FROM
$100 per person
rating
4.8 out of 5.0 starsreviews
1350
duration
~2 hours
group size
Up to 12 travelers
This shark cage diving adventure by Hawaii Shark Encounters offers one of Oahu’s most thrilling and educational wildlife encounters. It is a 2-hour tour that takes you off the North Shore coast to safely encounter sharks in their natural habitat.
Under the guidance of a licensed crew, you will observe the majestic predators from a secure floating cage. Using a mask and snorkel, you’ll look through reinforced polyglass panels as sharks glide gracefully beneath the surface. This is a calm, mesmerizing encounter rather than a fearsome one.
No scuba certification is required, making this tour accessible to all confident swimmers.
Why Travelers Love This Tour?
Visitors describe this tour as “the highlight of our Oahu trip”. Reviews consistently praise the expert crew, clear instructions, and professional handling of the boat even in choppy conditions. The experience blends adrenaline with education. Many guests mention how much they learned about shark behavior and conservation.
Some lucky participants have even spotted tiger sharks, though sightings vary by season. The focus of this tour is on safe and respectful wildlife observation, not guaranteed shark types – which makes each trip unique.
What’s Included
- Certified, experienced crew
- Snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel)
- Safety briefing and shark biology commentary
- Local taxes
What’s Not Included
- Food, drinks, and gratuities
- Towels, swimwear, and sunscreen
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Expect
Your tour begins with a smooth check-in at the harbor, followed by a friendly safety briefing where the crew explains shark behavior and what to expect in the water. Afterward, you’ll board the boat for a short 15-minute ride to the dive site, enjoying wide-open views of Oahu’s North Shore and the chance to spot dolphins or, in winter, migrating humpback whales.
Once the boat is anchored, small groups rotate into the floating cage, which keeps you comfortably at the surface while you hold onto the bars and look through clear polyglass panels into the deep blue. This is where the real excitement happens. You’ll typically see Galapagos or Sandbar sharks gliding gracefully around the cage, with excellent visibility and expert guides pointing out individual sharks and sharing insights into their behavior and ecological importance.
After everyone has had their turn, the boat returns to Haleiwa, leaving you with time to explore the local food trucks, shops, and scenic stops along the North Shore.
Meeting Point & Directions
Location: Hale‘iwa Boat Harbor, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and meet the crew. Free parking is available near the harbor. The return point is the same as departure.
Good to Know Before You Go
Guests should be at least 5 years old to join this tour, which is kept to a maximum of 12 participants for comfort and safety. The experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with heart conditions or serious medical issues. No diving certification is required to participate, though basic swimming ability is recommended.
Why Book a Tour with Hawaii Shark Encounters Inc?
Hawaii Shark Encounters is one of Oahu’s most trusted local operators. Booking this tour gives you access to unmatched visibility in a pristine North Shore location. It’s a safe, educational experience where professionals explain shark behavior in a clear and engaging way.
No diving certification is required, making it perfect for beginners, and the small group sizes keep the adventure family-friendly and comfortable for all ages.
