Oahu Shark Cage Diving
Face-to-Face with Hawaii's Apex Predators — 3 Miles Offshore
Hawaii's Most Thrilling Ocean Adventure
Join the Ohana (family) of Native Hawaiian guides at Haleiwa Shark Tours for a fun and truly unforgettable encounter with sharks in their natural habitat. Three miles offshore from Oahu's legendary North Shore, you'll descend into a floating cage as Galapagos and sandbar sharks glide effortlessly past — close enough to touch.
No scuba certification. No prior experience. Just you, the open Pacific, and one of nature's most magnificent creatures.
- Operated by Native Hawaiian guides
- Floating cage — no scuba needed
- Galapagos & sandbar sharks
- Snorkel gear & life jackets provided
- Departs from Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor
Choose Your Shark Experience
From first-timers to thrill seekers — there's a dive for everyone
North Shore Shark Cage Dive
The original and most thrilling shark encounter on Oahu. Board a boat from Haleiwa Harbor and head 3 miles offshore into the open Pacific. Once anchored, a floating cage is deployed and you come face-to-face with Galapagos and sandbar sharks — no scuba certification required.
Cage-Free Shark Dive
For the truly adventurous — skip the cage entirely and free-dive alongside sharks in the open ocean. You'll be accompanied by experienced dive masters who know these sharks by name. An extraordinary, bucket-list experience unlike anything else in Hawaii.
Sunrise Shark Tour
Beat the crowds with an early morning departure from Haleiwa. Sharks are most active at dawn, making this the most action-packed tour of the day. Watch the sun rise over the Ko'olau Mountains as you drift in the open Pacific with Hawaii's apex predators.
Private Charter Shark Dive
Book the entire boat for your group. Perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate outings, or families who want a fully personalized experience. Includes a dedicated captain and dive master, snacks, and beverages.
Safety First
All tours are operated by certified, experienced guides with an outstanding safety record. Participants must be at least 7 years old. Pregnant guests and those with serious heart conditions are advised not to participate. All guests receive a full safety briefing before entering the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shark cage diving safe?
Yes. Haleiwa Shark Tours has an outstanding safety record with thousands of dives completed. The sharks encountered — primarily Galapagos and sandbar sharks — are not aggressive toward humans. Your guides are experienced professionals who know these animals well.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming ability is recommended. You'll be in a floating cage at the surface, so you don't need to be a strong swimmer. Life jackets and snorkel gear are provided.
Do I need scuba certification?
No scuba certification is required for the cage dive. You'll use a snorkel and mask at the surface. The cage-free dive option does require comfort in open water but not formal certification.
Are sharks guaranteed?
Shark sightings are extremely common — the North Shore is one of the most reliable shark encounter spots in the world. While wildlife can never be 100% guaranteed, the vast majority of tours encounter multiple sharks.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), and a change of clothes. Motion sickness medication is recommended if you're prone to seasickness. Leave valuables at home.
Where does the tour depart from?
Tours depart from Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on Oahu's North Shore, approximately 45 minutes from Waikiki. Transportation from Waikiki hotels is available for an additional fee.
Ready to Meet the Sharks?
Call us to book your dive or ask about availability. Spots fill up fast — especially on weekends!