Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Shop

Situated on the island of Vanua Levu in the northern part of Fiji, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Dive Shop operates from the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu. The centre is deeply integrated into the local environment, focusing on the exploration of newly identified dive sites and the preservation of the surrounding marine ecosystem.

For divers looking to experience the raw beauty of the Fijian archipelago, the shop provides a gateway to some of the most untouched reefs in the region. The operation is built around a commitment to scientific understanding and environmental stewardship, making it a distinct choice for those who value the health of the ocean.

The diving team is composed of 4 full-time instructors and 5 divemasters, ensuring professional guidance for all levels of experience. A unique aspect of the centre is the presence of a marine biologist on most dives, providing an educational layer to your underwater exploration.

Captains manage a fleet of 3 boats to facilitate trips to the various reef systems and walls. The entire team is selected by Jean-Michel Cousteau, maintaining a high standard of service and environmental awareness. All instruction and communication are conducted in English.

As a PADI affiliated centre, the shop provides a full range of certification courses. You can begin your training with entry-level courses or progress through the advanced levels to complete your PADI certification.

The instructors are available to guide you through the entire curriculum, ensuring you gain the necessary skills for the varied conditions found around Vanua Levu.

The centre operates three high-speed boats: the Marama Ni Wasa, the Ika Tagane, and the Maka Leka. Each vessel has a capacity of 12 divers, allowing for efficient trips to more distant locations.

These fast boats are capable of reaching the Namena reef in approximately 45 minutes, minimising travel time and maximising your time in the water. They are used for open-water dives, allowing you to access remote reefs and canyon systems quickly.

The shop offers a complete range of equipment hire for divers who prefer not to travel with their own kit. This includes everything required for a standard dive, from regulators to exposure protection.

All shore-based facilities are located within the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, providing a seamless transition from your accommodation to the dive boat.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of large pelagics and reef residents. You can expect to encounter various sharks, including Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and whitetip sharks. In the deeper sections or along the walls, you may see Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna) or Scalloped hammerhead sharks.

The hard coral (Scleractinia) and soft coral (Alcyonacea) structures provide a complex habitat for a multitude of tropical reef fish. You will see various species of Snappers (Lutjanidae), Grouper (Epinephelinae), and Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), alongside colourful Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and Wrasse (Labridae).

Macro life enthusiasts can find smaller treasures amongst the reef structure, such as the Pygmy seahorse and Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani). The area also supports diverse life including sea anemone fish, various tropical reef fish, and several species of Eel (Anguilliformes).

The dive sites are accessed via high-speed boats, which allow for efficient transit to both shallow reef flats and deeper wall systems. Divers should be prepared for the typical conditions found in the open waters of Vanua Levu.