The dive team at Barefoot Kuata caters to a range of experience and abilities. There is a simple snorkel along the beautiful shallow coral reef directly in front of the resort, or at the other end of the scale, the ultimate sharky experience of a bull shark dive. It is this opportunity that lures the largest number of visitors to the island. Getting up front and personal with these magnificent animals is an incredible experience.

Words Tony Milner, SSI Divemaster, former NZ Police Dive Squad member, long-time recreational diver. (Proud father of Ellie Milner, marine biologist at Barefoot Kuata)

 

Abilities and qualification

The bull shark dive is set at a depth of 12 metres which makes it available to all open water qualified divers. There is an opportunity for non-qualified divers to undertake an introductory dive and participate under the strict, one-on-one supervision of a qualified dive instructor from the resort.

I would describe the dive as an easy to moderate boat dive. The warm water, great visibility, relatively shallow depth and lack of tide makes it a pretty simple dive. If you can roll off the side of the boat, fin along happily and control your buoyancy, you will be fine. Things to watch for would be any anxiety or stress regarding seeing sharks in the water, that needs to be recognised and managed. 

Gear

All gear is provided, even masks and snorkels. However I would recommend bringing your own to ensure comfort and fit. The gear is simple but effective, just the way I like it. You can take your own cameras and GoPros, however there is an official photographer available for each dive.

In typical Fiji style, the staff are happy and helpful, they go out of their way to make the dive as easy as possible. There is an underlying air of professionalism with safety being the number one priority. Personally I found the dive mesmerising, with these massive animals gliding over my head close enough to reach out and touch them. I did not, as I was told many times to keep my hands to myself or I may lose them. I could tell from the buzz on the boat heading home that this was an incredible experience for every person. For anyone with an interest in the ocean, it is not to be missed.

Briefing

The outline of the dive plan is illustrated permanently on a board at the dive centre. The instructor runs through the dive with a thorough briefing explaining conditions at the reef, relevant depths, directions and what to expect.

Boat ride

After a big ‘Bula Vinaka’ to the captain, the boat heads out the narrow channel through the coral reef for a 20-minute ride to the dive site on an outlying reef.

Dive profile

Single dive, drop onto the reef at five metres, slowly and gradually descend, following a predetermined path along a channel to a shelf at a depth of 12 metres and the location of the viewing area. Bottom time is 35 minutes. Divers ascend by the same route. A brief loop around the coral garden can be included, for the lucky, in the safety stop of five minutes at three metres. Then climb back into the boat. 

Minimum air content in the cylinder is 70 bar, more than enough for the 35-minute dive for a relaxed enjoyment of one of the greatest shows on earth.