THE TURTLE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE (all ages)

The Turtle Conservation Experience is a truly unique activity for our Turtle lovers, our enthusiastic environmentalists and anyone with a determination to learn and make a difference. Spend 20 minutes with Patrisha, our cherished Green Sea Turtle, in an intimate small group setting with a maximum of 4 people. Participants of this experience are given the opportunity to sit with and touch Patrisha, being apart of her husbandry held by our knowledgable and dedicated staff. Gain insights into turtle conservation and the efforts of Sea Shelter, and capture a memorable photograph. Additionally, 5% of sales contribute to essential staff-led conservation research.

To gain the full Irukandji experience, arrive by 12:30 PM to get fitted into your wetsuit early and take advantage of our Discovery Encounter. Enjoy the unique opportunity to sit with, touch, and feed stingrays, zebra sharks, and other marine life. Stand above the caves where the animals rest, immerse yourself in the water during Irukandji's hourly talks, and marvel at the animals in their natural habitat.

Admission to the aquarium, entry into the lagoon shallows and both lagoon reefs in your wetsuit, shark food, interaction with the animals (petting/feeding), private access into Fingill Lagoon for 20 minutes during the encounter, interesting and informative animal talks and staff on hand for personalised attention. Wear & Keep Souvenir Socks, wetsuit, Book ahead to avoid disappointment as there is only 4 spots per session.

SPECIFICS

• Children any age even babies participate in this activity with an adult  
• Swimming not required. Please see snorkels for swimming experiences
• The Turtle Conservation Experience is at a set time, please arrive on or before booked time 
  
• The Experience portion has a 20 minute duration
• Shallows/ lagoon exploration time is up to you, approx. 2 hours average
• Booking time is arrival time, to allow guests to check in and get into wetsuits
  
• This experience is suitable for all ages. Children under 12 require an adult also holding a Turtle Conservation Experience Pass. For multiple children one adult can supervise 1.5 children under 5 years old (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 or on the next page. The adult must be exclusively supervising the infant on their lap.

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 an 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.

What NOT to bring: 

• Swimwear or rashie/clothes to swim in WITHOUT also purchasing and encounter or snorkel. You cannot enter the lagoons in your own swimwear. Fully clothed dry clothing or Irukandji wetsuits must be worn in the lagoons, swimwear alone is not permitted.
• Non-reef friendly sunscreen. Check the bottle for the reef safe logo, or check with our staff when you enter.
• 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 talk of the day, or arrive by 3.40pm for the last entry session. All Encounters and Snorkels have set times so please arrive on or before your booked time for those experiences. Entry & Discovery Encounters 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 cold drinks 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 35 pax or special requirements.