SHARK & FREEDIVE EXPEDITION
2-8 AUGUST, 2026
Bull Sharks • Freediving • Coral Reefs • Ocean Mastery
An intimate ocean expedition in the breathtaking Yasawa Islands of Fiji, blending freediving, shark encounters and optional scuba diving with the guidance of experienced ocean professionals.
This unique collaboration between The Salty Tribe and Freedive Geelong brings together adventure, skill-building and powerful wildlife encounters in one of the most spectacular marine environments on the planet.
This isn’t just a dive trip.
It’s a full immersion into the ocean — designed to help you move through the water with greater confidence, calm and connection.
What Makes This Trip Unique
This is not your typical dive trip.
In the remote Yasawa Islands, you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs, snorkel and freedive in crystal-clear water, and — for those who want — take part in unforgettable bull shark encounters on scuba.
It’s also one of the very few places in the world where introductory scuba divers can safely experience bull sharks with professional guidance.
This is a small, curated expedition with only 8 guests, allowing for personalised coaching, more time in the water, and a deeper ocean experience.
Few ocean trips combine:
• Freediving coaching
• Optional scuba diving
• Shark encounters
• Marine education
• A tiny, highly personalised group
Trip Highlights
Small Group Experience
Only 8 guests — personalised coaching, small group, intimate adventure
Bull Shark Encounters
A rare opportunity to scuba dive with bull sharks in one of the few places in the world accessible to introductory divers.
Freediving Coaching
Develop breath control, finning technique and confidence in the water with expert guidance.
Optional Scuba Diving
Learn to scuba dive if you’re not already certified and experience the awe of bull sharks and coral reefs if you choose.
Manta Ray Swim
Swim with mantas and visit manta island.
Healthy Coral Reefs
Some of the most vibrant reefs in Fiji, home to reef sharks, schooling fish and exceptional visibility.
Fishing Trip
Option to join a private fishing boat trip.
Ocean Knowledge & Marine Education
Gain insight into marine life, shark behaviour and ocean conservation throughout the trip.
Professional Guidance & Safety
Trained Intensive Care Paramedic, Freediving & Scuba Instructor in the water with you
Accommodation & Meals
4 nights in Yasawa Islands and 2 nights on the mainland
All meals while on the islands, prepared with fresh local ingredients
Transfers & Transport
Boat transfers to the islands and transport between accommodations
Guided by local Fijian crew, plus James, Shannon & Ben
Guided Ocean Adventures
Reef shark freedive by boat — share the water with graceful reef sharks
2 guided shore freedives with James and snorkels with Shannon
Night snorkel/freedive to explore the reef’s nocturnal magic
Manta ray swim
Optional boat fishing trip
Optional coral reef scuba dive — open to beginners and certified divers
Optional bull shark scuba dive — with expert shark guides and marine scientists, one of the few places in the world intro divers can safely participate
Introductory scuba session if this is your first time diving
Education & Conservation
Shark talks with marine scientists
Mind-body and breathwork practices guided by James & Shannon
Insights into marine life, conservation, and ocean mindfulness
Gear & Extras
All scuba and snorkel gear included
Optional kayaks and stand-up paddleboards complimentary
Freedive gear available for additional cost
Special Group Experiences
Private, surprise activities just for our group (hint: one may involve a sunset walk with epic island views!)
Personalized guidance, coaching, and support throughout all activities
What’s included
Limited to 8 spots — places are expected to fill quickly.
$800 deposit required to confirm your place with the balance due by end of April. The deposit is non-refundable.
$3799 twin-share room private room (6 available)
$4999 private room (2 available)
*optional activity additions:
Scuba diving: 1 x reef dive, 1 x bull shark dive ($445)
Manta Ray swimming trip ($150)
Fishing trip ($150)
Availability & Investment
Flights to Nadi airport
Travel insurance
Dinner on the first night on the mainland
Transportation to and from the airport (transfers can be arranged for you on request at an additional cost)
What’s not included
The Itinerary – Shark & Freedive Expedition
Day 1 (2 August) – Arrive in Fiji
Fly into mainland Fiji and settle in for the night (accommodation arranged for you). Optional trip briefing and meet the group.
Day 2 (3 August) – Travel to the Yasawa Islands
Morning ferry from Port Denarau to Kuata Island. Welcome lunch, trip briefing, and your first snorkel or freedive on the house reef. Sunset drinks overlooking the ocean, then dinner together.
Day 3 (4 August) – Reef Sharks & Night Snorkel
Boat trip to freedive with reef sharks, followed by relaxed island time. After dark, head out for a magical guided night snorkel/freedive.
Day 4 (5 August) – Freedive, Scuba & Shark Science
Morning freediving boat trip and optional reef scuba dive. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating shark talk with marine biologists.
Day 5 (6 August)– Bull Shark Dive
Epic optional bull shark scuba experience, plus time to relax, explore, fish, or soak up island life. Optional fishing trip or manta ray swimming trip in the afternoon.
Day 6 (7 August) – Island Goodbye
Final swim, snorkel, freedive, breakfast and lunch before ferrying back to the mainland where another night of accomodation is arranged for you.
Day 7 (8 August) - fly back home
Includes: guided freediving & snorkelling, optional scuba dives, accommodation in island bures, meals, expert instructors, and plenty of island downtime.
Suitable for all experience levels.
Kuata Island
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from our cosy beach house style accommodation, located directly opposite the beach! Whether you opt for a private Queen bedroom to yourself or a Twin Share Room, your senses will be invigorated by the scenery and salty air.
Shannon - Founder, The Salty Tribe
Shannon created Salty Tribe to help people reconnect with the ocean in ways that go far beyond the surface.
Having swum with sharks around the world — from Great Whites to reef sharks and whale sharks — she believes these animals are some of the most powerful teachers when it comes to fear, presence and respect for the natural world.
Her retreats are known for blending adventure with genuine personal growth.
With nearly two decades of experience as a snorkel and dive instructor, educator, conservationist, and more recently as a certified results coach, people say she has a knack for creating a safe and comfortable environment for them to explore the ocean.
She’s deeply passionate about guiding others into the water with sharks because it was through these experiences that she transformed many of her own personal challenges.
For more details about her qualifications explore here.
James – Founder, Freedive Geelong
James founded Freedive Geelong from a simple desire: to get more people into the water… and more importantly, under it.
With decades spent surfing, spearfishing and freediving, he brings deep ocean knowledge and a calm, grounded teaching style.
Freediving Instructor with Apnea Total and PADI, a qualified Intensive Care Paramedic, an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety, as well as a Surfing and Surf Survival Instructor with his Surf Bronze Medallion.
Safety, skill development and calm confidence in the water are at the core of everything he does.
His favourite moment is watching the shift when someone realises they’re capable of far more underwater than they expected.
What previous participants are saying
Book now!
Once you’ve paid your deposit we will send you an email with the itinerary, waivers and terms and conditions to sign and return.
Upcoming Retreats
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26 Feb - 1 March, 2026 - 1 SPOT LEFT!
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Explore the wisdom of whales and self while swimming alongside these gentle giants of the ocean in Jervis Bay, NSW.
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11-13 September, 2026 - 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
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Fiji Retreat: bull sharks, manta rays and coral reefs!
COMING SOON!
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25-31 July, 2026
