SHARK CAGE DIVE $150 passenger/boat rider $95
"Pearls don't lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for it." > Chinese Proverb
Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face to face in the pristine waters of Oahu, Hawaii. From the safety of a cage, you will see the ocean's majestic hunters in their natural environment, surrounded by the deep blue of the North Shore.
Shark-Cage Adventure Includes:
Pick-up, transportation to North Shore Haleiwa Harbor and back.
Priority V.I.P. service so we are first in, first out so alleviating the typical long wait and transportation times.
2-hour round trip boat ride to shark-cage location 3 miles out and approx 20-minutes in cage.
We go with you on the boat and in the water so we can take photos and video.
Beverages, snacks and lunch.
Memories of a lifetime.
*Please note that you must choose more adventures creating a "Bucket List" tour for us to guide you on your shark-cage adventure. If you only want to do the shark-cage dive then we will make your appointment but you will need to arrange your own transportation to the North Shore.
More than just an adventure, this educational open ocean shark tour takes you into a world that few can ever experience. Watch the sharks as they glide gracefully through the deep blue.
We take you over three miles off shore, where you can observe Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment from the safety of a floating cage. No scuba experience is necessary, you enter the cage from above and stay on the surface using a mask and snorkel.
Education is a very important part of our shark adventure. You will be presented with fascinating facts about shark biology and behavior, about ocean life, conservation issues and about the significance of sharks in Hawaiian culture and mythology.
What's out there?
Galapagos Shark “Carcharinus Galapagensis”
Reaching 12-feet in length and weighing as much as 400 pounds, this shark is known as an aggressive and dangerous shark. We believe that this classification is a little exaggerated due to a behavior that is bold and curious. They come very close, as in right-against-the-cage close. These sharks can be seen any time of year but during spring and early summer they are numerous. There isn't much more excitement than being in a cage completely surrounded by these awesome animals.
Sandbar Shark “Carcharinus Plumbeus”
The sandbar shark is a common shark with an average size of 4-6 feet and a maximum size of almost 8 feet. These quick and agile sharks often swarm around the boat and cage. Our most consistent visitor, the sandbars can be bet upon to show up almost immediately after we do.
Tiger Shark “Galeocerdo Cuvier”
A very rare encounter that happens just a couple times a year. When they do come, this notorious shark is amazingly camera shy. This photo and the other tiger photos on the gallery page were a very lucky combination of being in the right place at the right time!
Humpback Whale “Megaptera Novaeangliae”
During whale season, (around November to March) whale sightings are almost certain. Quite often they come very close and their songs can be heard while swimming in the cage. Hawaii is a humpback whale sanctuary and approaching the within 200 meters of them is prohibited. However, if they come to you it is another story and sometimes they come in for a pretty close look.
Spinner Dolphin “Stenella longirostris”
Our tours often begin or end with a dolphin escort.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shark-Cage Dive:
Q. Will I get seasick?
A. If you are prone to motion sickness, yes you will. During the shark encounter, the boat is drifting with the engine off. Even on the calmest days, the boat never stops rocking. If you plan on taking something like Dramamine, read the instructions. It must be taken in advance.
Q. How deep is the ocean where you see the sharks?
A. It is over 600 feet deep at the tour site. You cannot see the bottom. The water is incredibly clear and blue here.
Q. Why do the sharks show up?
A. Because we tell them too via text, email and Facebook. The North Shore has always had a large resident group of Galapagos and Sandbar Sharks. Because these sharks are bottom feeding sharks that look for crab, crustaceans and octopus, they prefer the areas of the ocean at the 150 to 200 foot depth. They also cruise to scavenge for sick, weak or dying fish which is why they are so important in keeping our oceans clean. They will also check out anything that floats in the water column, such as debris and of course the boat and cage, as fish life in the open blue ocean will often congregate under and around such floating objects. Crab fishermen have had their cages here for 50-years and when they pull their cages up and toss the bait and less desirable catches back in the ocean, the sharks feed off that too. We visit that site where the sharks naturally show up and observe them as they go about their business.
Q. Can I go outside of the cage?
A. Sure, makes your video more exciting… at least for the rest of us. Actually no, you can’t. You would probably be fine, but these are big sharks with lots of teeth so we don't want to risk a guest getting bit... or even worse; you biting the shark.
Q. Do I need experience with scuba diving or snorkeling to go inside the shark cage?
A. No! You only need to be able to climb down a short ladder and hang onto a handrail.
Q. Can the cage sink?
A. No, it won’t. Floats surround the cage on all sides and they keep it level in the water. The top of the cage is actually 2-feet above the surface. The cage is also tied to the boat with several lines.
Q. How do I get in the cage?
A. The cage gets pulled right next to the boat and you step down a very solid ladder directly inside the cage.
Q. Will the sharks attack the cage?
A. The sharks will come very close to the cage to investigate but they do not charge at the cage or try to bite the people inside. Human beings are not on the natural menu of these sharks, as is the case with most sharks. However, if you are very attractive we can’t make any guarantees.
Q. How long is the tour?
A. It's a 2-hour tour, including a 15-min boat ride to and from the site.
Q. What equipment should I bring?
A. All you need in the cage is a mask and snorkel and we provide that. A towel and sunscreen may be a good idea to bring. If you prefer to use your own snorkeling equipment, feel free.