Your experience

Snorkel alongside sharks in Oahu’s deep open ocean for a cage-free encounter, with a small group, full snorkel gear, and photos and videos included.

Getting started

Choose a morning or afternoon departure at 8am, 10am, 12pm, or 2pm, then arrive ready for your offshore adventure. Keep belongings to a minimum by bringing only a towel and essential valuables, and apply sunscreen before boarding. After a short briefing covering the experience and equipment requirements, join a small group of up to 8 guests and head into offshore waters where depths can exceed 250 feet.

What to expect

Oahu cage-free open-water shark snorkeling

Experience Hawaii’s sharks from the surface of deep pelagic waters, without a cage separating you from the open ocean. You’ll float and snorkel at the surface while sharks move below and around you in their natural environment. Previous snorkeling experience is highly recommended, and participants of all ages can join as long as they meet the required equipment and safety guidelines.

Features

• Cage-free shark encounters: Enter open ocean waters 250 feet deep or more and snorkel at the surface while observing sharks in their natural environment, with no cage between you and the water.
• Small-group experience: Join a maximum of 8 guests, keeping the group compact for a more controlled and personal experience in the water.
• Multiple departure times: Choose from 8am, 10am, 12pm, or 2pm departure slots to fit your Oahu sightseeing plans.
• Full snorkel setup: Use the necessary snorkeling equipment provided for the experience, so you can arrive without having to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins.
• Bring your own gear if preferred: You can use your own equipment if it meets the requirements: a proper mask and snorkel, plus closed-heel fins unless you are wearing booties.
• Underwater media included: Leave the underwater camera behind and focus on the sharks while photos and videos are captured for you during the experience.
• Deep-water setting: Snorkel above offshore waters reaching depths of more than 250 feet, creating the expansive open-ocean setting that defines this shark encounter.
• Snorkeling experience recommended: Because this is a cage-free open-water activity, previous snorkeling experience is highly recommended so you feel comfortable floating and maneuvering in ocean conditions.
• All-age participation: Guests of all ages can participate provided they can use the required equipment and meet the operator’s safety requirements.
• Travel-light setup: Keep your belongings limited to a towel and small valuables, helping keep the boat organized and the deck clear during the offshore trip.
• Safety and equipment requirements: Follow the operator’s equipment and participation guidelines throughout the experience; guests who cannot meet the requirements may be unable to participate.

Highlights

• Swim cage-free alongside sandbar and Galapagos sharks in the open ocean, giving you a close and unrestricted view of these powerful animals in their natural habitat.
• Travel more than 3 miles offshore from Haleiwa’s North Shore with the original shark boat crew for a 1.5–2-hour experience, including approximately 30 minutes in the water.
• Stay supported by a safety diver throughout your time in the water, with guidance and interaction to help you navigate the encounter confidently.
• Enjoy a small-group experience limited to 8 people, with all snorkel equipment, photos, and videos included so you can focus on the experience.
• Learn about Hawaii’s sharks while your participation helps support ongoing shark research and conservation efforts.