Shark Diving in Oahu

Are you ready to swim with sharks? Seeing these animals up close is a must-do experience you can't miss on Oahu - you won't regret it!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

8 min read

Shark Diving in Oahu

The incredible experience of swimming with sharks | ©Gerald Schombs

On numerous occasions films have shown us the more fearsome side of these creatures. It is true that with their size and ferocity they command great respect, but they are also fascinating animals with a very important role in the care of the ocean.

What better idea than to dive with sharks in Hawaii to get to know them better, banish prejudices and live a unique and unforgettable experience? After this day, you might even want to do it again - it's addictive!

1. Dive in a shark cage in Oahu

Shark in Oahu waters| ©Wilfred Hdez
Shark in Oahu waters| ©Wilfred Hdez

Diving with sharks in Oahu gives you the opportunity to come face to face with these fierce predators in their natural habitat. You'll usually set off from the north shore of Oahu into the depths of the Pacific to spot them, and along the way you'll see other sea creatures such as dolphins, turtles and humpback whales in winter. This, together with the views of the surfers and the Oahu coastline from the boat in the water, make the trip highly entertaining.

In a short time the boats arrive at the open sea viewing area. Before the dive, the crew gives the group some instructions on how to act in the cage and information on safe practices. They are professionals who know the behaviour of these animals very well.

The adrenaline is pumping when you enter the cage. It is hard to contain the excitement of seeing several sharks swimming around it just a few centimetres away from you, but there is nothing to be afraid of. The floating cage used in this Oahu shark diving activity is totally safe.

However, if you're apprehensive about sharks, you can always watch them from the boat and record video footage of the excursion - you'll have a blast!

Recommended... If you like sharks and want to experience an exciting adventure during your trip to Hawaii. Swimming with them is a unique experience that you will remember forever.

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2. Underwater scooter adventure in Oahu

Enjoy the underwater scooter| ©Matthew Hoelscher
Enjoy the underwater scooter| ©Matthew Hoelscher

We've all snorkelled at one time or another, but have you ever ridden an underwater scooter to dive among the fish? It's one of the most original and fun activities to explore the waters of Hawaii, so you have to try it during your stay on Oahu.

During this 2 hour tour, you will first sail on a motor catamaran through the Diamond Head Crater across Maunalua Bay. Take time to admire the scenery and take pictures of the Koko Crater, the Koolau Range and the other places mentioned above - they are a marvel!

Once you arrive at the dive site, before you dive in the water the guides will brief you on how the underwater scooter works and give you some safety instructions. The procedure is very simple and you will soon be able to dive underwater on board the underwater scooter to see all kinds of sea creatures (green turtles, colourful fish, etc.), corals and many more surprises.

The experience is great fun and totally recommended. Even children can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult (minimum age 10 years old). At the end of the dive, you will return to the boat for a small snack of sandwiches and drinks while the guide tells you stories about the island and Hawaii.

Recommended... If you want to do an original and fun excursion during your trip to Oahu using these peculiar underwater scooters, the kids will love the idea!

Book an underwater scooter in Oahu

3. Discover the Atlantis submarine in the depths off the coast of Oahu

Atlantis Adventure Submarine Surfacing in the waters off Oahu| ©Viator.com
Atlantis Adventure Submarine Surfacing in the waters off Oahu| ©Viator.com

If you've never been on a submarine before... now is the time! Ride the Atlantis Submarine Oahu Adventure to explore the depths of the Pacific Ocean and feel for a while like Captain Nemo himself from "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea".

You'll descend 30 metres into the water and during the 2 hour tour you'll see all kinds of coral reefs, fish, turtles, manta rays and other sea creatures in their natural habitat while your guide explains all about the fauna and flora that live here.

Another exciting part of the Oahu Atlantis submarine adventure is that you'll get to see wrecks and shipwrecks up close. If you're travelling as a family, the kids will be thrilled to see them and imagine they're part of a legendary expedition to the bottom of the sea.

The great thing about this tour is that it's very flexible. Firstly you can choose between a morning or afternoon schedule and secondly you can choose between a normal or premium Atlantis experience.

The difference between the two is that the personal space and windows are much larger on the premium version than on the regular version, where the submarine is smaller. But fear not, there is plenty of space, the seats are comfortable and the feeling is not claustrophobic.

Recommended... If you've never taken a trip to the bottom of the sea in a submarine before. The experience is breathtaking.

