Hawaii Shark Encounters

North Shore Oahu

Hawaii Shark Encounters is an exciting Oahu North Shore shark cage tour departing from Haleiwa Harbor. You'll ride about 3 miles offshore aboard the Kainani, then enter a secure shark cage for close-up views of curious Galapagos and sandbar sharks in deep, clear blue water. With large plexiglass viewing windows, provided snorkel gear, refreshments, and unforgettable underwater photo opportunities, this tour offers a thrilling yet safe way to experience Hawaii's open-ocean shark habitat.

🦈 Hawaii Shark Encounters

Special Promo: Save 10% on the early bird tours (6 am and 7 am departures)!

Depart from Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu's North Shore for an unforgettable open-ocean shark cage diving adventure with Hawaii Shark Encounters. After boarding the Kainani, you'll travel 3 miles offshore to the shark grounds, where the water is deep, blue and remarkably clear. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and once you arrive, the crew will help you get ready for your in-water experience.

The floating shark cage is accessed from above and stays at the surface, so no scuba experience is needed. You'll use only a mask and snorkel while safely viewing sharks through large plexiglass windows. Galapagos sharks and sandbar sharks are common visitors, and their natural curiosity often brings them close to the cage for an incredible eye-to-eye encounter.

This Oahu shark cage tour offers more than a thrill. It is a rare opportunity to see sharks up close in the open ocean while gaining a deeper appreciation for their beauty, grace and importance in marine life. Whether you are looking for adventure, underwater photo opportunities or a new perspective on one of the ocean's most misunderstood animals, Hawaii Shark Encounters is a memorable Oahu North Shore experience.

🌟 Tour Highlights

  • Three mile boat ride to the shark ground off Oahu's North Shore
  • See sharks up close from within the safety of a shark cage
  • Guides will share interesting facts about about shark biology, behavior, and their important role in Hawaii's ocean ecosystem
  • Plenty of great underwater photo opportunities

🥽 Tour Inclusions

  • Snorkel and mask are provided (but you may also bring your own)
  • Refreshments
  • Hot water showers aboard

Special instructions

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Where & When
Tour times:
6:00 am - 8:00 am (available until August 31st)
7:00 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, Oahu North Shore. Address: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, HI 96712. The loading dock is located in the middle of the harbor, right next to the harbor master office.
View Map

Driving directions:
From the Kailua side, take H-3 to H-1.

From Honolulu:
Take the H1 freeway west from Honolulu to theH2 freeway north. Stay on H2 until freeway ends (8 miles) and becomes Route 99. After freeway ends, go straight through 4 stoplights then turn right at the sign indicating "North Shore".
Follow the signs towards North Shore / Haleiwa, staying on Route 99. As you come down the hill with the ocean in view, you will reach a traffic signal where you will turn left to enter Haleiwa Town.
Go through Haleiwa Town (1 mile) then turn left immediately after the 76 / 711 Gas Station on left side of road. (If you pass through a narrow bridge you missed your turn, turn around and take first right after bridge).
On your right is the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way!

From Turtle Bay:
When you leave Turtle Bay Hotel, turn right (north) on 83 to the North Shore and Haleiwa town. It's about a half hour drive (can take longer if there is a surf contest going on on the North Shore!). There will be a traffic signal and a sign pointing you into Haleiwa Town. Turn right and follow the road over the white, narrow bridge. Immediately after, turn right again before the 76 gas station (right after Haleiwa Joe's Restaurant). On your right will be the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves around and out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way.
Restrictions
The entry and exit into the cage requires you to be able to climb down a 5-step ladder.
You must be able to pull your own weight back up the ladder and into the boat.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
2 hours
Capacity
12
Equipment
32' Radon vessel
Vendor Info

This activity is operated by Hawaii Shark Encounters

Video

    Hawaii Shark Encounters - Hawaii Discount prices

  • Early Bird Special

  • Regular Rate