Shark Cage Diving In Oahu
4.8
Shark Cage Diving In Oahu
By Hawaii Shark Encounters
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About
See sharks up close during a cage-diving experience in ocean waters off of Oahu. Travel out from the North Shore by boat, then hop in the floating cage to safely view Galapagos and Sandbar sharks. Snorkeling gear is provided so you can go underwater to observe the sharks through the large polyglass windows of the cage. No prior experience necessary.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Highlights
- Learn from your guide about shark biology and behavior
- Floating cage allows you to safely be close to the sharks
- Take a boat out from Oahu's North Shore to shark habitat
- Expert crew
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Local taxes
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Towels, swimwear, suntan lotion
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Hale‘iwa Boat Harbor, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USAAddress: Hawaii Shark Encounters 66-105 Haleiwa Rd. Haleiwa, HI 96712
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7272P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age 5yr old
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Can I bring my own camera?
- Absolutely! Be sure your camera is waterproof if you plan to take it in the water with you.Answered May 2023
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7272P1
From
$176.60
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- murpjef0 contributionsGreat time!A great experience. The captain and deckhand were great to deal with. If you have the opportunity, well worth it!Written 17 March 2025
- jonesdrn1230 contributionsAmazing! Must book!Staff were amazing! Safe! Got to see two amazing large sharks, fish and whales! Highly recommend! Had a great time, thank you!!Written 25 February 2025
- theangryglue0 contributionsAmazingWe had the best time. There were way more sharks than I expected. We also saw whales and dolphins on the boat rideWritten 21 February 2025
- awethern0 contributionsAmazing ExperienceMy husband, three of my teenage sons and I signed up for the 7am shark cage experience. Getting up early was well worth it! I am terrified of sharks, but the captain and crew kept the fears low with their expertise and knowledge. The boat ride out was beautiful, the team had our GoPro ready to use and we got to go into the cage together as a family. I would highly recommend this adventure, even if you are terrified of sharks!Written 19 February 2025
- vedapokryfky10 contributions8am tour on 2/5Our guides were amazing, fun, and super informative! We were also able to see a few whales our on our trip which made it even more perfect!Written 7 February 2025
- av8tr20250 contributionsGreat ExperienceWe very much enjoyed our shark encounter. Out trip was the right length time wise, not filled with fluff, just a quick boat ride and into the water. We received exactly what we paid for. Thanks!Written 31 January 2025
- maileekoa0 contributionsAwesome Shark EncounterSO FUN Guides were super nice and informative. Saw like 15 sharks it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. They even sang Happy Birthday to my son. Would totally do it again worth every penny.Written 22 January 2025
- jhunter8150 contributionsAmazing adventureAmazing adventure to see some of the most misunderstood animals in the ocean. The crew are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and fun. You’ll see these sharks in their environment instead of a tank somewhere and see the grace and beauty of them. Depending on time of year you will also see other marine animals that makes it even better.Written 14 January 2025
- neibich0 contributionsAwesome! So Awesome!I went with three friends from my travel group and had an amazing time. We saw a pod of about 200 dolphins in crystal clear water, then we got in the cage and saw about 50 ten foot sharks that came right up to us, then on the way back we saw 2 humpback whales. All this in addition to being on a boat with 10 beautiful people from all over the world. What a great day!Written 8 January 2025
- Tera H0 contributionsBest experience everI was recommended by a friend to use this company and was not disappointed. We were warded that 1-3% of the year there aren’t any sharks and that the first outing didn’t have any. I was starting to get a little bummed, but the captain was so kind and said we could reschedule or get a refund! I’ve never had that happen, most places just want your money regardless. No need though the sharks were out and it was such an exhilarating experience. Book it!Written 4 January 2025
- Twrichey340 contributionsGreat for kids.Took my wife and my 6 and 8 y/o. They had a blast. It wasn’t intimidating at all. It’s the only island you can do this, so don’t miss out!!Written 4 January 2025
- allyogden120 contributionsA must do experienceSuch an amazing experince! There were at least 6 sharks circling at all times! The crew was absolutely amazing! They explained everything in depth, made sure we were safe and having the best experience! Its not many places that you say your name once and they remember you! I went in the cage, my mom observed and we were with another family with children. It was a great vibe and just an outstanding experince with great company!Written 3 January 2025
- shassett70 contributions8-10 Massive SharksWe had an amazing time! The waves were pretty big that day. I read on another review to take Dramamine which most of us did. We were fine but one person on our boat got pretty sick. We saw 8-10 sharks and they would come right up to the cage. It was surreal. Water so blue it didn’t seem real. The crew and captain were awesome! Highly recommend!Written 2 January 2025
- melindasdy0 contributionsDec 28th Swimming w/SharksWe did the 9am tour and we knew the waves where a little crazy. Both captains explained that it would be rough at 1st but then it would get calmer the closer we got to the cage. They explained everything in detail from how to be safe when it comes to being in the cage to all the detailed about sharks. Also, they are super funny. The comments made my whole family laugh. Will totally recommend to any one that heads to the North Shore.Written 30 December 2024
- ayoalysha0 contributionsAmazing experience!We had an absolutely amazing time. We saw three very large sharks and we were so close to them! I’d suggest the GoPro rental if you do not have your own. Well worth the cost.Written 4 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.8
642 reviews
Excellent
563
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50
Average
13
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4
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12
dlomonaco13
OC2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Gotta do this!!! 12 people max per boat and boat ride is 15 min or less to the cage. The cage holds 6 people and has plexiglass on sides and bars to hold on to. It’s well worth getting up early for!!! We went at 7am in early July and saw tons of Galapagos sharks, two tiger sharks, a yellowfin tuna, a jellyfish and an albatross! They come close but stay far enough away where you can’t touch them. Here are some pix from my go pro w no filters on them.
