Pelagic Open-Water Dive

Pelagic Shark Dive Tour runs through Islandview Hawaii. Rated 4.9 across 224 reviews. Runs 1.5 to 2 hours. From $150.

Overview

This North Shore trip puts you in the open water off Haleiwa with the sharks that live there, run by Islandview Hawaii, a crew that calls itself the original shark boat operation on Oahu. You meet at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, take a boat ride out, and then swim and snorkel on the surface while Galapagos sharks, sandbar sharks, gray reef sharks and others pass below. White tipped reef sharks, scalloped hammerheads and tiger sharks are also possible sightings.

5 to 2 hours. A safety diver stays in the water with the group, and the crew handles all the photography, which is included rather than sold as an add-on. Kids aged 5 and up can join with an adult, and each trip carries a maximum of 8 travellers.

It suits anyone after a short, high-impact ocean activity who is comfortable spending time on a boat before the swim. It is not a fit for wheelchair users, and anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead, since the listing recommends taking Dramamine an hour before the tour.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Haleiwa harborArrive at Island View Hawaii, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, on the left side of the harbor next to the boat launching ramp and loading dock, 15 minutes before your tour time. Free parking is available near the dock.
2. Check in at Island View HawaiiThe listing sets aside 15 minutes at the departure point before the boat heads out.
3. Boat ride outThe crew sails out from the harbor toward the open-water site, with live commentary on board about sharks, local marine life and the culture of respect for native animals.
4. Snorkel with sharksSwim and snorkel on the surface with a safety diver present, watching for the shark species that frequent the area. Personal underwater cameras are not allowed in the water; the crew takes photos and videos instead.
5. Return to harborThe activity ends back at the same meeting point, with the crew's photos and videos shared before or shortly after you leave the boat.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from what you wear to how the photos work.

• Dress ready to swim. Come already wearing your swimsuit, since the listing asks you to arrive dressed to get in the water. Apply sunscreen before boarding to keep excess oils and scents out of the water.
• Bring your own water. Bottled water is not included, so bring a bottle if you want a drink after the swim.
• Leave the camera behind. Personal underwater cameras are not allowed in the water. The crew shoots photos and videos instead and shares them free of charge, a point many reviewers raise as a genuine perk.
• Motion sickness matters. The listing recommends taking Dramamine an hour before the tour if you are prone to seasickness, and at least one reviewer described the ride out as rough. A good night's rest beforehand is also advised.
• Fitness and attention. The listing asks travellers to have a moderate level of physical fitness and to keep their ears above water while following the safety diver's instructions closely.
• Small group feel. Trips run with a maximum of 8 travellers and need a minimum of 3 to go ahead.

Common issues. The trip needs a minimum of 3 travellers, and solo bookings may be contacted if that minimum is not met, with a different date or a full refund offered if the trip cannot run. Weather also has to cooperate, since the experience requires good conditions and may be rescheduled or refunded otherwise. The ride out can be rough, and one reviewer was seasick for much of the trip despite loving the swim itself. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, hotel pickup is not provided, and changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.

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