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Shark Week Fiji's South Sea Cruises has launched a new series of 'Ultimate Encounters' centered around a snorkelling with sharks experience. The 1, 2 or 3 day experience will transfer curious travellers from Port Denarau on Fiji's mainland to Kuata Island in the Yasawa Island group to snorkel with Black Tip and White Tip reef sharks up to 1.8m long. A unique encounter for any family, snorkelers dive on a shallow reef with excellent visibility. White Tip reef sharks are known to be inquisitive and will swim much closer to snorkelers, while black tippers tend to be more shy. All excursions are hosted by experienced guides who have spent hundreds of hours getting to know the resident sharks and who closely monitor their behavior. Kuata Island itself is a hidden gem in the Yasawa Island archipelago, a two hour scenic cruise from Port Denarau. With a picture postcard beach, transparent turquoise waters, and unusual tall rock formations, Kuata boasts the same warm hospitality synonymous with Fijian people. If no sharks are sighted, South Sea Cruises will offer a complimentary cruise within three days so guests can try again. From AU$188 (US$143) per adult. www.ssc.com.fj
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