Date: April 15, 2020
I am a thrill seeker! I love adventure! So naturally, while I was on Oahu, I went on a shark cage tour. There was no question about it! I think sharks are beautiful creatures and greatly misunderstood.
We went early in the morning—it was still dark when we got to the dock. It’s a bit of a drive, so you’ll want to leave earlier than expected to allow time for traffic or any delays. When we arrived, we parked (under a tree), and as we got out of the car, a few roosters in the branches startled us in the quiet morning air.
We walked down to check in for our tour, boarded the boat, and the crew explained the safety procedures. They told us we’d head out to where the cage was anchored offshore. Once we got there, they asked which group wanted to go first. The crew demonstrated how to use the snorkel gear, how to properly enter the cage, and what to do once inside.
I volunteered to go in the first group! I carefully went down the ladder into the cage. There are sturdy bars to hold onto while you’re in the water—one side is clear plexiglass for great viewing, and the rest are metal bars. Pro tip: do NOT stick your hands through the bars!
We saw several species of sharks swimming gracefully around us. They were so close that if I had reached out, I could have touched them (though of course, I didn’t!). It was breathtaking to watch these incredible animals so close up.
After our group finished, we climbed back onto the boat and got to watch as the sharks continued circling while others took their turns in the cage. On the way back, the crew shared fascinating shark facts, passing around real shark teeth and explaining how these amazing creatures are vital to the ocean’s ecosystem. Sadly, they also mentioned that sharks are often hunted for their fins, used in shark fin soup—a sobering reminder of why tours like this help raise awareness.
Overall, it was one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve ever had! Seeing sharks up close was unforgettable, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure on Oahu.
If you’re ready to face the ocean’s apex predators, try tours like the North Shore Shark Encounter or the Go Adventure Pelagic Shark Dive. For a mix of thrills and relaxation, follow it up with a scenic Circle Island Tour or an evening at the Aloha Kai Luau.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year-round, our Oahu tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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