The Fiji Shark Dive
In the protected waters of the Shark Reef Marine Reserve come face to face with up to 8 species of sharks and up to 450 species of fish. This dive is truly a shark lovers dream come true.
Dive 1
The action begins at 30m/100ft, where you will spend 10-12 minutes overlooking The Arena. In The Arena, the Bull Sharks have celebrity status. We kick off the festivities with a hand feed, then continue with an aerial feed where we drop tuna heads from a suspended bait bin. Be on the lookout for Tawny Nurse Sharks, Sicklefin Lemon, and Silvertip Sharks. We may even get a surprise visit from a Tiger Shark, you never know what the dive has in store for you. That is the beauty of nature!
Once the first level has concluded, we swim up the slope to 10m/33ft. Here we will spend between 10-15 minutes hanging with the Grey Reef and Whitetip Reef Sharks. Our hand feeder at this station will be feeding these species, but also any Lemon, or Silvertip Sharks who show up and show out.
Our final stop is at 4m/13ft. Here in the shallows you will be surrounded by Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks. We call them the ‘Reef Shark Mafia’. Whitetips have no sense of personal space, so don’t get crazy if one swims past your head or between your legs. Our hand feeder will be controlling the action as they hand out yummy pieces of bait. While you are enjoying the show, you will be conducting your safety stop at the same time. It will be the best safety stop you ever make, we guarantee it.
Surface Interval
Enjoy the snacks and refreshments, as we spend an hour topside. Check out your images, change your camera batteries, catch some rays and make some new friends.
One of our staff Marine Biologists will talk to you about the history of the Reserve, our current conservation work and research. We are happy to tell you which named individual sharks came for a visit, how to identify them and answer any questions you may have.
We gear up, and you receive your second Shark Dive Briefing.
Dive 2
The action begins at either 25m/82ft or 15m/50ft, the depth we choose is dependent upon the season, weather and ocean conditions. When we get down, the Bulls are already waiting for you. Keep a lookout for other special visitors: Lemons, Silvertips, Tawnys and the elusive Tiger.
If we start the dive at 25m, we kick off the festivities with a hand feed. If we start the dive at 15m we go straight into the aerial competition.
Did somebody say ‘Sharknado’? There will be more Bulls on this dive than your first one, no joke. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you get blessed with a caudal fin to the face. Consider it an honor!
At 25m we will spend 18-20 minutes with the sharks before we head up the slope and your Dive Master brings you on a coral tour of Shark Reef. At 15m we will spend 28-30 minutes with the sharks before we head back up the slope for our safety stop.
We conduct our Safety Stop as a group then head to the surface. That natural high you’re feeling? We promise it will stay with you for the rest of the day!
Procedures
- All divers are given a Boat Safety Briefing where we explain safe conduct and emergency procedures
- All divers are given our Shark Dive Briefings where we explain the dive site, dives and procedures
- Divers are expected to attend these Briefings where we address all questions and concerns
- All divers must have scuba certification, in order to join The Fiji Shark Dive
- Divers with less than 30 dives will be assigned a Dive Master for supervision
- Bookings are limited to 20 clients on the Shark Dive to ensure the best possible shark diving experience
- All divers are required to follow the same dive profile and bottom times
- You will be led to a fixed position for observing the sharks, no personal exploration is allowed
- All divers are required to wear dark, full body wetsuits and black gloves (we will provide if needed)
- White or brightly coloured wetsuits and gear are not allowed, neither is any gear that is shiny
- You are required to act responsibly, remain vigilant and alert us to any problems should they arise
- Our staff are authorised to remove you from the dive or end your dive at any time if you fail to adhere to our procedures
A Word of Caution
Over the past two decades, our shark dive has continued to evolve and our procedures have evolved as well.
Over the course of tens of thousands of dives we have developed a unique animal encounter that is not only awe-inspiring, but the thrill of a lifetime.
Above all else, our main concern has always been to ensure the maximum safety for all involved: animals, tourists and ourselves – and things that were possible a few years ago are not possible anymore due to the massive increase in numbers of sharks (which is actually a bonus for you the way we see it).
As a result of our fine-tuned protocol, most of our clients appreciate the fact they can come with in centimetres (or inches) of some of the biggest apex predators in the world and consistently rank our dive as one of their best underwater experiences ever.
However a small minority of folks find our procedures too restrictive, and we totally understand. If you want to do your own thing, our shark dive is not for you. You are free to engage in your own escapades on your own time – it is a big Ocean out there.
Our dive is a tightly choreographed eco-tourism activity where all participants are being supervised and protected, is not a “personal adventure”. You will not be given free rein for individual exploration or one-to-one shark encounters. We will not deviate from our procedures, regardless of your shark diving experience, your status and/or the size of ego, camera or wallet. We will however extend special treatment to selected full-time industry professionals, but we will always keep full control of the proceedings.
Vinaka for your anticipated cooperation! We look forward to seeing you in the water!