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    Hawaii Shark Encounters

    4.5 (618 reviews)
    Open 5:30 am - 5:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Leah H.

    Great first experience out to see the Galapagos sharks and some other fun fish. The two captains were cool, they got us out to the cage safe and fast. You go in groups of 6 in the cage. The captains do run down the rules which help. However; it helps if you are with friends. So try and go with a group of 6!!! We had two that weren't in our friend group and they decided not to listen to the rules and the dude kicked me in the stomach so hard twice to the point I had to get out of the cage because I felt sick. Not the tours fault but it did ruin the rest of the experience for me. The sharks are amazing and I loved to see them! It helped me not be so afraid and now I am excited to learn to scuba!!!

    Adam and Ephraim were amazing! Thanks for a great trip and awesome memories guys!
    Jordan W.

    I don't even know ow where to start. This was a bucket list item for me. I really wanted to swim in open water with these magnificent animals but my family would never go for it so I gave in and agreed to go with the cage. While, I'll still probably do open water alone at some point, this was a fantastic experience. Adam and Ephraim were an amazing crew from check in all the way through the trip. They were informative, educational, and fun. Lots of shark jokes were great for everyone on board but they were also very educational in explaining shark behavior, conservation, and the methods they use locally to track and support shark populations. Once in the water (I paid and extra $50 for the GoPro footage - didn't share here as about 15min in length), we had a blast. My wife and kids (11 &15) really enjoyed the time in water. The sharks came literally up to the cage and were within arms reach. I did get the GoPro outside the cage a few times to get as close as possible. I would absolutely take this trip again. Well done Hawaii Shark Encounters!

    View from the cage.
    Julie B.

    This is the one Hawaiian adventure that we can't stop talking about. Miles and Caleb were fantastic and put us at ease before we entered the cage. Book this trip and create those lifetime memories.

    Daw M.

    Amazing service :) You don't need to know how to swim! Just hold onto the bars. Which created an amazing experience for my son.

    Back with the best friend again!
    Breanne B.

    Our experience was so great back in February that we had to bring the guys with us this time around! Our guides, Caleb & Miles, were fantastic. Real kind and friendly guys, they made the entire group we rode out with feel comfortable and even snapped a couple pics of us in the cage! You guys at Hawai'i Shark Encounters really enjoy what you do, because it's consistent you guys are so friendly and approachable, which is all the more inviting overall. It may not be so soon that we come back, but I hope a double review really solidifies it for anyone looking for confirmation to go, should they be looking for it!

    Sharks from our GoPro we took with us.
    Sandra H.

    Amazing experience. The two guides were fabulous. Rules mixed in with humor. Helpful and very knowledgeable about not only sharks but the birds flying overhead. Something I never thought I'd do with the family. Let alone by myself. And their music selection. It's was perfect!!!! It was a unique and thrilling time. Would go back again ! Oh kids of all ages were doing it.

    Andrea P.

    This was the most amazing experience. The crew was so friendly and knowledgeable. They also made you feel completely safe before getting in the water with the sharks. I definitely recommend doing this while in Hawaii! I do recommend going early in the morning as the water can get rough later in the day and that could make the experience a little less fun as you do bounce around the cage when it's in the water.

    Sharks everywhere around the cage
    Rex T.

    What a great experience. The 2 man crew where so helpful and went out of there way to make sure we an experience that was mind blowing. I would do this again tomorrow. Do it you will not regret it. We were lucky to see a Tiger shark.

    Literally such an amazing experience . the guys took us out were just really great, very friendly and nice but no bs and genuine. The boat ride was smooth and quick. Being able to swim with sharks was such a cool experience, a little scary but i ensure you hahah it's just thrill , it was amazing to see these giant creatures swim right infront of you( infront of the cage). they taught us a lot about the importance of sharks in the eco systems and how important they are to the ocean. amazing experience all together and i would 100% do it again.

    Leslie D.

    The crew was super knowledgeable and taught us how to be safe. Friendly and personable made the experience memorable. Now let's talk about the sharks.... Amazing to be in the natural habitat and be so close to them. If your scared, don't be there is nothing like looking at a shark right in the eyes and making friends.

    My kid going into the cage
    Shay B.

    The overall experience was successful and was an estimated for 15 minutes in the cage!!! Diving in the cage to see some sharks was the only thing my teenager wanted to do and look forward to during our trip to Hawaii. Since she was a minor, I had to go on the boat but chose not to dive in which I had to pay as if I was diving too. We didn't come prepared so she wasn't able to take any photos in the water. You can bring your waterproof camera. I loved that they went through some facts about sharks. It's very sad that they always get bad stories about them on the news. I will have my teenager dive again the next time we're back. Tip not included when you pay.

