Ultimate Encounters: Snorkel with Sharks

Day Experience and Packages

Departing Port Denarau daily you'll board our high-speed catamaran and travel through the Mamanuca Islands bound for Barefoot Kuata Resort in the southern Yasawa Islands. Kuata Island boasts a picture-perfect beach, transparent turquoise waters, unusual rock formations and the same warm hospitality synonymous with Fijian people. There is rustic 'Robinson Crusoe' styled accommodation with the comforts of a restaurant, bar, hammocks and three swimming pools. Following a briefing on the beachfront you’ll board a boat with your guides and travel to our snorkelling with reef sharks site. Departure times vary depending on tides and sea conditions. For the remainder of the day, enjoy lunch and make use of the facilities at Barefoot Kuata Resort which offers great snorkelling, kayaks and scenic walking tracks.

Is it safe?

Yes! You’ll be provided with safety instruction from our experienced guides who’ve spent hundreds of hours getting to know the resident school of sharks. Guides will be in the water with you the entire time and will closely monitor the shark's behaviour to ensure your safety.

What type of sharks will I see?

There are two main species of sharks encountered, White Tip Reef Sharks and Black Tip Reef Sharks, both are common in the tropical warm waters of the South Pacific. They can grow to a length of up to 1.8 metres although under the water they appear 25% larger due to a snorkelling face mask's optical illusion. Whitetips are the dominant species and are inquisitive sharks not frightened to check you out while Blacktips are by contrast timid and will shy away if they feel threatened.

How many sharks will I see?

Numbers vary but it is common to see multiple sharks. As sharks are wild animals we cannot guarantee sightings, however, we have a 95%+ success rate of seeing them.

How deep is the water?

Both Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks prefer shallower waters making snorkelling easy with good visibility. It’s even possible to see the sharks from our boat before entering the water. Water depth varies between 4 - 6 metres depending on the tide.

What if I’m not a good swimmer, haven’t snorkelled before or don’t want to snorkel but my travelling companion does?

Buoyancy aids are available for less confident swimmers and because these sharks prefer shallow waters there’s no necessity to dive under the water to secure a thrilling view. Non-snorkellers can join the day but sit out the snorkelling experience by booking the Barefoot Kuata Day Cruise.

Food and Drink

A delicious two-course lunch with a vegetarian option is included. If you require your meals as a vegetarian option, please specify in the "special requirements" box when you go through the booking process