Natewa Bay Shark Dive – Vanua Levu – Savusavu & Natewa Bay
Site Overview
Natewa Bay has emerged as one of the Pacific's most exciting new mega-fauna hotspots, offering encounters with huge aggregations of bull sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, and even pilot whales in a relatively undiscovered setting. This recently discovered dive destination sits on the southern coast of Vanua Levu, where deep water comes close to shore and creates ideal conditions for large pelagic species to gather. The baited shark dives here rival those of Beqa Lagoon in terms of shark numbers and diversity, with up to thirty bull sharks gathering at feeding stations alongside occasional tiger sharks and grey reef sharks. Beyond the shark encounters, Natewa Bay boasts pristine coral reef systems that have remained largely untouched due to the area's remoteness and lack of development. Schools of big-eye jacks numbering in the thousands create shimmering walls of silver that attract predators from the deep. The bay's unique underwater topography features steep walls, pinnacles, and channels that funnel nutrient-rich currents to sustain an incredibly productive marine ecosystem. Manta rays visit cleaning stations during the warmer months, and pilot whale pods occasionally transit through the bay during their seasonal movements. The combination of reliable shark encounters, pristine reefs, and minimal diver traffic makes Natewa Bay one of Fiji's most compelling new dive destinations for experienced divers seeking authentic wilderness diving.
Dive Briefing
"The boat ride from Savusavu takes approximately forty-five minutes across Natewa Bay, building anticipation as you scan the surface for signs of marine activity. Your dive team will conduct a thorough safety briefing covering baited dive protocols and proper conduct around large sharks before you enter the water. Descend along the anchor line to the feeding station at around eighteen metres, where you will take position behind the coral bommie that serves as the focal point for shark activity. Within minutes, bull sharks begin to appear from the blue, swimming in purposeful patterns around the feeding area. Keep your hands close to your body and maintain neutral buoyancy as the sharks pass within metres of your position. The sheer number of sharks can be overwhelming, with twenty to thirty individuals circling simultaneously during peak activity. Between shark passes, scan the blue water for the silhouette of tiger sharks approaching from deeper water. Grey reef sharks patrol the reef edge while large schools of big-eye jacks create bait balls that attract additional predators. Your guide will signal when it is safe to move along the reef wall to explore the coral gardens away from the feeding zone. Ascend gradually along the wall, pausing for your safety stop where reef sharks and schooling fish provide a memorable conclusion to an extraordinary dive experience."
Signature Marine Life
Bull Shark
Carcharhinus leucas
Best: January, February, March
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvier
Best: May, June, July
Manta Ray
Mobula alfredi
Best: May, June, July
Big-eye Jack
Caranx sexfasciatus
Best: January, February, March
Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Best: January, February, March
Pilot Whale
Globicephala macrorhynchus
Best: May, June, July
Safety & Hazards
- Large predators require respectful distance
- Baited dive protocols must be followed
- Strong currents during tidal changes
- Depth management critical
- Boat traffic in the bay
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Natewa Bay Shark Dive is designed for advanced and experienced divers who are comfortable around large marine predators and have previous baited dive experience in open water environments. The combination of depth, current, and proximity to large sharks demands good situational awareness and excellent buoyancy control throughout the dive. Photographers specialising in wide-angle and action shots will find world-class opportunities for capturing dramatic predator interactions and schooling fish. The remote nature of the bay also appeals to adventurous divers seeking uncrowded wilderness diving experiences away from the main tourist areas of Fiji.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Natewa Bay Dive
- Savusavu Dive Club
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, action
Nearby Stay
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort
• 5km away
Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel
• 2km away