Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore: What to Expect

Few things get your heart going like watching a shark glide past just a few feet away. On Oahu’s North Shore, you can do exactly that from inside a floating cage, with no scuba certification and no experience needed. This guide explains how a shark cage tour works, what you’re likely to see, and how to decide whether it’s right for you.

How a North Shore shark cage tour works

Tours with North Shore Shark Adventures leave from Haleiwa Harbor and last about two hours. After a safety briefing and a short history of the experience, the boat heads three to four miles offshore to a cage moored in deep, cobalt-blue water.

The cage floats at the surface and holds up to eight people, so small families can go in together. You wear a mask and snorkel (both provided; fins aren’t needed) and hold on to the cage while you look down into the water. Visibility out there is often 150 feet or more, so you can watch sharks rise from the deep towards you.

The operator says the sharks are drawn to the sound of the boat’s motors, which they associate with local crab fishing boats.

What sharks will you see?

The sharks seen on these tours range from about five to fifteen feet long and often swim within inches of the cage. Most sightings on North Shore cage tours are Galapagos sharks and sandbar sharks. On the boat ride out and back you may also spot dolphins, green sea turtles and, from November to May, humpback whales.

Is shark cage diving safe?

The cage is designed to keep you separated from the sharks, the crew briefs everyone before anyone gets in the water, and you choose how long you stay in. According to the operator, even guests who start out nervous often find that seeing how graceful the sharks are becomes the highlight of their trip.

The bigger challenge for most people is the boat. The water three to four miles offshore can be choppy, and you’ll spend time bobbing in place at the cage. If you get seasick easily, take medication before you board, eat a light breakfast and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Tour times and when to go

• Tours run daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• The first tour usually leaves at 7am, or 6am from June to August, with departures through the late morning.
• Early tours often have calmer seas.
• Check in 30 minutes before departure, and allow plenty of time for the drive. Haleiwa is about an hour from Waikiki without traffic.

What to bring

• Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for the deck.
• An underwater camera or a phone in a waterproof case. Disposable cameras and a video option are also available to buy.
• Seasickness medication if you need it.

Shark cage tour or Sea Life Park shark snorkel?

If the open ocean sounds like too much, Sea Life Park on Oahu’s east coast offers a calmer alternative. The Hawaiian Reef Shark Snorkel is a 20-minute guided snorkel in the park’s Hawaiian Reef Lagoon with native whitetip reef sharks and reef fish, and it includes a full day of park admission. It is a good fit for younger or less confident swimmers.

• Choose the North Shore cage tour for wild sharks in the open ocean and a real adventure.
• Choose the Sea Life Park snorkel for calm, protected water and a shorter, easier experience.

Make a day of it on the North Shore

A morning shark tour leaves the rest of the day free to explore. Haleiwa town is right next to the harbor, with shave ice, shrimp trucks and surf shops. In summer, Shark’s Cove and Waimea Bay are good for a swim; in winter, watch the big surf at Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. Horseback riding and ATV tours at Gunstock Ranch are a short drive along the coast, and our horseback riding guide compares the rides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be able to scuba dive?

No. You stay at the surface in the cage using a mask and snorkel, so no scuba certification is needed.

Am I guaranteed to see sharks?

The operator advertises shark sightings as guaranteed on this tour, but numbers vary from day to day.

Can kids do a shark cage tour?

Many families do this tour together, since the cage holds up to eight people. Age minimums apply, so check the details on the tour page when you book.

Book the North Shore shark cage diving adventure at a discounted price, or call (808) 856-3500 with any questions.