Dive & Snorkel with Sharks in Fiji

Up the adrenaline and get ready to take a heart starting plunge into the sea. Fiji is well known for its visually astonishing marine zones and dedicated shark snorkeling tours where guests can safely snorkel with reef sharks in calm, clear waters.

Before you take part in a Fijian shark snorkel adventure, an experinced guide will answer any questions you have and ease any apprehension about swimming with these often misunderstood creatures of the deep. Both Beqa Island lagoon and the Yasawa Island group operate professional shark tours. After a short and scenic boat transfer your snorkel guide will direct you best vantage point to see the sharks. Usually a sandy bottomed circular area between several stunning coral reef walls.

People quickly build up confidence around these placid creatures and can end up free diving with up to 20 white or black tipped reef sharks. The adrenalin kicks in quick but quickly calms. Expect your heart to go from a fast pump to a state of grace within minutes.

Reef shark species are quite serene in nature and seemingly unperturbed by the human visitors to their underwater realm. Their physical characteristics have cleverly evolved to suit their environment. The reef sharks movements are similar to that of a sea snake, a lithe frame able to quickly swivel between the coral reefs. Swim closer and you might even make eye contact with a beautiful 5ft shark. Snorkeling with them is a visual masterpiece under the sea that must be seen to be believed.

Water clarity is superb in these parts and one can expect visibility of up to 15-25 metre regardless of the season. Snorkeling with reef sharks is an unreal experience that truly adds the wow factor into your underwater adventure. The other marine life here is justifiably incredible. Think brightly coloured soft corals, sea turtles and an abundance of tropical fish to name but a few species found throughout. The water temperature within the region averages a balmy 28 degrees. Nice!

Where to Snorkel with Sharks in Fiji

The first place in Fiji I’d suggest for people who are interested in snorkeling with sharks is the Yasawa Islands and Barefoot Kuata Island Resort has a fantastic reputation for it’s exciting shark snorkel tours. This unique South Pacific destination is surrounded by nutrient rich seas that heave with a spectacular array of marine species. Fiji sharks identified within this region include; White Tip Reef Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Silver Tip Sharks, Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks. 

Barefoot Kuata offers shark snorkel tours (pending sea conditions) daily. It’s approx. 20 minutes via boat to Moia Reef where you’ll meet the resident reef sharks. Rest assured Barefoot Kuata Island Resort’s experienced and knowledgable dive team will look after you! Travel tip: this resort is an affordable Fijian holiday option for travelers seeking authentic cultural experience too.

Another great option is to set sail with Blue Lagoon Cruises (also operating in the Yasawa Group) and join a guided shark snorkel tour where the crew get in the water with you and stay at your side for the duration of this exhilarating activity. Keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon Cruise shark snorkel tour in Fiji is only available for guests on board for their fun-filled 3 and/or 7-night itinerary.

Where to dive with sharks in Fiji

Dive enthusiasts would be wise to head directly to Beqa Lagoon (near Pacific Harbour) to experience what is globally touted as some of the best shark dive experiences in the world. There are several professional shark dive tour operators in the area & I’m a big fan of the crew at Beqa Adventure Divers who make a stellar effort with their shark research programs. Marine citizen science initiatives are a great way to engage with the local environment when you’re traveling and I for one am down for it.

Beqa Lagoon Resort has plenty of epic Fiji shark dive tours happening too. You see, the coral fringed seas surrounding Beqa Island are home to an official ‘Shark Reef Marine Reserve’, meaning that shark conservation methods are at the very top the agenda all around these parts.

Beqa passage is regularly frequented by about eight different species of sharks including the following;

• Bull Sharks
• Lemons Sharks
• Grey Reefs
• Blacktip Reefs
• Tawny Nurses
• Tiger Sharks
• Whitetip Reefs
• Silvertips Sharks

Guests on a shark dive tour in the Beqa often visit ‘The Take Out’ zone. This aptly named area is located about halfway down a steep reef slope at a depth of 16m/55ft, the ‘Take Out’ is essentially the shark feeding zone. Here, scuba divers have the superb opportunity to witness the guides hand feed sharks – which is a slightly mind-altering experience to say the least. Hint; take an underwater camera with you to capture the moment up close.

Never dived before? No problem because you can literally jump in the deep end with our finned friends quite quickly back at Beqa Lagoon Resort since they host a variety of PADI specialty courses including Enriched Air Nitrox – a course that can be done in just one day. The resort has a full-service PADI 5* dive center that features a basic introduction to scuba diving program, the popular PADI Open Water course, right through to entry-level professional level courses such as PADI Divemaster.

​Shark Snorkel & Dive Hints & Tips

• Avoid standing on the seafloor. Crunching coral reef and/or seagrass under your flippers can damage the delicate underwater ecosystem. Find a patch of sand if you need to rest or even take a flotation device with you and activate full Fiji cruise mode.
• There are limited Fiji snorkelling dangers however we recommend sticking with a friend (if you’re not part of a guided group tour) rather than alone. And remember to always tell someone where you are going – this is a basic ocean-faring rule worldwide.
• Sun Protection; rash shirts, light cotton tees, and of course sunscreen is a must. Heatstroke isn’t fun. Returning from a snorkel trip to a refreshing beer or local coconut rum is, fact.

Getting There

Fiji Airways (recently recognised as the Skytrax Best Airline in Australia & the Pacific at the prestigious 2023 World Airline Awards) is always my airline pick. From your arrival point at Nadi airport, if you’re heading to the Yasawa Island Group for a shark dive tour it’s best to take the Yasawa Flyer (departing Denarau Marina) catamaran over to your chosen island. And if you’re heading for Beqa Lagoon/Pacific Harbour to explore the reef it’s a stunning 2.5-hour drive along the beautiful Fijian Coral Coast – best hire a car or a private driver.