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out with us and leaving a review. Sounds like you had an epic tour with some lucky encounters. It’s not every day we get to see tiger sharks, let alone yellow fin tuna! We are glad you had a good time and we hope to see you again for another epic adventure. Mahalo -Hawaii Shark Encounters
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashbee
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
This was the most amazing experience I had in Oahu. Being a non-swimmer I was scared but the crew team motivated me to experience it and it was very safe. Not only did my family thoroughly enjoy the experience, but my teenage son, who is a skilled swimmer, was particularly thrilled by this activity. We decided to rent a go pro, and the footage we captured was exceptional. I highly recommend giving it a try, as observing the sharks calmly circling around and the fascinating marine life below is truly awe-inspiring. Initially, we had booked for an afternoon trip, but after reading reviews online that the sea can become rough later in the day, we requested an earlier time, and the team graciously accommodated us at 7 am. The team members were exceptionally polite, kind, and experienced. By 8:40 am, we had finished our adventure, leaving us with the entire day ahead to explore.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out on our tour and trusting our experienced crew. You definitly made the right call to change your tour to the earlier morning tours as they are always much calmer . We hope to see you again one day. -Hawaii Shark Encounters-
Written 4 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
copperskye76
Seattle, WA14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Thank you for such a cool experience! We pulled up to the cage and immediately the sharks are there and curiously swimming about. I thought we might see just one off in the deep but there were at least a dozen. Crew was informative and really educated us in the nature of sharks and their importance to the ecosystem. Our family happily jumped right in and I have to say this was the coolest experience ever! Never did I feel unsafe. The photographer was outside the cage swimming right with the sharks and we could hear the whales singing the entire time. It’s a must do!
Written 9 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out with us and leaving a review. We are glad you had a good time and we hope to see you again for another epic adventure. Mahalo -Hawaii Shark Encounters
Written 13 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine M
Dallas, TX12 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
This experience was great, and I can’t recommend it more. We were originally scheduled to go out in the afternoon, but I received a message the day before that our time slot was cancelled due to anticipated weather concerns (it had been very windy). I replied asking if we could reschedule, and they were able to add us to a 7 AM reservation for the same day we were originally scheduled.
Both guides were great and very knowledgeable. My friend and I went out into the cage first and were immediately met with at least seven Galapagos sharks immediately outside of the cage. The water was pretty rough (from the wind the previous day I assume) so I was getting knocked around the cage quite a bit (I’m a small woman but a very strong swimmer; the men in the cage seemed the best faring a lot better so keep this in mind if you aren’t a strong swimmer you may still struggle even though you’re in the cage). The Galapagos sharks dispersed after about ten minutes because two Tiger sharks showed up (one was HUGE and she was very clearly pregnant).
Once we were back on the boat the second group went in and our Tiger shark friend missed us I guess because she popped up out of the water to say hello a few times.
Such an incredible experience and my only regret is not being able to go out cageless.
If you’re not ready to go out without the cage I cannot recommend going with this group more. Hands-down one of my favorite parts of my trip to O’ahu.
