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Snorkelling with Reef Sharks in Fiji
'What an AWESOME experience. They swam up and joined us, as curious with us as we were of them. To have Fiji sharks gliding alongside you close enough to touch (which we had been asked not to do ) is just sooooo coooool !'
Moia Reef
Swim alongside Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks in the warm tropical waters surrounding Kuata Island in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
At Kuata Island, our experienced dive team will brief you before travelling by boat to nearby Moia Reef — home to a resident population of friendly and inquisitive Reef Sharks.
Guided by experienced marine professionals, this escorted shark snorkelling experience combines close shark encounters, vibrant coral reefs and clear tropical waters within a protected marine sanctuary.
This Fiji shark snorkelling experience is available for Barefoot Kuata Island Resort houseguests or via day cruises departing Port Denarau, Nadi to the Yasawa Islands.
Snorkelling with Sharks in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands
Questions & Answers: Snorkelling with Sharks in Fiji
Yes. Before entering the water, our experienced guides will provide a detailed safety briefing and explain how to interact respectfully around Reef Sharks in their natural environment.
Our professional dive team will remain in the water with guests throughout the experience, closely monitoring both guest comfort and shark behaviour to ensure a safe, guided and enjoyable snorkelling experience.
Is snorkelling with Reef Sharks safe?
What sharks will I see while snorkelling in Fiji?
During your snorkelling with sharks experience at Moia Reef, guests commonly encounter two resident reef shark species — Whitetip Reef Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks. Both species are native to the warm tropical waters surrounding Fiji’s Yasawa Islands and play an important role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.
Whitetip Reef Sharks are the more commonly encountered species and are naturally calm, curious and comfortable around snorkellers. Blacktip Reef Sharks are typically more cautious and often move quickly through the reef environment. Both species generally grow to around 1.5 metres in length and are fascinating to observe in their natural habitat while snorkelling in Fiji’s clear tropical waters.
White Tip Reef Shark - up to 1.8m
Triaenodon obesus
Black Tip Shark - up to 1.6m
Carcharhinus melanopterus
How many sharks will I see while snorkelling in Fiji?
Shark sightings vary depending on conditions and shark activity, however guests commonly encounter between 6–12 resident Reef Sharks during the snorkelling experience at Moia Reef. Both Whitetip Reef Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks are regularly seen in the clear tropical waters surrounding Kuata Island in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
How deep is the water during the shark snorkelling experience?
The shark snorkelling experience takes place in the clear shallow waters surrounding Moia Reef, where visibility is often excellent and Reef Sharks can sometimes be seen directly from the boat before entering the water. Water depth typically ranges between 4–6 metres depending on tides and sea conditions.
Both Blacktip Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks naturally prefer shallow coral reef environments, making this an ideal location for safe and accessible snorkelling with sharks in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
What if I’m not a good swimmer or haven’t snorkelled before?
This snorkelling with sharks experience is suitable for beginners and less confident swimmers. Buoyancy aids are available, and our experienced guides remain in the water with guests throughout the experience to provide assistance and support if required.
Because Reef Sharks naturally prefer shallow coral reef environments, there is no need to dive beneath the surface to enjoy close shark encounters. The clear tropical waters surrounding Moia Reef allow guests to comfortably observe sharks while snorkelling in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.