The Aqua-Trek team of Fijian dive masters has a unique connection with the sharks based on love and respect. Fijians traditionally believe that they are protected by the Shark God Dakuwaqa, the guardian of the reef entrance to the islands and one of the most well known gods in Fijian legend. It is said that Dakuwaga frequently changed himself into the form of a shark and traveled around the islands to protect Fiji’s people from harm when fishing or swimming. For that reason, we like to think of sharks as friends, keepers of the ocean, and critically important apex predators.
Aqua-Trek pioneered shark diving in Fiji over 25 years ago off Mana island, and after setting up shop in Pacific Harbour in 1998, we formed the Aqua-Trek Fiji Shark Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Program. Since then, we have worked closely with the Fijian government and various local villages to help protect reefs within Beqa Lagoon, and as of 2006, Shark Reef, Lake Reef, and the barrier reef system connecting the two have been declared Marine Protected Areas by the national government. Each diver who attends the shark dive pays a levy which goes directly to the local village of Wainiyabia to help with village education programs and community improvement. Additionally, many members of the Aqua-Trek team come from Wainiyabia. We are proud to say that our efforts helped to establish the first combined shark conservation and sustainable tourism program in Fiji.
Membership Level: Dive