Both guides were great and very knowledgeable. My friend and I went out into the cage first and were immediately met with at least seven Galapagos sharks immediately outside of the cage. The water was pretty rough (from the wind the previous day I assume) so I was getting knocked around the cage quite a bit (I’m a small woman but a very strong swimmer; the men in the cage seemed the best faring a lot better so keep this in mind if you aren’t a strong swimmer you may still struggle even though you’re in the cage). The Galapagos sharks dispersed after about ten minutes because two Tiger sharks showed up (one was HUGE and she was very clearly pregnant).
Once we were back on the boat the second group went in and our Tiger shark friend missed us I guess because she popped up out of the water to say hello a few times.
Such an incredible experience and my only regret is not being able to go out cageless.
If you’re not ready to go out without the cage I cannot recommend going with this group more. Hands-down one of my favorite parts of my trip to O’ahu.
Written 19 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out with us and leaving a review. Sounds like you guys got very lucky! Seeing a tiger shark is definitely not an every day occurrence. We are glad we were able to get you out there despite the rough weather we were having. We’re very happy you had a good time and we hope to see you again for another epic adventure. Mahalo -Hawaii Shark Encounters
Written 22 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SinginSuzi
Bremerton, WA282 contributions
We had a great time. The seas were a bit rough, but the competent crew had us swimming with the sharks in no time. It was a lot of fun and would recommend it for couples or families, as there were some children in the tank 10 years old. It was an absolutely safe and fun experience.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out with us and leaving a review. We are glad you had a good time and we hope to see you again for another epic adventure. Mahalo -Hawaii Shark Encounters
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emerald D
Tollhouse, CA2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
Definitely recommend going in the morning for calm waters! But later for more shark sights! We had an amazing time! The captain and first mate, were very friendly and had lots of jokes! We had a party of six and they were very accommodating so that everyone would have a chance to see the sharks! The sharks are also very friendly! They have t shirts for sale and you can rent a go pro where the captain will upload the video to your phone. Overall really great experience definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to go diving with sharks.
Written 22 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! Thank you for coming out with us and leaving a review. We are glad you had a good time and we hope to see you again for another epic adventure. Mahalo -Hawaii Shark Encounters
Written 26 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carthea
Ottawa, Canada24 contributions
Feb 2023
One of the highlights of our trip!
The crew was excellent! They were knowledgeable, experienced, funny and personable. We were able to see whales in the distance on the way out to the cage.
Once we were there, we had a quick instruction, then into the cage. I didn't find it at all scary and felt safe at all times. There were so many sharks swimming around us, it was incredibly beautiful!! We held our breath and dropped to the bottom of the cage to hear the whales talking! It was amazing!
I had a waterproof bag for my iPhone, and set it to record. Definitely worth bringing some sort of underwater camera.
Were you traumatized by Jaws when you were a kid? This will change your mind about sharks forever! :)
Would highly recommend Hawaii Shark Encounters to anyone visiting Oahu!!
The crew was excellent! They were knowledgeable, experienced, funny and personable. We were able to see whales in the distance on the way out to the cage.
Once we were there, we had a quick instruction, then into the cage. I didn't find it at all scary and felt safe at all times. There were so many sharks swimming around us, it was incredibly beautiful!! We held our breath and dropped to the bottom of the cage to hear the whales talking! It was amazing!
I had a waterproof bag for my iPhone, and set it to record. Definitely worth bringing some sort of underwater camera.
Were you traumatized by Jaws when you were a kid? This will change your mind about sharks forever! :)
Would highly recommend Hawaii Shark Encounters to anyone visiting Oahu!!
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! We are so glad to read that you’ve lost your fear of sharks and now see how amazing and important they are for the planets survival.it’s always a great bonus when you get to see the whales let alone hearing them sing while in the cage. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and get to take you guys out again some day. Mahalo! -Hawaii Shark Encounters-
Written 27 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bbioni
Essex, CA5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
This was the best trip ever!! We had the pleasure of spending 2 hours with Captain David and Ephraim. Captain David did a great job of calming everyone's fears and making everyone feel comfortable before boarding the ship. He explained that they have a very special relationship with these sharks, and if we go in the water with good vibes, the sharks will return the favor. Everyone felt very relaxed and comfortable. Ephraim knows so much about sharks!! The entire time he taught us so much. He is very knowledgeable, and that made the trip even better. We had 11 people on our boat, so we got to spend about 20 minutes in the water, per group who booked together. Which was plenty of time. The best part, you could hear the whales singing under the water. Thank you for the experience!