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    We had a wonderful time, there were tons of sharks, fish, and even a family of whales. Caleb and Miles were the best.

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    Page 1 of 16

    Hawaii Shark Encounters Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Hawaii Shark Encounters

    When is the best time of day for optimal shark encounters and water conditions?

    We went on the first trip out in the morning and saw about 8 sharks and 2 whales. The water was calmer also on the way out in the morning by the time we headed back it started to get rocky

    I can not swim AT ALL but would very much like to shark cage dive, is this something I could do?

    Absolutely! There are bars inside the cage that you grab, all the way around. You can just pull yourself around that way, like hanging on to the edge of the pool.

    Can you bring your own underwater camera?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Hawaii Shark Encounters

    Once we got to the cage they were really helpful with showing us how to get in and out of the water.

    Mentioned in 261 reviews

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    Hawaii Adventure Diving

    Hawaii Adventure Diving

    4.8
    (217 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Certified professionals

    Absolutely incredible experience - safe, surreal, and unforgettable…read more For context, I am an intermediate snorkeler. I did the open water shark dive with Hawaii Adventure Diving while I was in Hawaii, and it was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. I was definitely hesitant at first and originally thought about doing a cage dive, but I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so I decided to go for the open water experience. I chose Hawaii Adventure Diving because of their strong reviews and the consistent feedback about how experienced, friendly, and reliable the crew was - and they absolutely lived up to that! From the moment I arrived at the harbor, everything felt smooth and well organized. They have a booth at the meeting point, boarding was easy, and the crew immediately made everyone feel comfortable. Before heading out, they gave a thorough safety briefing for both the boat and the dive, which I really appreciated. It made it clear that they take safety seriously while also making you feel like you're in very capable hands. The crew was amazing across the board. Captain Nick was super friendly, professional, and thorough. Stacy, the instructor and shark expert, was incredible. You can tell right away how experienced she is, and she explained everything in a way that made me feel safe and confident before getting in the water. Once we were in, she stayed extremely attentive to everyone the entire time, which meant a lot. Megan, the photographer, was also amazing, very helpful, and just as attentive in the water. She helped me get some incredible photos while still making safety feel like the priority the whole time. As for the dive itself, it was spectacular. Truly surreal. Being in open water with sharks in their natural habitat completely shifts your perspective on them. It felt less scary than people might imagine and more peaceful, powerful, and honestly kind of blissful. I saw Galapagos sharks, blacktip sharks and even a barracuda! Getting to witness how beautiful they are up close was something I'll never forget. The boat ride out and back was also beautiful, with great views of the island the whole way. Overall, Hawaii Adventure Diving made the entire experience feel exciting, safe, and unforgettable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone, especially if open water shark diving is on your bucket list. I didn't get to see a tiger shark this time, so I guess I'll just have to come back! Thank you again to the whole team for making this such an amazing experience. I added some photos as well for anyone curious.

    It's honestly hard for me to even put into words how much this experience means to me. Diving with…read moreHawaii Adventure Diving on the North Shore is something truly special, and every single time I go, it exceeds my expectations. The crew consistently goes above and beyond to make the experience both fun and safe especially Ro, Stacey, Terry, and Ronnie. Their professionalism, energy, and genuine care make all the difference. You can tell they love what they do, and it shows in every detail of the dive. The optional photo package provided by Terry is worth every penny. I'm a certified diver and have had the opportunity to dive in several locations around the world, as well as with other companies on the North Shore, but none compare to this team. Hawaii Adventure Diving stands in a league of its own. This experience means the world to me. I travel to Hawaii every month for work, and I try to do this shark dive every time I'm here. That alone says everything. I won't be diving with any other shark diving companies on the North Shore, Hawaii Adventure Diving is simply the best!! The North Shore has been hit really hard recently with devastating flooding. Hawaii Adventure Diving's crew needs our support. Book your dive today!!

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    Surf N Sea

    Surf N Sea

    4.4
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    Surf N Sea...YES PLEASE! My husband and I were looking to…read morerent a kayak on the North Shore, and Surf N Sea popped up in my search. Not only are the prices reasonable, but the service is great too. They made sure we had everything we needed for our kayaking adventure. We didn't need instruction as we're experienced, but it was nice to know that it was offered if needed. They also rent SUP's. The actual Surf N Sea store has SO MUCH stuff...clothes, swimwear, flip flops, and more. They even sell water and sodas. Plus, they have a bathroom. Not sure if it's for everyone, but they offered it to us she once we were going to kayak. The service in here is great too! If in the area, stop in Surf N Sea, you'll find everything you need and more!

