FROM
$99 per person
rating
4.8 out of 5.0 starsreviews
2800+
duration
~1.5 hours
group size
Up to 12 travelers
Encounter Hawaii’s wild sharks in safety and style. This tour is a chance to come face-to-face with wild sharks in their natural environment, safely enclosed in a purpose-built underwater cage. Departing from Haleiwa Harbor, you’ll travel a few miles offshore into crystal-clear Pacific waters, home to Galapagos, Sandbar, and occasionally Hammerhead sharks.
Led by a licensed, experienced North Shore Shark Adventures crew, this 90-minute trip combines excitement with education, giving guests a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures and the vital role they play in the ocean ecosystem.
Why Travelers Love It
Visitors describe this tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience – exciting, safe, and surprisingly peaceful. Many mention seeing spinner dolphins, flying fish, and even sea turtles on the way to the dive site. The crew’s calm professionalism, clear instructions, and focus on safety consistently earn praise from guests of all ages.
Those who were initially nervous often leave the water amazed by how graceful and curious the sharks are. The cage is stable, visibility is excellent, and the overall experience feels like being inside a live nature documentary.
What’s Included
- Expert, licensed crew
- Use of snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel)
- Local taxes and harbor fees
What’s Not Included
- Food, drinks, and gratuities
- Towels, swimwear, and sunscreen
- Transportation from Waikīkī area
- Optional high-definition underwater video (available onboard for $75)
Meeting Point & Directions
Location: 66-101 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
What to Expect
Your adventure begins at Haleiwa Boat Harbor, where you’ll meet the crew and receive a detailed safety briefing. As the boat heads 3 miles offshore, enjoy panoramic views of the North Shore coastline. You might even spot dolphins, sea turtles, or humpback whales (December–April).
At the dive site, the crew helps you gear up with a mask and snorkel before stepping into the floating steel cage, designed for maximum visibility and comfort. You’ll stay at the surface, holding the bars while observing the sharks through clear polyglass panels. No diving certification is required.
Within minutes, the first silhouettes appear – typically Galapagos and Sandbar sharks, ranging between 5 and 15 feet. The visibility here can reach up to 200 feet (60 meters), offering crystal-clear views as they glide gracefully around the cage. The crew provides commentary on shark behavior, ensuring the encounter is both educational and awe-inspiring.
If you prefer not to enter the water, you can still enjoy an incredible show from the boat’s deck, watching the sharks circle below. The experience is backed by a “shark sighting guarantee”. If no sharks appear, you’ll receive a full refund.
Know before you go
Be sure to confirm your booking at the time of reservation, and remember to reconfirm by phone 24–48 hours before your tour. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and the activity is not wheelchair accessible. Each tour accommodates up to 14 guests, keeping the experience comfortable and well-organized.
To make the most of your adventure, arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion-sickness medication the night before or early that morning. Bring essentials such as a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and bottled water. Morning tours usually offer the calmest ocean conditions and the best visibility, and you may also want to add the optional HD underwater video – a professionally recorded keepsake of your shark encounter.
Why Choose This Tour
This experience is operated by North Shore Shark Adventures, Hawaii’s most established and trusted shark diving company. The tour is designed to be both safe and educational, with expert guides explaining shark behavior and answering questions throughout the trip. It’s accessible to everyone – no scuba certification is required, making it ideal for first-timers, families, and anyone curious about sharks. You’re also backed by a guaranteed shark sighting policy, which means you’ll receive your money back if no sharks appear. With convenient departures from Haleʻiwa Harbor, just about an hour from Waikīkī, this tour is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to encounter Hawaii’s sharks up close.