Anna Bay is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures and memorable experiences, thanks to its stunning dunes, marine life, and wildlife. The area offers a variety of tours suited to different interests — whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping sandboarding, close encounters with sharks and rays, or a family-friendly wildlife day. We especially love the Port Stephens sandboarding tours for their exhilarating rides down massive dunes, and the snorkeling adventures that let you swim among rays and sharks in clear lagoons. If you’re traveling with kids or wildlife enthusiasts, the animal lovers tour featuring dolphins and kangaroos is a must. For those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, Anna Bay has plenty to offer.
Quick Overview of the Best Tours in Anna Bay
In this guide, we’ll cover a mix of high-energy activities and relaxed marine encounters. First, we examine sandboarding options—like the Unlimited Sandboarding with 4WD Dune Transfer, which offers a fun day on the largest coastal dunes. Next, we explore snorkeling tours like Irukandji Entry + Coastal Currents Snorkel and Irukandji Entry with Zebra Shark Snorkel, perfect for marine life lovers. For wildlife fans, the Animal Lovers Tour combines a dolphin cruise with koala encounters and kangaroo feeding. Each offers a different type of experience, so whether you crave the rush of sandboarding or the serenity of snorkeling, Anna Bay has a tour for you.
1. Port Stephens: Unlimited Sandboarding with 4WD Dune Transfer
At number 1 on our list, this tour offers high-quality and real adventure at an affordable price. For just $26 per person, you get a full day of sandboarding and scenic 4WD rides through the stunning Stockton Bight Sand Dunes. The tour includes both sit-down and stand-up sandboarding, with three different types of boards (Sit Down, Basic Stand, and Pro Stand) — making it accessible for all skill levels. What sets this apart is the variety of hills suited for everyone from beginners to pros, plus the chance to admire spectacular views from your 4WD as you traverse the dunes. The tour also features a relaxing picnic area with shaded tables and chairs, perfect for recharging after the thrills. With 122 reviews and a 4.7/5 rating, it’s clear that travelers appreciate the mix of adventure and value. The small group size and reliable service make it suitable for families and solo adventurers alike.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a full day of sandboarding fun with stunning scenery, this tour combines affordability and adventure perfectly.
2. Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry + Coastal Currents Snorkel
Rated 5/5 by 4 reviewers, this 2.5-hour snorkeling tour is ideal for marine life enthusiasts. The tour includes entry into the Irukandji Lagoon, where you can interact with friendly rays, sharks, and other marine creatures. A highlight is the opportunity to feed and pet the rays and sharks in their natural habitat. The deep lagoon water allows snorkelers aged 12 and up to experience swimming alongside majestic giant stingrays, with the added bonus of a surprise reveal in Fingill Lagoon. The tour guide shares fascinating insights into marine ecosystems, making it educational as well as fun. The $80 price tag reflects a focus on quality encounters rather than mass tourism. Reviewers rave about the hands-on experience and the chance to learn about marine animals in a safe environment. It’s perfect for families and snorkelers seeking a close-up with sea life in a controlled, natural setting.
Bottom Line: If marine encounters and interactive wildlife experiences are your thing, this tour offers an enriching, family-friendly adventure.
3. Port Stephens: Worimi National Park Sandboarding Adventure
At number 3, this sandboarding trip takes you into the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in Worimi National Park. For just $29, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to enormous dunes, perfect for those seeking adrenaline-fueled rides. The tour features air-conditioned, seatbelt-equipped 4WD vehicles that transport you safely to the dunes while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Once there, you’ll learn how to sandboard safely down the largest coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, with plenty of opportunities to try different hills. The tour includes complimentary water and is operated reliably, making it a good choice for adventure seekers looking for value. Although just 13 reviews, the average rating of 4.6 out of 5 indicates strong satisfaction, especially among first-timers and families. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with physical activity and eager for a bit of thrill.
Bottom Line: For a straightforward, exhilarating day of sandboarding in a stunning environment, this tour provides good value and reliable fun.
4. Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry with Zebra Shark Snorkel
Number 4 on our list features a family-friendly snorkeling adventure at 2.5 hours long. For $70 per person, you’ll snorkel in the tropical lagoon, where zebra sharks, shovel-nose rays, and other marine creatures swim freely. The tour emphasizes interactive experiences — including feeding and learning about the marine environment — making it perfect for children aged 6 and up. This experience is unique because snorkelers can actually swim alongside zebra sharks, which are known for their gentle nature. The guide shares insights into the animals’ behaviors, and the shallow lagoon makes it accessible even for less experienced snorkelers. Reviewers note the easy, safe environment and the chance to get up close with impressive marine animals. It’s especially suited for families or anyone wanting a relaxed, educational marine outing.
Bottom Line: If you’re traveling with kids or want to snorkel with sharks in calm waters, this tour offers a memorable, safe experience.
5. Newcastle: Animal Lovers Tour – Kangaroos, Dolphins & More!
This 8-hour tour is a must-do for wildlife lovers. For $195, you start with a dolphin cruise searching for bottlenose dolphins, then enjoy a BBQ lunch overlooking the coast. The tour includes a private koala encounter, where you can pat and photograph these adorable creatures — a rare chance to get close in a controlled environment. You’ll also feed kangaroos, and the day concludes with opportunities to see a variety of Australian animals in their natural habitat. Rated 5/5 from just 1 review, it’s a highly personalized experience emphasizing up-close animal encounters. The long duration makes it ideal for those seeking a full-day immersion in Port Stephens’ wildlife. The tour combines sea, land, and wildlife experiences, appealing to families and serious animal enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive wildlife experience in Port Stephens, this tour offers a perfect blend of dolphins, koalas, and kangaroos, and stands out for its personal touch.
$195 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Anna Bay
When selecting your ideal adventure, consider your priorities: budget, time, and interests. If you’re after thrills and dunes, the Port Stephens Sandboarding with 4WD Transfer offers great value for a full day of action. For marine lovers, the Snorkeling with sharks and rays tours deliver unforgettable encounters in shallow lagoons. Families seeking interactive wildlife experiences should look at the Animal Lovers Tour, which combines a dolphin cruise with koala and kangaroo encounters.
Timing also matters: the sandboarding tours are best in dry seasons when dunes are firm, while snorkeling is ideal in warm, calm weather. Book early, especially in peak summer months, to secure your spot. Each tour offers a different way to experience Anna Bay’s diverse attractions — pick what fits your interests and energy levels.
Final Thoughts
Anna Bay is a treasure trove of outdoor fun and wildlife encounters. Whether you want the adrenaline rush of sandboarding across massive dunes, the serenity of snorkeling with rays and sharks, or the chance to meet iconic Australian animals, there’s a tour that matches your style. For pure adventure, the Unlimited Sandboarding with 4WD Dune Transfer provides excellent value and excitement. If marine life piques your interest, the Irukandji snorkeling tours and Zebra Shark snorkel are truly special. Wildlife fans should consider the Animal Lovers Tour, which combines multiple encounters into one unforgettable day.
No matter your choice, booking early is highly recommended — Anna Bay’s popularity means spots fill quickly, especially in peak season. With so many options, you’re sure to find a tour that creates lasting memories of your visit to this beautiful part of New South Wales.