Cageless Swim, Slip 19 Departure

Shark-Dive Tour on Oahu's North Shore runs through Ocean Outfitters Hawaii. Rated 4.8 across 271 reviews. Runs approx 2 hours. From $142.41.

Overview

The yellow boat called Rambo II waits at Slip 19 in Haleiwa Harbor, and the whole experience runs approximately 2 hours. There is no cage on this trip. You go out with a mask and snorkel and swim with the sharks in their own habitat.

Ocean Outfitters Hawaii runs the tour from the North Shore, about an hour's drive from Waikiki. The crew explains everything in detail before the swim, and one reviewer who arrived nervous said the thorough briefing settled them down. Groups are capped at 12 travellers, and one reviewer counted only 7 people on their boat, so the water time does not feel like a scrum.

The ride out is part of the experience rather than dead time. Reviewers mention music on the boat and whales on the way to the dive point, and one traveller reported spinner dolphins alongside. There is also the chance to have pictures taken of you in the water that you can buy afterward. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, so it suits travellers comfortable being in the open ocean.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Slip 19Arrive at 66-101 Haleiwa Rd in Haleiwa Harbor and check in 30 minutes early. Park in the nearest available public stalls and look for the yellow boat and sign at Slip 19.
2. Boat out from HaleiwaThe Rambo II heads out past the North Shore toward deeper water, and the ride itself is part of the experience.
3. Shark swim in open waterTravellers enter the water with snorkel gear, no cage, and swim while sharks come up around the boat. Reviewers say the crew gives plenty of time in the water.
4. Return to harborThe boat heads back to the same slip. Photos taken in the water can be viewed and purchased at the end of the trip.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from what the listing covers to what past travellers consistently mention.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so you need your own transport to Haleiwa on the North Shore, about an hour from Waikiki. Check in 30 minutes before departure and allow time to find public parking in the harbor.
• Fitness and comfort. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness and says the trip is not recommended for travellers with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions, or pregnancy. You should be comfortable swimming in the open ocean.
• Weather and seas. The listing notes the trip requires good weather, so conditions can vary.
• What to bring. Snorkel gear is included but bottled water is not, so bring your own drinks. The listing does not list other items to bring.
• Crew and safety. Reviewers again and again describe the crew as friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough in explaining everything before the swim.
• Photos. These can be purchased at the end of the trip, so budget for them if you want a souvenir.

Common issues. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and either can cause cancellation, in which case you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer wished for more time in the water, and the site is not wheelchair accessible. Bottled water and hotel pickup are not included, and photos cost extra.

Good To Know