Shark Diving in Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon: A History of Adventure and Conservation

Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon has earned a global reputation as a premier destination for shark diving – a place where divers can safely encounter numerous shark species up close. This didn’t happen by accident. The rise of shark diving in Beqa Lagoon is a story of innovation in eco-tourism, community partnership, and conservation.

From the first experimental shark feeds in the late 1990s to today’s world-famous dives at sites like The Colosseum, we trace how Beqa Lagoon became the “shark diving capital” of Fiji and a beacon for marine conservation. Along the way, we explore the area’s journey to fame, key milestones in its development, the sharks that frequent these waters, and how ethical practices evolved hand-in-hand with tourism.

From Tradition to Tourism: Early Encounters with Fiji’s Sharks

Sharks have long held a special place in Fijian culture. In local mythology, the shark god Dakuwaqa is believed to protect fishermen and seafarers, and many Fijians traditionally revere sharks. This cultural respect set a foundation on which modern shark tourism could build.

By the late 20th century, scuba divers around the world were seeking more interactive big-animal encounters, and Fiji’s clear, life-rich waters were an enticing draw. It was only a matter of time before enterprising dive operators in Fiji realized that their shark-filled reefs could offer a thrilling yet educational experience for visitors, while also benefiting the local community and marine life.

The Birth of Shark Diving in Beqa Lagoon

Beqa Lagoon, a large sheltered lagoon off the southern coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, became the cradle of Fiji’s shark diving revolution. In 1999, the first structured shark feeding dives in Beqa Lagoon were pioneered.

In these early days, there was a bit of trial and error in figuring out how to safely conduct shark dives. Operators moved from hand-feeding to bait boxes, attracting not just reef sharks but large bull sharks as well. By the early 2000s, Beqa Lagoon was hosting regular shark dives that captured the world’s attention.

Key Milestones in Beqa Lagoon Shark Diving History

• 1999: First shark feeding dives conducted at Beqa Lagoon.

• 2003: Fiji Shark Project launched, increasing focus on research and conservation.

• 2004: Shark Reef Marine Reserve established in partnership with local villages.

• 2010s: Beqa Lagoon gains international acclaim as one of the world’s top shark diving destinations.

• 2014: Shark Reef Marine Reserve designated Fiji’s first National Marine Park.

• 2020s: New dive sites like The Colosseum expand Fiji’s shark diving experiences.

These milestones highlight how quickly shark diving evolved from a new idea into a pillar of Fiji’s dive tourism industry.

Sharks of Beqa Lagoon – Eight Species on Display

One of Beqa Lagoon’s most remarkable features is the diversity of sharks that divers can encounter. The lagoon is home to eight species that regularly appear during shark dives:

Bull Sharks

The stars of Beqa Lagoon’s shark dives. These powerful sharks often appear in impressive numbers, offering divers up-close encounters with dozens at a time.

Tiger Sharks

Occasional but awe-inspiring visitors. Tiger sharks are large, bold, and a highlight of any dive when they appear.

Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks

Smaller, agile species that often populate the shallower parts of the dive.

Grey Reef Sharks

Medium-sized sharks that add excitement as they weave among the larger bull sharks during deeper portions of the dive.

Silvertip Sharks

Recognizable by the bright white tips on their fins, silvertips often cruise in from the blue water, making for dramatic sightings.

Sicklefin Lemon Sharks

Rare but impressive visitors, with a distinctive sickle-shaped dorsal fin and a heavy build.

Tawny Nurse Sharks

Bottom-dwelling sharks that often linger around the bait site, providing plenty of action right from the start of the dive.

Few places on Earth offer such a reliable mix of species in a single dive, making Beqa Lagoon a true global hotspot for shark diving.

Community Partnership and Conservation Efforts

From the start, shark diving in Beqa Lagoon was built around community engagement and conservation.

Local villages agreed to protect the reef in exchange for a portion of the dive revenue, creating a model where both sharks and people benefit. Marine park fees paid by divers support the local economy and fund reef guardianship programs.

Since shark diving began in Fiji, marine life in the area has flourished. Fish populations have increased dramatically, and reef health has improved, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports sustainable tourism.

Today, shark diving in Beqa Lagoon contributes millions of dollars to Fiji’s economy each year and showcases how responsible tourism can drive conservation success.

Evolution of Ethical Shark Diving Practices

Over the years, Beqa Lagoon’s dive operators have refined their techniques to ensure safety for both divers and sharks.

Key ethical practices include:

• Using waste fish parts for feeding to avoid exploitation.

• Carefully briefing divers to avoid unnecessary risks.

• Minimizing the number and frequency of feeds to avoid altering natural behavior.

• Conducting ongoing scientific research to monitor shark health and behavior.

These best practices ensure that the thrill of shark diving goes hand-in-hand with conservation and education.

Beqa Lagoon’s Global Significance in the Dive Community

Today, Beqa Lagoon’s shark dives are consistently ranked among the world’s top diving experiences. Divers from all over the globe come to Fiji for the chance to witness dozens of sharks in crystal-clear waters, learning firsthand how these misunderstood animals behave in their natural environment.

Beyond the adrenaline, Beqa Lagoon represents a blueprint for responsible wildlife tourism. Its success story proves that conservation and eco-tourism can work together, benefiting both local communities and the marine environment.

The Colosseum and Coral Coast Divers: A New Chapter in Shark Diving

One of the most exciting new developments in Beqa Lagoon is The Colosseum, operated by Coral Coast Divers in Pacific Harbour.

The Colosseum is a natural amphitheater-like dive site that offers some of the best shark diving action in Fiji. With a coral wall behind divers and open water in front, it provides a perfectly structured, thrilling, and safe shark diving environment.

At The Colosseum, divers regularly encounter all eight iconic species, with especially frequent sightings of bull sharks and tiger sharks. Thanks to the site’s shallow depth, divers can enjoy extended bottom times, maximizing their interaction with these majestic predators.

Coral Coast Divers emphasizes education, conservation, and responsible diving practices, continuing the proud tradition of Beqa Lagoon while offering an unforgettable modern shark diving experience.

Beqa Lagoon’s Enduring Legacy

The history of shark diving in Beqa Lagoon is a story of vision, collaboration, and conservation. From humble beginnings in the late 1990s, it has grown into a world-renowned adventure that changes perceptions and saves lives—both human and shark.

Today, thanks to efforts by dive operators, local communities, and conservationists, Beqa Lagoon stands as a shining example of how eco-tourism can protect the ocean’s top predators while offering life-changing experiences to divers.

For anyone seeking to experience the best of shark diving, there’s no better place than Beqa Lagoon—and no better dive site than The Colosseum with Coral Coast Divers.