If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, look no further than shark cage diving in Oahu!
Although many people are scared of sharks, shark cage diving can help you to get over this fear and learn all about these giants (and how to respect them).
If you’re traveling to Oahu last minute, you want to ensure you have your shark cage dive booked ahead of time! These are our top picks:
🌴 Best Oahu Shark Cage Diving Tours:
- Shark cage dive on the North Shore (likely to sell out – top tour!)
- Big Blue Pacific shark cage dive in Oahu
- Cage-free swimming with sharks experience
- Swim and snorkel with sharks in Haleiwa
- Pelagic shark cage dive in Mo’o
🚗 Traveling to Oahu independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
Hawaii is one of the best places in the world to participate in this activity because of its pristine blue waters and over 40 species of sharks. Best of all, many professional tours are available, all of which will provide the best experience to visitors.
Although some tours involve getting in a cage, there are also free-swimming tours for more daring (that should be on every adventurer’s itinerary for Oahu).
In Oahu, one of the most popular spots for people to embark on shark cage diving adventures is Haleiwa Boat Harbor.
Aside from sharks, you may also get to see other aquatic creatures like turtles, dolphins, and whales. This will prove to be the adventure of a lifetime, so don’t miss out on the opportunity when you’re visiting Hawaii!
Here are some of the best Oahu shark cage tours to check out when you’re in the area and are looking for a memorable experience.
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Best Shark Cage Diving Tours in Oahu
1. Pristine Waters of Oahu Shark Dive
Departure Point: Haleiwa
Duration: 2 hours
BOOK HERE
Shark cage diving in Oahu, specifically in pristine waters, is indeed a remarkable experience. Among the shark species found here are Sandbar and Galapagos sharks, which you can observe safely from the floating cage up close and personal.
Along with the experience, you will also have access to snorkeling equipment and an expert crew to guide you every step of the way.
Pick-up location: The Pristine shark cage diving initial pick-up point for tourists is at Haleiwa Boat Harbor.
Experience levels: No experience is required to embark on this tour, and it is available for anyone 5 years and older.
Tips: To perfect the art of shark cage diving, always stay on the surface and then, using a snorkel and mask, look through the shark cage and watch as the sharks glide through the water. If you’re the type of person who gets seasick, do avoid diving for long durations.
The tour is also not wheelchair accessible or meant for anyone who suffers from heart conditions. Also note that food, drinks, sunscreen, towels, and swimwear will not be provided, so plan accordingly.
Tour details: A hotel pick-up and drop-off service is available to take tourists to this fantastic shark cage diving spot in Oahu. This 2-hour diving adventure allows you to see Oahu’s marine apex predators in their natural element.
The diving experience is truly amazing as it gets you up close with sharks while in a cage. A visit to the pristine waters in Oahu allows you to explore the beautiful blue waters of the North Shore.
You also get to learn more about the biology and natural behavior of sharks. Visitors are given an expert crew and snorkeling equipment during their adventure. A maximum of nine people can join the tour.
Duration: The entire shark cage diving experience typically takes two hours.
2. Big Blue Pacific Oahu Shark Cage Dive
Departure Point: Haleiwa
Duration: 2 hours
BOOK HERE
The North Shore is another great place for shark cage diving in Oahu. A tour to the scenic North Shore allows you to observe wild sharks safely, thanks to the protective shark cage and the professional crew that knows how to handle sharks.
Some of the shark breeds found here include Sandbar and Galapagos sharks. There are also plenty of other marine animals you’ll get to see on the tour, including dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales.
Pick-up location: The Big Blue Pacific shark cage departure point is 66-101 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712. You are responsible for your transportation to Haleiwa Harbor due to the pandemic.
Experience levels: You do not need to have any experience to participate in this tour. However, it is recommended that tourists have a moderate fitness level. The tour is also not wheelchair accessible.
Tips: Alway ensure that you carry a waterproof camera with you to capture every moment of this one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s also recommended to take motion sickness pills at least an hour before the trip.
Tour details: The dive begins at Haleiwa Boat Harbor. From there, you will take a motorboat to the open ocean, where you cruise out to the best shark location. Upon arrival, you’ll get a briefing on the safety measures before diving.
The ocean visibility can span across 200 feet, giving you an expansive view. You’ll feel an adrenaline rush as you start to see sharks, especially when the sharks start to get curious and want to see you!
On this tour, the most common species you’ll see are the Galapagos, Hammerhead, and Sandbar sharks. It is possible to dive as a group with the sharks, and the cage can fit 2 adults or 8 people at a time.
However, this will depend on the weather and how much movement there is in the water. For those who are really scared of sharks, you will still be able to have a memorable experience on the boat deck. A maximum of 14 people can join the tour.
Duration: The entire cage diving experience takes approximately two hours.
3. Swim With Sharks … Cage-Free!
Departure Point: Haleiwa
Duration: 2 hours
BOOK HERE
This spot on the North Shore of Oahu is an amazing place to go shark cage diving. With an experienced guide’s help, you can safely watch sharks gliding by!
Pick-up location: The pick-up point is at 66-105 Haleiwa Rd. You will meet at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on the left next to the boat launching ramp/loading dock.
Experience levels: You do not need to have any experience to partake in this adventure. In fact, even 5-year-olds can participate as long as an adult is present!
Do note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it is recommended that visitors have a moderate fitness level.
Tips: Always ensure that you get a good night’s sleep a day before the shark cage dive. Stay vigilant and pay close attention to the safety divers’ instructions.
If you’re likely to experience seasickness, take Dramamine an hour before the trip. Be sure to let go of any opinions you had about sharks before the tour so that you can have the best experience possible.
Tour details: The trip starts when you head three miles off the Haleiwa coast to the perfect shark spot, which is 250 feet deep. Alongside an experienced diver, you get to watch the sharks.
