Dive Site: Shark Fin Point

About Shark Fin Point

Shark Fin Point, also known as Shark Point, is located off the northeast coast of Koro Island in Fiji. This dive site is renowned for its dynamic drift diving opportunities, particularly when the tides are running strongly, carrying nutrient-rich waters past its vibrant reefs. Part of the broader Koro Sea region, which is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and significant pelagic action, Shark Fin Point offers a quintessential Fijian dive experience. The topography features a wall richly adorned with both hard and soft corals, providing a habitat for a diverse array of fish and macro life. Depths vary, with the drift allowing divers to observe different layers of this teeming ecosystem. The site's position within the Koro Sea ensures a constant supply of food for its inhabitants, contributing to exceptionally healthy and colorful coral formations. Key marine encounters include massive schools of barracuda, often numbering around 500 individuals, alongside frequent sightings of whitetip and grey reef sharks. Occasional appearances by larger pelagics like eagle rays, manta rays, and even whale sharks add to the excitement. The dive provides a comprehensive view of Fiji's underwater beauty, from the smallest critters nestled in the reef to powerful apex predators. Diving here typically involves a negative entry into a swift current, with divers drifting along the coral-covered wall. The experience is designed for observing the rich pelagic life that congregates in the current, making it an exhilarating and visually stunning dive for those comfortable with drift conditions.

Dive site facts: Shark Fin Point

Depth

4.5–29 m (Koro Gardens range, likely similar)

Current

Strong (when tide is running)

Visibility

Excellent, often around 30 m

Water temperature

23–27°C (73–81°F)

Entry

Drift / Negative entry

Level

Advanced recommended (for drift diving)

Dive type

Drift, reef, big animals

Night dive

Possible (mentioned for Nai'a liveaboard)

Region / port

Koro Sea (off Koro Island), Fiji

Coordinates

-17.5338, 115.611

Conditions & Currents

Shark Fin Point is specifically highlighted as a drift dive site, with the currents being a defining feature. The most exciting diving occurs when the tide is running, indicating potentially strong currents that transport substantial marine life and nutrients. Divers can expect to enter the water into a swift current and be carried along the coral wall, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving techniques. While specific current speeds are not detailed for this site, the general Koro Sea area, where Shark Fin Point is located, is known for strong currents that provide nutrient-rich waters, attracting large pelagic species. Visibility is generally excellent in Fiji, often exceeding 30 meters, though plankton blooms in warmer months might slightly reduce it while attracting filter feeders. Divers should be prepared for negative entries and exits facilitated by the livea

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda (schools)

common

Whitetip reef shark

common

Grey reef shark

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Lobster

occasional

Eel

occasional

Manta ray

occasional

Whale shark

rare

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Reef fish (various species)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Shark Fin Point is primarily a drift dive, often initiated with a negative entry from a liveaboard or day boat directly into the current. Divers immediately descend to the desired depth, usually along a vibrant coral wall. The dive progresses as the current carries you past schools of barracuda, whitetip and grey reef sharks, and a multitude of smaller reef fish. Attention should be paid to the colorful hard and soft corals adorning the wall. There is no specific turn point as the dive is current-dependent, concluding when divers are picked up by the boat further along the drift. A safety stop is typically performed mid-water at the end of the drift, often with a visual reference to the reef below, before surfacing to meet the dive vessel.

Underwater photography

Shark Fin Point offers exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities, especially when capturing the immense schools of barracuda and the active reef and whitetip sharks in the current. A wide-angle lens with external strobes is highly recommended to properly illuminate the vast coral wall and capture the scale of the pelagic action against the clear blue water. Given the drift nature of the dive, maintaining good buoyancy is crucial for stable shots. For macro enthusiasts, there are smaller critters like lobsters and eels nestled in the reef, though the primary focus for most photographers will be the larger subjects. Be mindful of current strength when attempting to compose shots, and always prioritize safe diving over photography. The clear visibility provides a strong advantage for both wide and macro compositions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koro Gardens

  Features extensive hard corals and numerous reef fish around a large bommie.

• Jim's Alley

  A soft coral garden with three shallow bommies and regular manta ray sightings.

• Nigali Passage

  A renowned drift dive with fast currents, pelagic life, and diverse shark species.

• Namena Marine Reserve

  Visited by liveaboards, offering pristine reefs and abundant marine life.

• Wakaya Island

  A liveaboard destination in the Koro Sea with exceptional diving.

Getting there & logistics

Diving at Shark Fin Point is typically accessed via liveaboard trips that explore the Koro Sea and Bligh Water regions of Fiji. These liveaboards usually depart from main hubs like Viti Levu, though specific departure ports are not detailed for this site. Common trip lengths range from 8 days and 7 nights, with longer 10 or 11-day itineraries also available, allowing for more extensive exploration of remote sites. Flights into Fiji typically land at Nadi International Airport (NAN). Liveaboards are considered the best way to experience these outer island sites, as they are often inaccessible by day boats from resorts. Dive packages generally include all meals, accommodation, and multiple dives per day, with equipment rental an additional fee. Divers should ensure they have appropriate diving insurance before commencing their trip.

Safety & environment

While diving conditions in Fiji are generally favorable, robust diving insurance is absolutely essential for any trip, especially for drift dives like Shark Fin Point. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva on Viti Levu, though evacuation realities from remote sites in the Koro Sea would likely involve boat transfer to an island, followed by air transport, which can be time-consuming. Divers should be comfortable with strong currents and drift diving techniques, as this site is specifically noted for them; proper buoyancy and air consumption management are critical. Staying with the dive group and following the dive guide's instructions is paramount. Liveaboard operations typically have comprehensive safety briefings and emergency procedures, but individual preparedness, including maintaining fitness and understanding personal limits, is crucial.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Fin Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Fin Point

These liveaboards may visit Shark Fin Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day