Small-Group Cage Dive, 2 Hours

Shark Cage Diving On "The World Famous North Shore of Oahu", Hawaii runs through Haleiwa Shark Tours. Rated 4.9 across 313 reviews. Runs approx 2 hours. From $100.

Overview

This roughly two-hour trip with Haleiwa Shark Tours takes you out from Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on Oahu's North Shore to snorkel inside a floating cage, with sharks swimming around you at close range. You meet your guide at the harbor, board the boat, and head out into the ocean, where the trip also brings a variety of other marine life into view. Snorkel gear and bottled water are provided. The company is owned by Native-Hawaiian watermen. Travellers who would rather not enter the cage can stay on the boat, where the crew lure sharks to the surface with splashes so everyone gets a look.

It suits a wide range of travellers. The cage allows safe snorkelling in shark-filled waters, and the listing notes that most travellers can participate. Families with children report good experiences, and the trip caps participation at 12 travellers. Private transportation is not included. The listing also states the activity is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, and that service animals are allowed.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the harborArrive at Haleiwa Shark Tours, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa. Search for Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, park near the only small two-story building in the middle of the boats, and check in 30 minutes before departure.
2. Board the boatMeet your guide and the crew, board the boat, and settle in for the ride out.
3. Cruise offshoreThe boat heads out into the ocean from the North Shore to the dive location.
4. Shark cage snorkelGet in the underwater cage to snorkel safely in shark-filled waters and see sharks up close. Those staying on the boat can watch the sharks from the surface.
5. Return to harborThe boat returns to the meeting point, where the activity ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will make the difference between a good trip and a rough one, based on what the listing and past travellers report.

• Take motion sickness meds. Reviewers regularly mention choppy water and rough waves on this trip. One traveller who is prone to seasickness recommends following the company's online advice to take motion sickness medicine before departure.
• Sharks in numbers. Reviewers often describe sharks circling the cage in numbers, sometimes several at once.
• Arrive early. Check in is 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. The meeting instructions ask you to search for Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, park near the small two-story building among the boats, and wait for the crew's call.
• Weather matters. The listing states the experience requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions come with a different date or a full refund. Go in with some flexibility, since ocean conditions vary.
• Group size and pace. The trip runs with a maximum of 12 travellers and takes about two hours total. The listing describes it as a small-group adventure.
• What is provided. Snorkelling equipment and bottled water are included. Hotel pickup and private transportation are not, so arrange your own transport to the harbor.

Common issues. The ride out can be choppy, and several reviewers mention rough conditions on the water. Weather can affect the trip: the listing states the experience requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions come with a different date or a full refund. Private transportation is not included, and changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded.

Good To Know