GIFT CARD: Mini Marine Biologist (ages 12-15)

This program is perfect for teens who are itching to get behind the scenes and learn how to look after our amazing animals. This fully guided day offers exclusive behind the scenes access that enables teens to face their fears and gain knowledge about the ocean and its inhabitants. Participants will learn about the animals with a take home workbook and help their Aquarist/zoo keeper leader carry out some important aquarium jobs. They will also participate in a guided Shallows Encounter, Shark Feeding and Stingray Snorkel in Fingill Lagoon. Of course they will need to bring their swimmers and towels!

Current activities in the Mini Marine Biologist program include:

• 10 am Meet and greet 
• Safety talk & learn about Irukandji 
• Water testing- creating a healthy habitat.
• Food preparation - how to make Shark Pup food
• Morning snack 
• Enrichment activity 
• Participate in a zookeeper/ aquarist task 
• Work sheet and biology 
• Lunch 
• Shallows Encounter
• Stingray Snorkel
• Get a group photo 
• Finish the worksheet 
• 3.30 pick up 

The program runs on a few limited days throughout the school holidays from 10.00am – 3.30pm and costs $170 per child which includes entry, Shallows Encounter, Tropical Reef Snorkel morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and a drink fully catered using Soul Origin in Salamander Bay. 

What to bring:

Participants must bring: 

* Swimmers

* A towel

* A spare change of clothes

* A (full) drink bottle 

* A jumper in a re-usable bag. 

Please avoid bringing plastic bags as we are trying to educate on the hazards of plastic in the ocean. 

Note

• The programs are capped at 10 children, if it is sold out please keep an eye out for the next date to become available or join the waiting list. 
• A minimum of 4 participants must be booked for the program to go ahead. If there are less than 4 participants booked, it may be postponed to a later date. Please be understanding as we are a small business, it may postpone till the next holidays. 

Already have a Gift Card and want to book it in? 

To book in your gift card and go to https://sharkencounters.com.au/buy-tickets/ Click on Mini Marine Biologist, click on Mini Marine Biologist (12-15 yr olds), Select the options you would like (select the same options as is on the gift cards and more if you wish), select the date and session time wished to visit, once at payment screen enter the voucher code from the gift card in the voucher section, more than one gift card can be added at a time. 

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. 

Irukandji Activities & Levels of Entry 

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 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

TO BOOK IN WITH YOUR GIFT CARD PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT GO TO https://sharkencounters.com.au/buy-tickets/

CLICK ON MINI MARINE BIOLOGIST, CLICK ON MINI MARINE BIOLOGIST (AGES 12 - 15) CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DAY, THEN ENTER YOUR VOUCHER CODE AT CHECKOUT :)