There’s no vacation experience more exciting or daring that you can share with friends and family back home than shark cage diving on Oahu. And for the ultimate thrill, try a cageless dive!
O‘ahu is home to the world-famous North Shore, where surfers come to catch some of the best waves. But it’s also home to amazing shark cage and cage-free diving. We have experienced and dedicated shark tour operators known for keeping Hawaii visitors safe while they enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime close-up with sharks. All shark diving tours leave from Haleiwa Harbor.
There are over 40 types of sharks that live in Hawaiian waters, but around the North Shore, you’ll commonly see Galapagos, reef, and tiger sharks.
Sharks have always been important to Hawaiian culture. When ancient Hawaiians killed sharks, they used every part of the animal—meat for eating, the skin to make drums for music and cultural ceremonies, and the teeth were used to make traditional weapons that ripped the flesh off human enemies. Sharks were thought to have supernatural powers, and some ancient families worshipped the shark as their ancestor.
Sharks are essential components of a healthy marine ecosystem. Hawai‘i is the first U.S. state to make shark fishing illegal. “Shark finning,” where the shark fin is cut off and sold, is also illegal. It is against the law to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill a shark in Hawaiian waters.
Always be aware that the ocean is the shark’s home. It is their natural habitat that you will be entering. When you keep that in mind as you get into the water to be close to them, you will truly have the awesome experience that you are looking for.
Which is Better? Cage or Cage-Free?
Shark cage diving is when a metal cage is lowered into the ocean, and people get into the cage to observe sharks up close. It’s considered a safe activity if the operators are reputable, but you should know that sharks are attracted to the cage with bait (this is called “chumming,” where they scatter fish parts). Some may see this as controversial since it can alter the sharks’ natural behavior, but you can check out the reviews of shark tour operators and be assured that past customers had a positive experience.
If you’d rather swim closer and more freely with sharks and other marine life, then cage-free diving can be a fantastic and memorable experience for you. Later on in this article, we feature a tour operator specializing in cage-free diving you’ll never forget.
Shark Cage Diving on Oahu
- Safety is the utmost priority. Consider whatever physical limitations you have that could affect how you enter and exit the cage. The best tour operators have strong metal cages and trained staff. The cage sits next to the boat at sea level. You’ll need to have the strength to climb down into the cage and pull yourself up onto a ladder to get out.
- Tours run all day, but the morning tours usually have the calmest ocean conditions.
- Snorkel gear is provided, and staff will give you detailed safety instructions. No diving experience is necessary.
- Be sure to pay attention during the safety briefing. They’ll tell you how to properly enter and exit the cage. You’ll learn the signaling system used during the dive, and what to do if there’s an emergency.
- Don’t touch or interact with the sharks. You’re in the cage to observe the sharks from the protected cage interior. There are plexiglass windows in an area of the cage for clearer viewing. Avoid anything that could be seen as disturbing or harassing the sharks.
- Even if you’ve always had a fear of sharks, once you see them at home in the ocean, you’ll realize what special creatures they are.
- There is usually an option to “ride along” instead of getting into the cage. “Ride-alongs” stay in the boat that brought you to the location to observe sharks. When you order a shark diving tour, check whether they offer a “ride along” option to watch the sharks from the boat.
- Especially during peak travel seasons, book your shark cage diving tour on O‘ahu well in advance, preferably before you leave home.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen, a hat, and invest in a good quality waterproof camera. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to use it on your Hawai‘i vacation. It’s a good idea to bring a towel and a sweatshirt to warm up after getting back into the boat from the cage.
Featured Shark Diving Tours on Oahu
Oahu Shark Diving Tour (Cage Dive)
66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
This is the North Shore’s only shark cage diving tour, owned and operated by Native Hawaiians. Business partners Kala Alexander and Makua Rothman are lifelong fishermen, surfers, and watermen. Their knowledge of Hawaiian waters is unparalleled. And they understand the cultural significance of sharks to Hawaiian culture. You won’t find a more authentically designed shark cage diving tour on O‘ahu. You’ll be in good hands as they take passengers 3 miles offshore to shark-infested waters.
Ages accepted: Minimum 3 years of age
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours. They run tours from 7 am to 3 pm daily.
Occupancy: They have 2 boats operating. The Mano Kalani Po has 6-person occupancy. The Kamahele Kai carries 12 passengers.
What to Bring: Towels & sunscreen. They supply water, masks, and snorkels. You can bring your own gear if you prefer. They also have GoPro cameras for rent.
Good to Know: They offer rider rates for those who would rather watch from the boat and stay out of the cage!
Hawaii Shark Encounters (Cage Dive)
66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
What makes Hawaii Shark Encounters a must-do on your vacation is their philosophy. Their focus is clearly on conservation and education. They want to change people’s minds about the common misconception of sharks as monsters of the deep. By the end of your tour, you’ll have a better understanding of the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems and the vital role that sharks play in keeping our oceans healthy. Major networks like Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic have featured Hawaii Shark Encounters in their programming because they’re known for their advocacy for sharks.
Ages accepted: Minimum 5 years of age
Duration: 2 hours. They run tours daily at 7 am, 9 am, and 11 am.
Occupancy: 12-person capacity on their boat Kainani. 6-person cage capacity
What to Bring: You’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks. They supply the equipment needed to snorkel, but you can bring your gear too. They have GoPro cameras for rent. A towel or sweatshirt will warm you up when you get out of the water.
Good to Know: They’re so confident of their dive site that if you don’t see a shark during the tour, you don’t pay!
Deep Water Snorkel with Sharks (Cageless)
Haleiwa Harbor, Haleiwa, HI 96712
For the ultimate thrill-seeker, free-diving with sharks in the open ocean has got to top your bucket list. There’s nothing else that quite compares to this anywhere else in Hawai‘i.
For shark cageless diving on O‘ahu, it’s important to know that sharks are curious ocean creatures. The more you can learn about sharks and their natural behaviors before your dive, the better. It’s best to feel calm and comfortable once you’re in the water. If you are unsure about your ability to swim or snorkel, let a crew member know.
It’s also important to remember that sharks are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Pay attention to your dive leader’s instructions. If he or she calls the dive and orders everyone out of the water, don’t ask questions. Those can wait until everyone is safely back on the boat.
Go Adventure Hawaii has very experienced crew members, and a safety diver stays in the water with guests at all times. They keep the groups limited to a maximum of only six guests. You’ll see various species of sharks, but you might also see barracuda, tuna, mahi mahi, and dolphins. During the winter months, you might be lucky enough to hear the underwater whale songs of migrating humpback whales.
Ages accepted: Minimum 12 years of age
Duration: 1.5 hours. They run tours from 7 am to 3 pm daily.
Occupancy: Small group tours are limited to 6 guests.
What to Bring: Towels & sunscreen. They supply a mask/snorkel, wetsuit top, and fins. You can bring your own GoPro or other cameras.
Good to Know: All guests are required to check in with the captain at the boat 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals can’t be accommodated because of the strict schedule that their boats are on. Also, for an added $75 per diver, guests can receive a professional photography package covering their experience from start to finish of the dive.
