Oahu · OAHU SHARK TOURS
The shark boats all leave from the North Shore, and the sea decides most mornings. These 14 are compared on cage or cage-free, time in the water and transport from Waikiki.
Cruise from Haleiwa into open Pacific water, hear a safety briefing, then watch sharks from a secure cage or the boat deck. Galapagos and sandbar sharks are common, and winter trips may spot humpback whales. The crew includes Maddie and Emma on some outings; they explain the steps clearly. Allow about 90 minutes, plus your drive to the North Shore.
“Great experience, we saw around 10 to 12 sharks. Crew was great and explained everything that we needed to know.”
From Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, a certified English-speaking guide takes you by boat to a North Shore shark site. Watch from the deck or enter a cage with up to seven other people for close views of sharks, often Galapagos sharks. The 90-minute trip can also bring dolphins, turtles or seasonal humpback whales into view.
“excursion was so much fun. Our teacher was very knowledgeable on the type of sharks I would be seeing. He made it fun and exciting. had plenty of time in the cage to see the sharks swim around us.”
From Haleiwa Boat Harbor, a crew of up to 12 heads offshore to a natural shark habitat. You watch Galapagos and Sandbar sharks from a floating cage using a mask and snorkel, with gear and crew commentary included. No scuba certification is needed, and you can book an observer ticket to stay aboard.
“Although we were terrified of the trip, the captain and Co-captain made it very enjoyable and assured us it was safe once we got to our site. The sharks were everywhere. We got in our cage and saw at least 10 sharks hovering around the cage”
From Haleiwa, Islandview Hawaii takes a group of up to eight into open water for a cage-free snorkel with sharks. The crew provides gear, a safety diver, commentary, and photos and videos. Expect about 30 minutes in the water, with the option to return to the boat sooner.
“This was an experience I will never forget! The crew was amazing and so nice, I was by myself and they made me feel so comfortable and safe. Seeing the sharks was truly amazing they are so beautiful and to get to see them up close was indescribable.”
From Haleiwa, join One Ocean Diving’s private, research-based shark encounter for about two hours. A marine biologist and safety diver explain shark behavior, species, and safe interactions before you enter the water with snorkeling and safety gear. Sharks are the focus; whales, turtles, and other wildlife may also appear. The tour costs $165.71 per person.
“Definitely highly recommend. Just make sure you read the instructions for taken Dramamine😆. Epic experience indeed!”
From Haleiwa Harbor, take a short boat ride to open water for a guided swim near sharks. Marine researchers explain shark behavior and water safety, then supervise you in the water. You may also see dolphins, turtles, or whales, and could help collect data. Snorkeling gear is included; towels are not.
“11/2025 Shark Dive with One Ocean Diving was AMAZING! Gina, Tyler and Ethan were great guides and photographer! A beautiful day and lots of sharks to view. Free diving opportunities go down deep or stay with the safety line. Never felt any tense moments. Sharks were in their own element and easily allowed viewing while not touching or getting too close. These are beautiful beasts of the ocean and set so much better and safety. The dive was perfect and memorable. A day to remember forever and cannot wait to dive again one day with these beautiful creatures of the sea.”
Leave Haleiwa Harbor for an open-water snorkel-style encounter about three miles offshore, where Galapagos and tiger sharks are known to roam. The two-hour trip includes snorkel gear, a crew of trained professionals, and no more than 12 people. The boat returns to the same harbor.
“I absolutely loved this experience, that day I faced two of my biggest fears, sharks and the depth of the ocean. The tour guides helped us all feel super comfortable and this magical experience has forever freed me from these two fears, Mahalo!”
From Haleiwa, board a double-hull catamaran for a roughly two-hour North Shore trip, then snorkel inside a cage as sharks swim nearby. You can stay aboard if you prefer to watch from the boat. Snorkel gear and bottled water are included; crew members on recent trips have included Captain Derek, Kama, Taylor, Forrest, Tyler, Nellie, and Trevor.
“Awesome experience! Knowledgable crew and so hospitable!! We loved the whole experience…. Not to mention the stars of the tour, the Sharks!!!!! 🦈 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!”
Set out from Haleiwa on a small boat for an open-water snorkel with sharks off Oahu’s North Shore. Islandview Hawaii supplies snorkel gear, a safety diver, live commentary, and free photos and videos. Gray reef, scalloped hammerhead, and tiger sharks are among the species you may spot. The trip lasts about 90 minutes to two hours and takes up to eight people.
“Captain and crew were exceptional! They made us feel very safe and comfortable with being in the water with sharks. This is a phenomenal excursion!”
From Haleiwa Harbor, join a crew that includes marine biologists and professional water-safety staff for an open-water shark swim. Expect a briefing, complimentary snorkel gear, up to six people in your group and about 45 minutes in the water. Galapagos sharks are often seen; tiger sharks and other marine life are possible, not guaranteed. Underwater photos and videos are available.
“I took an uber ride to the north shore for the 7am because this had been on my bucket list for a while now and we leave the same day… it was incredible. The crew was down to earth, the random group that was with me was awesome. Everyone had a blast. For a 7am crew we were lively. Now for the sharks….we were surrounded by them. They were far below us and the crew was able to get them to come back around and they were everywhere. I was so close to a few and it was ethereal. Best way to put it. It was hands down the best…”
From Island View Hawaii, join a small crew for a two-hour boat trip off Haleiwa and a cageless snorkel with sharks and other marine life. A safety diver accompanies the group of up to eight, explains what to expect, and helps you in the water. Snorkel gear and photos and videos are included; bring swimwear and a towel.
“I really enjoyed it! The boys are very professionals and gave us a very "heartwarming" experience. It was safe and I am amazed by the sharks now! Go cageless!”
From Haleiwa, take a 15-minute boat ride to a shark snorkeling site, then spend about 45 minutes in the water with an in-water safety guide. The six-person trip includes a mask, fins, and wetsuit top. Sharks are the draw; tuna, dolphins, and wintertime whale songs are possible extras. Crew members on some trips have included Captain Jordan, safety diver Ricky, and photographer Nicole.
“Amazing!!! I cannot describe how intense and great it was! I totally recommend swimming cageless. The guides were super informative and attentive. I didn’t feel endangered at any point. And there were plenty of sharks to admire.”
Head about 3 miles offshore from Oahu’s North Shore with a local crew, then watch Galapagos and sandbar sharks through the windows of a floating cage. You’ll use a mask and snorkel at the surface, hear about shark behavior and Hawaiian culture, and learn about conservation work. No scuba experience is needed.
“Excellent. Les skippers sont géniaux, à l'écoute, l'activité en elle même est super, vraiment aucun regret”
Meet Ocean Addict Shark Excursions in Haleiwa for a roughly two-hour North Shore boat trip and open-ocean shark snorkeling. You do not need scuba experience, and the crew gives a safety briefing and helps you feel at ease in the water. Tours are capped at six, with about an hour in the water expected.
“This has been a highlight of our trip! I started off TERRIFIED and even thought, “why did you book this?!”. I ended the excursion with nothing but smiles and admiration and I’m debating booking it again to end our trip. The staff (captain, divers, and photographer) were beyond professional and patient the whole time. They constantly make sure you’re having fun, and staying safe. They make you feel as comfortable as possible. Just book the excursion :) coming from someone who was VERY nervous and hesitant about getting in the water, you’ll be in absolute awe of the sharks by the end.”
Choose a reef, a crater trail or a luau lawn.
