DISCOVERY ENCOUNTER (all ages)

NOTE- If you are only wanting the Discovery Encounter for some family members, book using the IRUKANDJI ENTRY PASS product instead which allows you to add on the discovery encounter after clicking "book now", or you can easily upgrade in person on the day. The Discovery Encounter is included in any other snorkel or encounter experience, you do not need to book both. If you are looking for a different Snorkel or Encounter please go to that product as they have special times/availabilities.

Inclusions:

Admission to the aquarium, entry into the lagoon shallows, shark food, interaction with the animals (petting/feeding), interesting and informative animal talks and staff on hand for personalised attention and upgrade to the Wetsuit Hire with the Discovery Encounter for those wishing to wade deeper in the lagoons or sit down in the shallows, surrounded by friendly animals. 

The Discovery Encounter is the most popular upgrade at Irukandji. Being protected from the elements, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter the wetsuit enables you to sit right down in the water & get completely wet (up to your neck). Formerly known as the "Shark Encounter" this unbelievable Aussie experience is the ultimate wild (and safe ) adventure offered to any age. Feeling like a surfer in the wetsuit, visitors can really sit down and relax amongst the animals in Fingill Lagoon and wade right out in the middle in the amazing new Tropical Lagoon on the Zebra Shark side. A wonderful photo opportunity with large and small Rays and Sharks swimming around you in the deep water, feeding them, visiting with them, petting them standing in the deeper sections of the natural sandy beaches. Featuring wetsuit, animals food & hot showers at the end of the experience. NOTE: For public safety our wetsuits are washed in COVID killing solution, rinsed & dried between every use.

On the next page there is ($) Upgrade available for the Wear & Keep Souvenir Socks, for those feeling nervous with the ocean animals around their feet or who would like an extra layer of foot protection in the water. Hot Showers are available for all. 

Please Note: Guests need to be in Irukandji wetsuits to gain deeper access within our lagoons. Personal wetsuits and swimwear without a wetsuit is not permitted. ⏱ All Day

Specifics

• All ages are welcome from 0-100 years old, it appeals to everybody in their own special way
• No need to be able to swim, no swimming is involved. For swimming options please see the Snorkel Encounters.
• The Entry Pass is available every 20 minutes from 9am till 3.40pm, please check availability as we do book out during busy times such as school holidays/public holidays
• Please allow about 2 hours, however you may stay all day if you wish.

Entry Pass 

Entry to Irukandji is unique, unlike the traditional aquarium viewing through glass, our guests have the ability to meet the wildlife, pet them, feed them & even share the water with them. Our Entry Pass allows guests to wade into the shallow water of the lagoons in bare feet, being surrounded by many curious & friendly sharks & rays. Wearing your own clothes, visitors stay dry (mostly), with only the feet becoming wet. Stepping into the water with the animals, guests are treated to a whole new level of excitement, fear & admiration for these misunderstood creatures and the entire ocean. Incredible Aussie shark memories ⏱ All Day

Upgrade to socks

Exactly the same as the Entry Pass (above) with added sustainable bamboo & cotton eco socks worn into our lagoon during the shallows encounter. A fantastic keepsake to remember their awesome Irukandji experience and a great camouflage option for those feeling nervous about curious animals. ⏱ All Day

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 ENCOUNTER, SNORKEL or animal ENCOUNTER 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. 

• 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. Check for a reef-safe logo or ask our staff upon arrival.
• 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 Ray 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 Encounter 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