What to Know BEFORE Swimming with Sharks in Oahu
You might call me crazy, but snorkeling with sharks on Oahu’s North Shore is one of my favorite things I’ve done in Hawaii, after eleven visits to the islands! That said, I was admittedly nervous before intentionally jumping in the water with the ocean’s apex predator.
In this article I’m sharing everything I wish I knew beforehand, including how to prepare mentally, what to bring with you on the boat, what to expect when you’re in the water with the sharks—and of course, details about the exact local-run shark tour we went on… plus, an alternative (snorkel with dolphins instead!)
✨ Save for later: My First Timers Guide to O’ahu: Where to Stay & What to Do
We booked our shark dive tour on a whim during our second (of three) recent Oahu trips. It worked perfectly into a day on the North Shore—which I outline in my Oahu North Shore itinerary!
We chose to go on this Pelagic Shark Tour and it was EXCEPTIONAL—the boat tour is owned and run by local North Shore families that know these waters well. And instead of choosing the more popular shark cage tour, we opted for a freediving experience…. which means there was nothing between us and the sharks!
I was nervous, absolutely, but the idea of intentionally interacting with the ocean’s apex predators alongside a local guide who swims with sharks daily somehow sounded like it would make me competent as someone who swims and snorkels a lot.
Since I first published this article, I’ve had a handful of other experiences swimming with sharks in different parts of the world, including at Belize’s Shark and Ray Alley and several islands across the Caribbean. While I’m still cautious and respectful of these majestic creatures, I don’t panic when I see one swim by!
If you’re not convinced but still looking for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience on Oahu, check out this dolphin watching boat tour!
Observing a Galapagos shark from the surface during our Oahu shark dive tour
Mentally Preparing for Cageless Shark Diving on Oahu
Even if you know you’re more likely to be injured or killed by a dog, car accident, or an inanimate object than a shark, it is completely normal to feel nervous.
That being said, it is important to put aside any preconceived beliefs you have about sharks before you embark on your Oahu shark tour. The reality is, sharks are far more threatened by us than we are by them.
As we enter into the ocean, we are guests in their home. Instead of cultivating fear, cultivate gratitude and a sense of respect for the ocean and all of the creatures that call it home, including the hundreds of species of shark. How special is it to encounter such a powerful creature in its natural habitat alongside expert guides?
If you’re anything like me, any sense or nervousness will be replaced by awe the moment you see a shark swim gracefully beneath you. It seems like that was everyone’s experience during my shark diving tour.
🤙🏼 Also See: Where to Stay on Oahu’s North Shore (my favorite area to stay on Oahu!)
Our group of snorkelers swimming with sharks in Hawaii
What to Expect When Swimming with Sharks in Oahu
We chose to
Most Oahu shark dive tours leave from the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor on Oahu’s North Shore.
On my tour, we had one captain and two safety divers who joined our group of six in the water. They gave us an overview of what to expect and helped calm our nerves before we jetted off into the Pacific Ocean.
Our guide explained to me that most shark boat tours head a few miles out to spots where the water is 250-300 feet deep. Once we were far enough out, our guides passed out our snorkel gear, making sure we each had fins that fit and freshly de-fogged masks.
We jumped in the water and were immediately met by a sandbar shark, who quickly swam away once he saw us. We swam about 20-30 feet away from the boat with our two safety divers. Then our boat captain revved the engine to attract sharks, who associate that sound with fishing boats that tend to drop scraps.
A few photos from our magical Oahu shark encounter
One of our safety divers took pictures while the other dangled a shiny thing that looked a bit like a fishing lure. Shimmering ten feet beneath us, it sparked the sharks’ curiosity, keeping them from being too curious about us. Once they realized it wasn’t a fish, and we were just humans, they descended into the depths.
We only encountered 1-3 sharks at a time, and besides the sandbar shark we saw when we first arrived, they were all Galapagos sharks. We also saw a barracuda, jellyfish, and several interesting fish.
Most of the sharks swam below us, but a few curious ones tried to get a better look at us from our level. Most of the sharks only stayed around us for a few minutes and then lost their interest and left. Our captain had to rev the engine several times throughout our dive to attract more sharks.
After thirty minutes, we were done, and but we all could have stayed in the water even longer!
Galapagos shark swimming beneath our group during our cageless shark dive in Oahu
What to Pack for a Shark Dive in Hawaii
Snorkel sets and flippers were included. We weren’t allowed to bring our own underwater cameras, but thankfully, our guides took photos of us and sent them to us right after the tour. Also, tour guide advised us to avoid putting sunscreen on our faces (it can make your snorkel cloudy) and leave any jewelry at home. This is what we ended up bringing:
- 👙 Bathing suit: This one seems obvious, but it has to be on the list! You may want a rashguard to protect your arms, back and shoulders from the sun—you’ll definitely end up using it when snorkeling, too!
- 🩴 Waterproof sandals: My husband and I both love our Arizona EVA Birkenstocks, which are waterproof (unlike normal Birks) and make the perfect flip flop alternative for beach vacations
- 🧖🏽♀️ Towel: If you’re looking for a great travel towel, check out Nomadix (I bring mine everywhere!)
- 💨 Light sweatshirt: Depending on the day, it can be a little chilly on the boat ride back to shore. I recommend packing a light sweatshirt or shirt for the ride.
- 💧 Dry bag: A dry bag keeps your electronics, wallet, and other important items from getting wet on the boat.
Watching a majestic Galapagos shark swim beneath me on a Pelagic Shark Dive in Oahu
Final Thoughts: Swimming with Sharks in Oahu
Freediving with sharks in Hawaii is an experience I will never forget—and I hope I get to experience again someday. I truly feel so privileged to have observed these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, and I hope more people are able to do the same. 🦈
More Hawaii Travel Guides
- 25 Oahu Hidden Gems for Exploring Off the Beaten Path
- First Trip to Oahu? Where to Stay, What to Do, and Some Essential Travel Tips
- Which Hawaiian Island is Best? (From a Frequent Visitor)
- Where to Stay on Oahu’s North Shore
- 5 Short But Breathtaking Oahu Hikes, 2 Miles or Less
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