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke Schroeder
5 contributions
Dec 2021
It was a great trip. Saw many sharks while in the cage (and from the back of the boat) and they came very close to the cage for great viewing. We were even able to see Roxy, the local tiger shark. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid large waves that tend to get larger as the day goes on. Our tour was 12-2 and the surf was very energetic (i.e. high waves) and it was difficult to stay oriented in the cage, but was still a great experience that I highly recommend! Eric and Captain Dave did a great job! HI Shark Encounters only has the one boat going out, so the crew makes the trip very personal and enjoyable for whatever you need and you do not feel rushed. Eric provided some great insight into how sharks hunt and the value they bring to the ocean. This trip was a little more expensive than the other company, but I highly recommend HI Shark Encounters based on our experience.
Written 29 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! We’re so glad you guys were able to come out with us and experience this amazing way to view and learn about these wild animals! Sharks play an extremely important role to our ecosystems and I’m thankful to hear that our crew is spreading that knowledge. I’m pleased you guys were able to meet Roxy and she is a rare siting for us in tours. Hope to see you guys again! Safe travels🤙🏽🦈
-Hawaii Shark Encounters-
Written 31 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jenjenalderson
Orange County, CA1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
This was hands down the best activity we did while on Oahu & this will remain one of our greatest family vacation memories ever! We range from mid 50's to teens & all of us could easily get in & out of the cage. We highly recommend doing the cage dive vs an open ocean swim. All of us are good swimmers, but the open water current was quite strong. Having the cage to use to steady ourselves while videoing & photographing the sharks was incredibly helpful. I can't imagine trying to stay swimming in the same area or holding onto a rope in the current, while trying to view the sharks under the surface. The cage seriously is the way to go, so you can focus on the sharks.
They came right up by the cage, curious but not aggressive & we all felt quite safe. They were beautiful to see up close, in their natural habitat. The boat was on time & the captain & staff were very polite & knowledgeable. We got to spend a great deal of time in the water, as each guest preferred, and were not rushed in/out of the cage. It was an incredibly fun & magical experience and well worth the time & cost. It was easy to book with Hawaii Shark Adventures & the drive from Waikiki to the harbor was easy. We will definitely book this adventure again, if we return to Oahu. It was a wonderful way to end 2021 & usher in the new year-it inspired us to add more adventure in our lives for 2022!
They came right up by the cage, curious but not aggressive & we all felt quite safe. They were beautiful to see up close, in their natural habitat. The boat was on time & the captain & staff were very polite & knowledgeable. We got to spend a great deal of time in the water, as each guest preferred, and were not rushed in/out of the cage. It was an incredibly fun & magical experience and well worth the time & cost. It was easy to book with Hawaii Shark Adventures & the drive from Waikiki to the harbor was easy. We will definitely book this adventure again, if we return to Oahu. It was a wonderful way to end 2021 & usher in the new year-it inspired us to add more adventure in our lives for 2022!
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cannot remember exactly, but pretty sure it was a couple miles offshore. Estimate it was about 30 min boat ride somewhat dependent on how rough the seas are. Took a while to get boat maneuvered into position next to cage. Total trip time is around 2 hours.
Written 10 January 2022
Do you need to know how to swim for this activity?
Written 20 April 2021
What if the business cancels after the time frame of the 3 day notice? How do I get a refund?
Written 6 February 2020
Gerco K
Almelo, The Netherlands
Goodmorning, we want to dive with the sharks thursday 17 when possible. We are with 3 people, but our mom doesn’t want to dive, how do we arrange that with the booking and istransport included? We are staying in the queen kapilona hotel.
Looking forward to hear from you.
With kind regards,
Written 15 October 2019
Mz_Banks
Rockville, Maryland
We plan on travel to Hawaii the first week in October. How cold is the water early mornings in October? Would you advise a scuba suit or regular bathing suit in October?
Written 25 September 2019
angeldozier
Fishers, Indiana
We are coming in on carnival cruise can anyone tell me how far from port this is and is there transportation?
Written 16 August 2019
I think it is probably an hour drive at least from the port.
Written 22 August 2019
Does the cage float on top of the water? How long do you stay in the cage?
Written 10 August 2019
Yes, it floats on top of the water and you are usually in the cage 20-25 mins
Written 11 August 2019
Bonjour, pouvons nous apporter notre propre caméra gopro dans la cage pour prendre des photos et vidéos? Merci
Written 8 August 2019
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could help,I plan on doing this but I know my wife won't do it. Would i have to pay for her to come and watch?
Written 17 May 2019
Yes, it is a little cheaper but you still pay for your spot on the boat.
Written 17 May 2019
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