    Surf N Sea is a classic Haleiwa staple that specializes in all things ocean activities! You can…read morerent gear for surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, freediving, scuba, and even kayaking. They even offer lessons and tours. If you're looking to do any water activities and don't have the gear, this is a great spot on the North Shore. I mostly come here to shop, they have all the best surf / beach brands. Which is great since most surf brands have closed down their physical locations. They have racks on racks of awesome swimsuits and clothes. I love looking through all of their surf competition shirts. I think the last time we bought a surf comp shirt we even got the matching poster for free! I also bought my short fins here and was able to find a really cute pair. The service here was super nice and helpful when looking for a pair of fins. Now I'm in the market for longer freediving fins and this is the spot I'm gonna check out the next time I'm in Haleiwa.

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    One Ocean Diving

    One Ocean Diving

    4.7
    (372 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    There are many options for shark diving on the North Shore…read more One Ocean Diving seems like they are committed to the shark conservation, research, and education. You sign up online. With the times, if there are not enough they will consolidate times. We were signed up for 10am but got moved to 8am. You meet at Haleiwa docks near the blue hut (see photo). They provide mask, snorkel, and fins. You should bring a rash guard or wetsuit. The ride out is about 15 mins and as is typical in Hawaii, water can be choppy so you might get a little seasick. They give you instructions on the boat. Once there you hang on to a rope on the side of the boat and they take you individually to dive down closer to the sharks. We got lucky because there were tiger sharks (see photos). The cost is about $150 person but I would recommend paying some additional money for the go pro. You really want some documentation of what you did and saw. It's $50 for 2 people. They also have $250 option for photos and go pro but I think the go pro was enough. The people were really good and it was a great experience for all of us. Strongly recommend.

    It was awesome My wife and son went swimming with the sharks I just went for the ride..they try to…read moreget me in, but I wasn't feeling it but got a lot of great pics ...I swim with some sharks in Dominican before but not like this we seen a bunch that came up it was a great experience I'm just glad my wife and son made it back in the boat.. great crew..

    Photos
    Safety diver Faith going over how to be safe and respectful in the water with the sharks with me my 79-year-old mom
    Safety diver Faith going over how to be safe and respectful in the water with the sharks with me my 79-year-old mom
    Getting comfortable in the water
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    North Shore Shark Adventures

    North Shore Shark Adventures

    4.7
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    0.1 mi

    Adding the Shark Dive to our trip right before heading to the island was the best decision we made…read more This was the most incredible experience I have ever experienced. We arrived a little more than 30 minutes prior to our charter time, unfortunately the captain missed us at check in and we joined a later charter which worked out really well for us. Captain Ken was our boat captain and he was very kind & knowledgeable, he provided us alot of information prior to us taking off and while we were out on the water. He also had floating camera handles he allowed us to use - thanks Ken - we didn't even think about this. The First Mate & crew on our charter were great and very informative. It was whale season in Hawaii while we were there so we were able to see sprays from the whales on the trip out to the shark encounter area. We were able to see whales breaching the water in the distance, we also saw alot of sharks. The charter takes us 3 miles off shore & then hooks up to the shark cages that are tethered out in the open water while charters go to and from. It is about a 20 minute boat ride out to the shark cages & 20 minutes back. Each group gets so spend roughly 20 minutes in the shark cage, getting up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Captain Ken took some video footage from a pole camera and we were able to be in the background in the cage, the video provided by the captain was clear and a great perspective. I am so glad that we added this to our trip because this was hands down one of the coolest experiences of my life! I would definitely do this again, on our next trip to Hawaii.

    First, the trip started a little late. They were about 15 minutes late to pick us up since the last…read morecharter had run over. No big deal, but we wish they could have at least told us since we had to show up 30 minutes early, we were standing around for almost an hour with no real communication about them being late. Because they were late to pick us up, they seemed a little rushed, telling us we needed to make sure we were quick and rushing us into the water. I get that they were behind but it wasn't our fault. The water was very, very rough. Which is not the boat's fault either, but just a warning to others. I have heard sometimes it's super calm so I am sure it's likely time of year, but when we went it was bad. Almost every single person got seasick. Also, when you go in the cage, it's almost worse for the seasickness. You are getting tossed around badly inside that thing. We actually had to hold on pretty hard. We were given some cool facts about the sharks and the waters, but it was like 5 minutes worth. We wish they would have talked with us a little bit more. Also, they were very thorough with instructions regarding safety of the cage, which is great. They gave no instructions about the mask and snorkel. I guess they just assumed everyone understood, but we had one guy get in the water and asked how to use the snorkel. I guess overall, when compared to other boat tours we had went on in Hawai'i, this one just doesn't compare. They provide no drinks or snacks (which again is okay, but for the same cost on another boat we were given them). Seeing the sharks was super cool; I just don't know if it was worth it.

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    Swimming with sharks in cage- Hawaii
    Swimming with sharks in cage- Hawaii
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    Hawaii Shark Encounters - diving - Updated July 2026

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