Bucket List. CHECK!
Have you ever wondered what it is like to dive with sharks feeding right in front of you? Well, I experienced it and let me tell you, it is amazing.
During my time in Fiji, this was definitely one of the top highlights, if not THE highlight of the trip. Read on to hear about my experience and how you can do this too.
Situated on Kuata Island, Barefoot Kuata offers various activities and dives, one of which is the Awakening Shark Dive, where you are able to get up close and face-to-face with to these incredible Bull Sharks without any cage. Another beautiful thing about this dive is you do not have to be certified. (But why not go ahead and get certified in this amazing country?)
This was actually my first time ever scuba diving, so you could imagine I was a little nervous. The team at Barefoot Kuata made us feel very safe and confident before our dive. We decided to stay the night at the resort, and go diving the next day. They arranged transport for us from the island we were on, to Kuata Island. To do this, we simply contacted them and they took care of this (for an extra fee). Another option would be to take the Yasawa Flyer Island Ferry. This high speed catamaran operates every day and stops at Barefoot Kuata, as well as many other destinations. See the full time table here. (NOTE: As of 6th June, 2022 there is a fuel surcharge on all boat transfers through this company due to the increase in diesel fuel in Fiji)
Check out accommodation for Barefoot Kuata on booking.com here, or book directly from their website here. They offer a wide range of accommodation, from beachfront bures (475 FJ$ per night), to shared beach dorms (53 FJ$ per night). We chose the shared beach dorm, to save a little money. They also offer their Mandatory Island Package for 119 FJ$ per adult & 60 FJ$ per child, which includes 3 meals per day, WiFi access, and use of all non-motorized water equipment.
Beautiful Barefoot Kuata Island Views
Before going out to sea, your dive instructor take you into the pool to practice with the scuba gear. This is essential to an intro dive, to teach you the basics and make sure you feel comfortable before diving. After your skill check is complete, you will head out to the dive site via motorized boat.
Once you reach the dive site, you will gear up and prepare to dive. Your instructor will be right by your side the entire time, making sure you are safe. For me, it was tough to equalize the pressure of my ears. This is a very important thing to do while diving, and if you do not equalize the pressure it can cause ear injuries. Ear pain is no fun. It is vital to equalize as much and as often as you can as you descend into the water. Going down slowly can help with the pressure and pain in your ears as you try to equalize.
Once you are down beneath the water, you will rest on your knees on the bottom of the ocean while the crew feeds the sharks right in front of you. What an experience! They have metal rods that they use to keep the sharks from getting too close, but they really were swimming right above our heads. Make sure you have your GoPro for this, you’re going to want to get some videos. Since you are going down deeper than 10 meters, make sure you get an underwater protective housing that will allow you to take it farther down. After observing the sharks feeding, you will head back up to the surface. The boat will take you back to the island.
Get up close and personal with these amazing creatures!
After the dive, enjoy lunch on Kuata Island and take in the beautiful views around you. This was such a thrilling and really once-in-a-lifetime experience that I definitely recommend.
After the dive, enjoy lunch on Kuata Island and take in the beautiful views around you. This was such a thrilling and really once-in-a-lifetime experience that I definitely recommend.
The sunsets on the island are very hard to beat ♡
Exploring the Yasawa Islands is an amazing experience in itself, but why not add in a shark dive while you are there? Have you ever been diving with sharks? Let me know in the comments!
Save it for later!
