as long as you wish.
• This experience is suitable for all ages. Children under 12 require an adult also holding a Little Ray Cuddle Pass. For multiple children one adult can supervise 1.5 children (ie. 1 adult for 1 child, 2 adults for 2 or 3 children).
• Infants do not need a ticket to join with an adult with a ticket however they will need to purchase a pair of socks to be in the encounter, this can be done on the day. The adult must be exclusively supervising the infant on their lap.

IRUKANDJI SHARK & RAY ENCOUNTERS ~ AN OVERVIEW

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an incredible interactive aquarium like no other. Visitors can enjoy our sandy beaches surrounded by many curious, friendly Sharks & Rays whilst staying (mostly) dry, only getting their feet wet, by partial immersion in an encounter or all the way in for a snorkel. Physically stepping into the shallows of the lagoons with them or opting for the very Aussie DISCOVERY PASS brings a whole new level of excitement and fear. The animals display their endearing personalities & steal the hearts of those they meet. Visitors develop a passion and stewardship, making for a life-long love and understanding of these misunderstood species and their important ocean ecosystems. 

1. Spectator - stay completely dry and view them all from the edges of the lagoon (Included in Entry Pass)
2. Touch, pet, feed & meet the animals from the edges of the lagoons (Included in Entry Pass) 
3. Feet wet in the shallows of the lagoon in bare feet in your own clothes (Included in Entry Pass) Clothes must not get wet so shorts or skirts recommended 
4. View hourly educational talks by our knowledgeable fish keepers (Included in Entry Pass) 
5. Upgrade to socks ($) Wear & Keep souvenir socks are great option to wear for anybody feeling nervous if the animals are curious about toes. Wearing socks in the water is safe for the animals and creates a camouflage plus they are a great souvenir to keep and wear as normal socks. Socks are included FOC in all snorkels and encounters so please do not purchase them twice. 
6. Learning about the animals on a guided tour available for large groups otherwise be sure to chat to the guides present at the lagoons as not only do they have the food for the animals they love answering questions, chatting about them and the important ocean systems.
7. Upgrade to Wetsuit ($) with the Discovery Pass. This is the cheapest option to completely immerse yourself with the animals, wading deeper into both lagoons or relaxing seated on the sandy beach with them swimming around you. This incredible experience includes entry into the deeper wading section of the lagoons and the use of a wetsuit for that Aussie surfer experience. Wetsuits range from baby sizes to Mens 7XL and are included FOC for all infants 2 years and under. Irukandji's included in-house wetsuits must be worn due to biosecurity (introduction of dormant aquatic microbiome). Personal wetsuits or swimwear (alone) may not be worn. Wetsuits are included FOC in all snorkels and encounters so please do not purchase the Discovery Pass if you are already doing a separate encounter.
8. Upgrade to one of three Snorkels ($) The ultimate wet experience, swimming with the animals of your chosen species in a wild thrilling adventure. These special Snorkels happen only at certain times in the day for a max of 10 pax so please plan ahead so you don't miss out.
9. Upgrade to an Encounter ($) Some of our hands down favourite experiences can be found in the private encounters, with only a couple of sessions a day and a maximum of 6 pax they are very much sought after. See each encounter for further information and session times. 
10. Annual Passes ($) If you live anywhere near Irukandji and plan to visit more than once the Annual Pass is the very best deal. The Pass pays for itself after the 2nd visit and includes the hugely popular DISCOVERY PASS every time you visit (as many times as you like within a year of commencement). This incredible pass also includes a secret link to HALF PRICE Snorkels & Encounters which is emailed out to the primary passholder. 
11. Group Discounts & Experiences ($) Leaders in education & incredible team building experiences Irukandji offers personalised tours with a private guide at discounted prices for groups over 13pax 
12. Hot showers and taking shark selfies

PREPARATION:

What to bring: 

• Hats, Towels & REEF-FRIENDLY sunscreen
• Cameras (underwater cameras are welcomed)
• Short clothes (t-shirts & shorts/skirts that can stay dry in the shallows) 
• Or bring swimwear or spare underwear only for those choosing a DISCOVERY PASS, ENCOUNTER or SNORKEL to wear under the wetsuit provided. 
• Your own prescription mask/snorkel set- NOTE: Allow extra time before your experience for us to clean/soak your snorkel in solution to ensure it is free from any nasties. Please reach out to the administration team prior to your visit to organise. 
• Picnic - As we do-not have a fully fledged cafe (yet until we build it) We have snacks and treats available and welcome any outside picnics or catering to be brought on site. We also have the scrumptious DANTE'S THIRD CIRCLE Mexican food truck on most Sundays and some Saturdays

What NOT to bring: 

• Swimwear or rashie/clothes to swim in without one of our in-house wetsuits over the top (fully clothed dry clothing or Irukandji wetsuits must be worn in the lagoons, swimwear alone is not permitted)
• Non-reef friendly sunscreen (There is some available for purchase on site if need be)
• Your own personal wetsuits or water/reef shoes as these could introduce toxins to our lagoons and we limit the items going in, especially neoprene which can harbour microscopic marine-life from the ocean. Decontamination & quarantine of these items is a lengthy overnight process we hope to avoid.

Irukandji Terms & Conditions: 

See your trade kit for agent specific T&Cs or the Irukandji website: https://sharkencounters.com.au/terms-conditions/ for general T&C of entry

When to visit Irukandji 

Our aquarium is very popular and in busy times of year can book our for an entire day as we limit our availability for the animals serenity.  Forward bookings are definitely needed on public and school holidays so you don't miss out. Open from 9am-5pm. Arrive before 3pm to get the full experience, including the last Big Shark Talk of the day, or arrive by 3.40pm for the last session. All Encounters and Snorkels have set times so please arrive on or before your booked time for those experiences. Entry & Discovery Passes are more flexible and it shouldn't matter too much if you are running late or decide to visit early.

Also available at the facility are hot showers, snacks and beverages as well as a fully stocked gift shop for you to enjoy before or after your encounter. Picnic tables and grassy areas are provided so feel free to bring lunch, stay as long as you want and relax in between your encounters with the animals.

Open 9am-5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day

Please contact us for groups over 40 pax or special requirements