There are four places you can dive with bull sharks, however Fiji is most notably known, and probably for their extreme size.  Some of the largest bull sharks in the world frequent these warm waters.  Considered the most dangerous shark there is because they can be aggressive and they are the only shark that can go between fresh and salt water.  It is common in some areas to come across a bull shark in a river.  Considered a medium sized shark yet when you see them up close and personal you’ll think otherwise.

While Fiji has ridiculous diving (it is the soft coral capital of the world) and you can find nemo around every corner, it is the bull sharks that steal the show.  Fijians have long considered sharks to be sacred and the Fiji Marine Reserve helps protect these fascinating creatures.  There is one difference between the Fiji bull shark dive, and the other bull shark dives around the world.  The Fiji shark marine reserve is a scientific and conservation project.  The diving supports these programs.

A lot of people disagree with shark diving, and it is controversial.  But not because we fear human lives, but rather the sharks lives.  Some believe that you are interfering with their natural habitat and you shoudn’t bait sharks to dive sites.  {Some places do this, but in others the sharks just come naturally}.

You can read why sharks come when they hear the boats in this dive and this dive.

The fact is that we now live in a world where we need to have “eco-tourism”.  We are ruining the planet in so many ways, and a powerful way to get this message across is to actually put the person right in the middle of the situation.  This way they can see first hand, and hopefully want to make a difference, or at least spread the word.

Sharks are in danger.  They are over fished for their fins that has become of cutural value, and not nutritional value.  And because most people are terrified of these beautiful creatures, they don’t pay attention to what is happening.  Or what is going to happen to us if the sharks die.  Although they have been around for over 4oo million years they have a chance at being wiped out in our lifetime.

Why do we care if the sharks die?

Lets talk about the circle of life.  A shark is an apex predator.  Apex predators are at the top of the food chain and make the world go round.  Sharks help the oceans by tidying up the trash, i.e. preying on old, slow, or sick fish, keeping the fish population healthy.  By keeping certain marine populations sized proportionately, the sharks maintain a healthy balance throughout the ecosystem.  Studies have shown that without an apex predator more species die off.  The depletion of sharks in some areas have resulted in the loss of fish, and shellfish species further down the food chain.  Some of these key fish are tuna, which help maintain healthy coral reefs.  News flash, if you haven’t heard by now, coral is having major issues of its own.

Here’s another way to look at it.  Some sharks actually scavenge the ocean floor for dead fish to eat.  By doing this they are keeping disease control, and keeping outbreaks at bay.  By being efficient and eating the sick, slow, or old fish, the fish population gene pool gets stronger.  You know the old saying “only the strong survive”?  Well they pass on strong healthy genes to their future little fish-y’s.

Other sharks, such as tigers have been known to save sea grass.  Tigers love to eat turtles ( I know we all LOVE turtles).  But if the turtles were left alone they would graze and eat all the grassy sea beds,  which is super high in nutrients and vital to other species.  Do you see where i’m getting at?

Do you see where I’m getting at? Without sharks the marine ecosystem crashes, and when that crashes it will cause problems further down the road for us.

Do you want to see another situation where apex predators make a difference?  Read about it at Yellowstone National Park here!

Let’s get to the point – diving with bull sharks.  This has been hands down the best dive I have done to date.  Honestly I don’t know if I will top it.  You have the opportunity to see up to 8 species of sharks in Beqa Lagoon.  Eight!!!! Bull sharks, lemons, nurse, oceanic white tips, and black tips all showed up to the party the day Matt and I dove. We missed the tiger shark by two days…I was pretty upset about that.   This dive is not for the faint of heart.  Nor do I recommend this one for families.  These guys are big, and in charge, and they have zero concern about coming right up to you.

This dive is not for the faint of heart.  Nor do I recommend this one for families.  These guys are big, and in charge, and they have zero concern about coming right up to you.  The dive instructors tell you to hold your camera equipment to your chest, because if you hold it out the sharks think its a fish treat.  No thank you.

A midst all the shark activity you also catch sight of giant tuna, and grouper.  Everyone wants in on the action.  Every other shark dive I’ve done the fish have been scarce,  but in Fiji you get to see it all.

Besides this ridiculous experience, it also happens to be in one of the most beautiful Islands in the world.  Fiji – where every single person you meet is smiling.  Where you can stay in thatch roofed bulas, and hop around all the islands.  It is truly a paradise everyone should experience.  Sadly I don’t have video of this dive because Matt crashed my lap top and I lost everything.  Story of my life.

So tell me – would you do this shark dive?

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