Although you won’t be in a cage for this tour, there is no need to worry as you will have a professional next to you the whole time. You will be swimming freely next to the sharks for around 40 minutes.
The intention is for the experience to be as natural as possible, so you won’t need to use any heavy equipment. This particular destination is among the top shark spots, with close to 40 species found in these waters in Oahu.
There’s also no need to visit a dive shop before the escapade as this tour will provide snorkeling equipment. Also, there will be a dive photographer, and you will have the opportunity to purchase photos after the tour.
Duration: The whole experience typically lasts for two hours.
4. Swim & Snorkel with Sharks in Haleiwa
Departure Point: Haleiwa
Duration: 2 hours
BOOK HERE
The North Shore of Oahu is a spectacular spot for shark cage diving. Going on a shark cage diving adventure in Oahu includes snorkeling 3 miles from Haleiwa Harbor, where you’ll reach the perfect spot to see sharks.
Some other marine creatures you can encounter on this tour include whales, dolphins, and turtles.
Pick-up location: The pick-up spot for the shark cage diving adventure is 66-105 Haleiwa Rd. You will meet at the blue One Ocean Diving kiosk.
Experience levels: You do not need to have any experience in shark diving in order to participate. For that matter, infants are also allowed to participate, but they must be seated on an adult’s lap.
The trip is not advised for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions, but otherwise, people of all experience levels are invited to participate.
Tips: Always dive close to the guide and always follow their lead. Be sure to also pay close attention because you will be learning important and relevant information about sharks, their sensory systems, and helpful tips on dealing with sharks.
Tour details: The North Shore of Oahu is a great place to snorkel as there are plenty of marine animals. Shark cage diving is among the popular activities you can indulge in.
This is one of the most unique tours offered because it is led by marine biologists who received training from shark experts Ocean Ramsey and Juan Oliphant.
Therefore, you’re going to learn all kinds of new things about sharks and other sea creatures. One of the best pieces of information you’re going to learn is what to do if a shark ever approaches you.
You will also learn more about conservation efforts and how to get involved. One Ocean Diving was the first company in the country to offer tours where people can swim with sharks without being in a cage, and it also has a perfect safety record, so you’re in great hands!
Duration: The entire shark cage diving experience takes approximately two hours.
5. Pelagic Shark Dive Tour in Mo’o
Departure Point: Haleiwa
Duration: 2 hours
BOOK HERE
Mo’o is another popular destination where tourists enjoy shark cage diving. Alternatively, you can also take a swim or snorkel at Oahu’s North Shore.
With the Pelagic Shark Dive Tour, you will be able to see the native sharks right up close and learn all about how to interact with the local marine life safely.
Check out the White Tipped Reef Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Gray Reef Sharks, and Sandbar Sharks while learning about the island’s native culture and history.
Pick-up location: The departure point is Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor.
Experience levels: As with most of the tours in this guide, you do not need to have any experience to participate in this tour. Do keep in mind, however, that the tour encourages visitors to have a moderate fitness level. It is also not wheelchair accessible.
Tips: The sharks often glide closer, and it’s always advisable not to touch them or interfere with their natural habitat. Also, try to let go of any preconceived notions you might have about sharks in order to fully enjoy the experience.
Tour details: In the open seas of Oahu’s North Shore, you will have a great experience viewing sharks. Gray Reef Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and Tiger Sharks are among the species available.
With the help of a guide, you’ll learn how to safely engage with them, making the entire experience worthwhile. During the winter months, keep an eye out for dolphins and humpback whales.
Mo’o is the perfect destination for viewing Scalloped Hammerheads, Grey Reef, Tipped Reef, and Sandbar sharks. The whole adventure will allow you to learn more about these apex predators and their behavior in the natural environment.
On the way, you will also stop at Island View Hawaii. Along with the tour, you will also get bottled water, live commentary, a local guide, snorkeling equipment, and a safety diver. The trip must include a minimum of two travelers and a maximum of five.
Duration: It usually takes a maximum of 2 hours to enjoy the entire shark cage diving experience in Oahu.
Shark Cage Diving in Oahu – FAQ
Is Shark Cage Diving Ethical?
Prior to these tours, some people may wonder if it is all that ethical to get in a cage and watch sharks. However, the good news is that these tours are completely ethical (we even spoke to a renowned expert on the matter a year ago).
In fact, they are, for the most part, dedicated to conservation efforts and educating people about sharks. Thanks to horror films like Jaws, many people have developed a fear of sharks.
However, these tours help people to get over their fears and learn more about these aquatic animals. The revenue from these tours can also help to employ people who will prevent shark finning and illegal fishing.
With legal and ethical companies, everything is done to ensure that the environment is not affected and that there won’t be any harm caused to the animals.
In short, shark cage diving in Oahu is ethical and a great way to contribute to the conservation of these marine giants and it is one of the most popular tours on the island!
Types of Sharks in Oahu
When you’re embarking on this unique journey, you’re probably wondering what types of sharks you’re going to see. Hawaii is home to 40 species of sharks, so you’re bound to see some diverse marine life.
In Oahu, the most common shark species you will likely see include the Galapagos, White-tip Reef, Sandbar, Scalloped Hammerhead, and Tiger sharks.
Of these, Galapagos and Tiger sharks are the fiercest, and they can grow to 20 feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds.
Did we miss any of the best shark cage diving tours in Oahu? Let us know if you have any tips or questions about Oahu shark cage diving in the comments. Thanks!
More Oahu Tours and Travel Guides
- Honolulu helicopter tours
- Scuba diving in Oahu
- Best things to do in Honolulu
- North Shore beaches
- Beaches near Honolulu
- Best things to do in Haleiwa
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