4. Dive with sharks (without cage)

Swim with sharks| ©montereydiver
Swim with sharks| ©montereydiver

If you're looking for a more authentic and natural shark encounter with a little extra action, this cage-free shark dive is the perfect option - you get to swim with sharks in the wild! Have you ever dreamed of anything like this? It will be an unforgettable memory of your trip to Hawaii.

You will depart from the port of Haleiwa, on the north coast of Oahu, and head out to the open sea where the sharks are waiting for you. Once there you will have 40 minutes to swim with these ferocious animals as well as dolphins, whales and other sea creatures.

I like this experience because it feels very natural, as if you were just another fish in the ocean, as during this activity you won't be locked in a cage and you'll be wearing light snorkelling equipment. In addition, during the activity, a safety diver will accompany the group into the water to make sure everything goes smoothly and you will learn a lot about life in the ocean from the guides, which will open your eyes and at the end you will see sharks in a different way.

Recommended... If you want to show off and meet sharks up close, without barriers, to banish the myths about them and live an adventure under the sea that you will never forget.

Where to dive with sharks in Oahu: The North Shore

View of the North Shore of Oahu| ©Rawpixel Ltd
View of the North Shore of Oahu| ©Rawpixel Ltd

The North Shore of O ahu is the place to go for shark diving during your holiday in Hawaii, as it is the area where the largest number of cetaceans are concentrated around the island.

There are several companies that organise these offshore excursions with all the safety measures and guides, who will not only help you with the equipment and give you instructions on how to watch the sharks but also accompany you and tell you interesting information about their characteristics as well as their importance in maintaining and caring for the ecosystem in which they live.

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Price and duration of diving with sharks

Make unforgettable memories| ©Jakob Owens
Make unforgettable memories| ©Jakob Owens

Shark diving excursions in Oahu last around 2 hours and cost around 100 euros depending on what is included in the activity.

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Is it safe to dive with sharks?

Sharks in Oahu waters| ©Colton Jones
Sharks in Oahu waters| ©Colton Jones

The behaviour of sharks, like any other wild animal, is unpredictable and there is zero risk when you enter their natural habitat.

However, by using common sense and caution, diving with sharks is generally a safe activity as the necessary measures are always taken to ensure that this is the case.

In addition, you will be assisted by professional guides who know a great deal about shark biology and behaviour, so you will be in good hands and need not worry. Always pay close attention to the instructions of the safety diver and keep an eye on what is happening in the water at all times.

The important thing is to leave all preconceptions about sharks behind and experience this adventure with an open mind.

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How to book a shark swim in Oahu

Swim with the sharks| ©Derek Owens
Swim with the sharks| ©Derek Owens
  • It's best to book your shark swim online in advance before you travel, especially if you're going to Oahu in high season as these are popular activities that sell out quickly.

  • Choose the date, the number of travellers and book your tour. You will need to pay at the time of booking to secure your spot.

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Dive in a cage with sharks in Oahu

Shark approaching the cage| ©Joachim Huber
Shark approaching the cage| ©Joachim Huber

Usually the most popular option for shark diving is to dive in the water inside a floating cage, as it allows you to view the creatures at close range as they swim by. Some of the most fun excursions are the Oahu Shark Dive and Shark Cage Diving In Oahu.

Now, if you want an epic and absolutely thrilling adventure with these animals (to be the great story you'll tell your grandchildren for years to come!), then I recommend you take the opportunity of your trip to Oahu to swim with them in the wild without cages.

I recommend the Swim With Sharks (cage-free) option. The feeling is indescribable! It feels more authentic and natural as you will be in the water next to them as if you were just another little fish. You have to experience it! It will be you, the safety guide and the shark face to face. Who said fear?

Without a doubt, diving with sharks in Oahu is a must experience during a holiday in Hawaii.

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What sharks will you see in Oahu?

Hammerhead sharks| ©Kris-Mikael Krister
Hammerhead sharks| ©Kris-Mikael Krister

In the waters surrounding the island of Oahu, the most commonly seen sharks are hammerhead sharks, hammerhead sharks and dusky sharks, which measure from 1.5 to 4.5 metres depending on their age.

However, during these excursions in Oahu's waters you can also see dolphins, manta rays, tropical fish, turtles or humpback whales in winter as well as beautiful coral reefs.

To learn more about the archipelago's aquatic fauna I recommend you read the article Marine Life of Hawaii.

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How to avoid getting seasick on the boat

Boating in Oahu| ©Thomas Ashlock
Boating in Oahu| ©Thomas Ashlock

It is common to get seasick during a boat trip, so it is advisable to take some anti-nausea medication before starting the activity.

Another option is to book an early morning tour as the sea tends to be calmer and you'll avoid getting seasick on the boat.