The Reef Shark Discovery Expedition

The Reef Shark Discovery Expedition

Duration: 10.5 hours (approx, including boat travel)

Location: Departing Port Denarau visiting Kuata Island and Moia Reef, Yasawa Islands, Fiji

IMPORTANT NOTE 1: You must complete the online dive medical and waiver (online dive medical & waiver) before making a booking. If you are advised to seek medical clearance from you physician (doctor) do not make a booking. If you secure dive approval from your physician (doctor) please email cbrskuata@bfcfiji.com to make your booking. 

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: For health and safety reasons, you cannot participate in this dive if you are flying within 24 hours of the dive. The 8am dive concludes at +/- 9.45am, the 11am dive concludes at +/- 12.45pm.

IMPORTANCE NOTE 3: If participants arrive for the dive, and have not completed the dive medical form, and do not meet the medical requirements, no refund will be issued. The Reef Shark Discovery Expedition

Check in at Port Denarau, Nadi between 7.00–7.15am, before departing at 7.30am for the Yasawa Islands. By 8.30am, you’ll arrive at Kuata Island — welcomed with breakfast set against dramatic volcanic peaks rising from crystal-clear waters.

This exclusive early departure unlocks 7.5 hours immersed in Kuata Island, its surrounding marine sanctuary and Fiji Sharks!

During breakfast, you’ll meet your host — one of Kuata Island’s in-house marine biologists — who will introduce you to the island’s ongoing shark conservation and research programme and outline the day’s shark-focused experiences.

Reef Shark Snorkelling Experience — Moia Reef

Your expedition begins at nearby Moia Reef, home to resident Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks.

Following a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment fitting, you’ll travel to shallow waters between 4–6 metres, where reef sharks patrol coral bommies and vibrant reef systems.

It is common to observe multiple sharks moving fluidly beneath the surface. From above, their behaviour, body language and interactions are clearly visible offering a rare opportunity to witness mesopredators functioning naturally within a thriving coral ecosystem.

Escorted by your marine biologist host, this guided snorkelling experience blends close wildlife encounters with expert interpretation of reef shark ecology and their role in maintaining reef balance.

Introductory Dive with Reef Sharks Pool-Based Training Session

After returning to shore, guests undertake a 45-minute introductory scuba training session in the resort pool.

Under professional instructor supervision, you’ll learn the fundamentals of scuba equipment, breathing techniques, underwater communication and safety procedures — preparing you for your open-water experience later in the afternoon. This structured session builds confidence and comfort before entering the ocean environment.

Following training, enjoy lunch at leisure overlooking the ocean.

Shark Ecology Session & SSI Certification

Following lunch, your marine biologist host presents an engaging Shark Ecology lecture and discussion, exploring shark behaviour, conservation challenges, predatorprey dynamics and the critical ecological role sharks play in sustaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Guests are then introduced to the SSI Shark Ecology programme, deepening understanding of global shark conservation efforts and local research initiatives at Kuata Island.

Introductory Dive with Reef Sharks

With knowledge and training in place, the expedition culminates in your Introductory Dive with Reef Sharks

Under direct supervision from experienced dive professionals, you’ll descend into shallow reef habitat where Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks are frequently encountered.

Calm, curious and non-aggressive, these reef sharks glide through coral formations, offering an immersive first scuba experience within a controlled and carefully managed environment.

This is not simply a “try dive.” It is a guided shark encounter designed to connect new divers with the underwater world in a meaningful, memorable way. Following the dive, guests receive their SSI Shark Ecology Certificate, recognising participation in a science-led marine conservation experience.Later, enjoy time at leisure — snorkelling the vibrant coral gardens directly from Kuata’s beachfront or relaxing before departure.

At 3.45pm, longboats transfer you to your return ferry, arriving back at Port Denarau at 6.00pm.