Review: Is the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive Worth the Hype?
If you’re heading to Fiji and love diving, chances are you’ve come across the legendary Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive. Known as one of the best Shark dives in the world, it promises close encounters with multiple shark species in their natural habitat.
But here’s the dilemma, swimming with sharks can feel intimidating, and many people wonder if the dive is safe, and whether it’s worth the price tag? Having done the Beqa Shark Dive in Fiji more than 10 times: In this review, I’ll break down my full experience, the pros and cons, costs involved, and tips to help you decide if this dive is right for you.
Whether you’re an experienced diver looking for a bucket-list adventure or someone curious but cautious, this guide will give you everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
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Is the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive Worth doing?
Yes, the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive in Fiji is worth doing! Why, you ask? Well, I may not have done every shark dive in the world, but out of the ones I have managed to tick off, this one is HIGH on my list.
I describe it as exhilarating and beautiful, and it’s no wonder so many people flock there for some remarkable Shark encounters. In addition, visitors from around the world have commented that they felt incredibly safe during the dives, especially given that all the dives are guided.
But, is it suitable for you? Well, if you’re short on time to read the entire article, please check out my Pros & Cons below for a quick reference.
✅Pros?
- See up to 8 species of sharks, including bull, tiger, and reef sharks – all in a single dive.
- Rated a top shark-spotting location around the world.
- Supports shark conservation, providing income to local Fijian villages instead of fishing for them.
- A thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I consider unforgettable.
❌Cons?
- Ethical concerns about feeding sharks and altering their natural behaviour.
- Past safety incidents have occurred.
- Expensive compared to other Fiji dives
- Requires Advanced Open Water certification and comfort at 30m depth
Has this peaked your interest? Then, please read on, as I go into more detail on my personal experience.
The Dive can be found off the Pacific Coast in the southern area of the Fiji mainland.
My Review & What to Expect?
The first time I completed the Beqa Shark Dive, I was hooked, and I knew I was coming back for more. In fact, Matt and I were so keen on the dive we organised the other 3 visits with weekends away from Brisbane.
The Company AquaTrek alternates between Coral and Shark Diving days. Still, Friday and Saturday are both Shark dives, and we took advantage of this.
- We flew from Brisbane to Nadi On Thursday morning and drove to our hotel (more on those below).
- Friday and Saturday were spent diving in the mornings and chilling with Fiji Bitters and Cocktails in the afternoon.
- Finally, on Sunday, we checked out, transferred back to the airport, and returned home to Brisbane by 5pm.
NOTE – After finishing the dive at 12pm on Saturday and the flight departed at 2pm on Sunday. This was enough time to off-gas from the dive.
I know it seems a little excessive, but two days leave from work and experiencing one of the best Shark Dive in the World – For us, This was well worth visiting!
➡ Check prices for Pacific Harbour Hotels HERE with Boooking.com
Do you need Equipment?
While AquaTrek provided all the equipment for the Shark Dive, we felt more comfortable bringing our own (especially our Regulators). I haven’t dived anywhere in the world without my own regs, as this is your lifeblood for breathing underwater. Especially, If you want to know it’s serviced and cleaned by a reputable dealer.
Your own wetsuits are obviously more comfortable, but their hire equipment is sufficient.
About the Dive Site?
From the Mainland, It takes about 20 minutes in the boat to get to the Shark Diving site, and you’re soon directed into the water and diving into the unknown.
The guide will position you behind a wall – That’s right, a one metre rock wall has been formed, and you’re knelled behind that for safety and to ensure an excellent view for everyone.
There is one Shark feeder in front of the group and others spaced out behind the group to keep an eye on things. One or two guides ultimately feeds the sharks, and everyone else is positioned around to help keep you safe. Sharks will be darting in and around you, and with all the smaller fish, it can be hectic that you don’t know what to look at first.
However, the large Bull sharks will move slowly, and an unbelievable site to see this close.
Note: There is typically at least one shark handler for every five divers.
What sharks will you be diving with?
Some of the most common Fiji Shark species are the Sicklefin Lemon sharks, Tawny Nurse sharks, Blacktip reef sharks, Whitetip reef sharks, Grey reef sharks, Silvertips, Bull Sharks, and the impressive Tiger Sharks. Plus, the giant Potato Cod will always be around for a good feed.
However, some other rare sightings could include the Hammerhead sharks,
Surprisingly, you’ll see anything from 20 to 100 different sharks and fish species in a feeding frenzy on each dive.
How long does the Dive go for?
The Beqa Shark Dive experience is an adrenaline-packed 20 to 25 minutes of unforgettable action! Expert divers will lead you on a thrilling journey as you dive deep beneath the surface and immerse yourself in their beautiful underwater world.
Obviously, this dive is suitable for new and advanced divers. The timeline generally covers everyone, but newer divers might go through their air quicker and be taken to the surface earlier than everyone else.
On the other hand, after diving with the same company several times, the guides got to know our limits. Therefore, Matt and I have hung around longer than everyone else to get better photos, depending on the situation.
Can you bring your Camera or Video Equipment?
Yes, you are absolutely allowed to bring cameras or Video equipment along and, in fact, encouraged to do so. However, remember that you’re there to enjoy the show, and don’t get too caught up in filming that you miss the experience yourself.
Just be sure to keep it close by your side at all times, as the sharks are circling around constantly, and you don’t want them to mistake it for something to eat.
Please feel free to browse our Shutterstock Shark Diving Photos here.
Service Interval
After 25 minutes, the feeding stops, and you’re directed back to the boat. Depending on your air and safety stop, there are rock walls, other fish, and coral around for exploration as well.
There will be a service interval back on the boat, and then you will go back down for your second dive.
My one scary moment!
While I have always felt safe on this dive, I must admit to a “Gulp” moment that I’m still talking about today.
One of the fish heads dropped in front of Matt and I while we were kneeling behind the wall. The nurse sharks and smaller fish started going for the food, which caused a lot of commotion and attracted the other sharks.
The next minute, I was grabbed by the back of my BCD and yanked backward, and I was definitely left thinking – What just happened?
Obviously, this happened only for safety, while the feeding frenzy could have inadvertently confused the sharks on what they were supposed to eat.
Some helpful tips for the dive
- Wear gloves, as you might have to grab onto something for balance.
- Don’t wear white as the fish heads are white.
- Fiji is a very safe place to visit, but, always listen to the guides instructions, especially if this is your first dive.
- You can bring your own gear, but everything is supplied if needed.
- Wear at least a 3mm wetsuit – You won’t be moving much, and it can get cold.
- Go Pros are handy to press record, leaving you to enjoy it more.
Return to the Dive Shop
You’re back at the Dive shop around 12 to 1pm, which leaves plenty of time to do other things in the afternoon. Our time was mainly spent cleaning and drying our gear, having a couple of Fiji Bitter Beers or cocktails by the pool, or if it was the last dive and we had to pack up to leave.
Does it run in all weather conditions?
Whether it’s Raining or Sunshine, this dive should be running. However, there are certain conditions like cyclones, increased swells and rough seas, that could have it postponed.
In fact, one of our visits was straight after a cyclone in March and we were the first dive group to complete the dive in three weeks! (there were lots of sharks around that day)
For the best weather, there are obviously some more ideal times to visit Fiji. But, please don’t dismiss the high rainy seasons, as these can limit tourist number and often be a little cheaper.
My Overall Thoughts
Ultimately, I’m left with a few answers to your questions!
Do I love this dive? Yes
Would I do this again? Definitely, Yes
Would I use AquaTrek again? Yes, but I’m not opposed to trying out Beqa Adventure Divers on another trip and finding out more about their “My Fiji Shark” conservation program.
Would I recommend this dive to others? Yes
Just out of Interest – This package for a weekend of Diving from Brisbane to Nadi roughly costs about $2000 for 2 people. This included the Flights, Accommodation, Transfers, and the Dive for 2 days.
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How Much does it cost?
There are only a couple of Dive operators ( that I know of) that service this dive –
- AquaTrek
- & Beqa Adventure Divers!
These operators are roughly the same in cost and also provide cheaper coral dives and courses.
Both will include 2 dive trips and are estimated between $160-180US for the Shark Dive and between $140-$150US for the coral dives. Truthfully, there is not that much difference to the price that I would pay in Australia, but definitely much more exciting.
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
Is the Dive Safe?
Shark diving offers an incredible experience of getting up close and personal with some of the most majestic Apex creatures in the ocean. While it can be an exciting experience, it is essential to remember that inherent risks are involved.
This includes Scuba Diving in general or when going into the open ocean and interacting with these wild animals.
Unlike other kinds of shark diving, this particular dive makes Fiji worth visiting and does not involve any cage or tank. Therefore, you and the sharks share the same open space!
That being said, it’s important to remember to show respect to our finned friends; they may be large, but a single bite from one of them could mean disastrous consequences for both parties!
My best advice is to listen to their rules and conditions and follow the guides and underwater instructions upon entering the water. If the situation changes, they will adjust accordingly under the water.
Know that we have completed this Shark dive on four separate occasions (8 dives in total), and every dive was slightly different.
However, This particular dive has had its share of incidents and injuries in the past, and I hope you do your research. So, it’s not to say that nothing will happen. You must take the good with the bad and fully understand that this type of activity is met with a high amount of risk.
Is it Ethical?
I’ve definitely seen some controversy over this question for years, and still with no clear answer. Some will agree with its practice, and others won’t like it.
The discussion comes from the sharks being fed by the guide in front of you, obviously attracting them and creating an unnatural environment. Many people will disagree with this practice, saying the Sharks will become reliant on the food and maybe forget to hunt in the wild on their own.
On the other hand, the Fijians once fished the oceans and used the “Sharks” as food for their people. Eventually, the Fijian people realised that the money earned from divers seeing the sharks was more beneficial.
So, in turn, the sharks were no longer killed, and the numbers increased.
Which operator should you choose to dive with?
As mentioned before, there are only a couple of operators that service the dive. I have only had experience with one of them, but the other company would be fine too.
I have chosen to use “Aquatrek” for all our dives, not only because they are a trusted company – But, you have the convenience of staying in a resort 20 metres from the dive shop and where the boat leaves. This means I don’t have to worry about transfers, and I could walk 20 metres home, straight after the dive.
The “Beqa Adventure Divers” are located not far away from the AquaTrek Diving shop, just further down the river of Pacific Harbour.
The third and last option is staying on Beqa Island in the resort, and while this sounds like the best option, it wouldn’t be my first.
- Firstly, Beqa Island is further away from the Shark diving site and will take longer to get there.
- And secondly, it’s more expensive to stay on the Island.
Every option will work under the same rules, and you’ll see the exact same dive. Therefore, it probably doesn’t matter which option you choose!
How to get to Pacific Harbour?
It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Pacific Harbour, with a short pit stop at a local Souvenir/Convenience store in Sigatoka called Tappoo. This is where we usually stock up on supplies, munchies and especially, water (hotels tend to cost more).
Should you be nervous about diving with Sharks?
Yes, diving with sharks can be a nerve-wracking experience. After all, these majestic creatures are the ocean’s apex predators, and swimming alongside them can be intimidating.
But don’t let your nerves keep you from having an unforgettable experience! While yes, it’s important to remain aware and not drop your guard, you don’t need to be overly anxious.
Sharks are much more interested in patrolling their hunt for prey than interacting with humans – unless provoked – so take comfort in the fact that you’ll likely blend into the background of views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
What Diving Experience do you need?
Since you will be diving up to 30 metres – a minimum PADI certification will be required as an Open Water (or the equivalent in SSI) . However, according to the rules in Australia, I highly recommend instead an Advanced Diving certificate to participate.
On the other hand, there are no minimum dives, and you don’t need any other special certification.
Still, I would recommend to have at least 50 dives under your belt due to the depth of around 100 feet. Since inexperience will no doubt have more nerves, it means you could enjoy the dive less and inadvertently use your air supply quicker.
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Can a shark bite through a wetsuit?
Yes, a shark can bite through a wetsuit! While they are thick and sturdy, they’re not intended to protect from sharp teeth or jagged rocks. Wetsuits act as insulation from cold temperatures and give you buoyancy control in the water.
Can you go shark diving without a cage?
The answer is yes, you can go diving with sharks without a cage – but it all depends on the type of shark and your experience level.
A diver looking to go cage-free will have to be more selective when it comes to choosing their dive location, as some species of sharks are far more likely to attack than others (Like the Great White Shark cage diving in Australia).
Where to Stay?
There are a few accommodation options at Pacific Harbour, and the dive company will pick you up. However, the Club Oceanus Resort is where the “AquaTrek” boat left from, and you walk 20 metres from the door of your room to the Dive boat.
➡ Find Pacific Harbour Hotels HERE with Boooking.com
This resort is an excellent price with big rooms if you’re not too concerned about the pampering and luxuries. There is even enough room to stash your dive gear!
The Uprising Resort is worth looking at down the road (AquaTrek will pick you up), or The Pearl International Hotel is close to the dive shop, with a bit more luxury!
If you love snorkelling, waterfalls, and island adventures, you’ll want to check out my post on how Fiji compares with Vanuatu before making your choice.
Other shark diving in the world?
For adrenaline seekers searching for the ultimate aquatic adventure, shark diving is an experience that can take you all over the world. You’ll find some of the most thrilling opportunities for coming face-to-face with these captivating creatures.
Some ideas for Shark Diving around the world include:
- Mexico – Isla Guadalupe, for Great White Sharks. (However, the Whale Sharks near Isla Mujeres are very cool too)
- South Africa – Western Cape, for the Bronze Whaler and Great White Sharks.
- Farallon Islands, USA, for Great White Sharks.
- Hawaii or O’ahu, USA, for Galapagos and Sandbar Sharks.
- Australia – Neptune Islands, for Great White Sharks.
Tip: Kill two bird with one stone while you’re in Fiji, and trying swimming the Mantas Rays too.
Wrap up & Read More!
So, is the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive in Fiji worth it? I think so and I hope my review today has given you all the information you need to decide! So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will get your heart pumping and leave you with memories to last a lifetime, this is the activity for you.
However, If you’re still sussing out your plans, please check out my other Fiji blogs for research and inspiration!
