The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling with Sharks in Oahu: My Experience & Tips

Oahu is a paradise for adventure seekers, and one of the most thrilling activities you can try is snorkeling with sharks. On my recent trip, my friends and I were looking for unforgettable experiences, and they wanted to try this incredible excursion. Having lived on island before, I knew it was a must-do!

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Choosing the Right 🦈 Shark Snorkeling Tour in Oahu

There are several companies that offer shark snorkeling tours, with both cage and cage-free options. If you’re comfortable in the water and want the most immersive experience, I highly recommend going cage-free. However, if you’ve never snorkeled before or are worried about staying calm in the water, the cage option might be better for you. I haven’t personally used the cage option – but this tour seems to have amazing reviews.

Why I Recommend Island View Over Other Tours

While there are other well-known companies running these tours, I highly recommend Island View. I had attempted a shark snorkel with a different company and for many reasons, wasn’t a great experience.

I’ve used Island View twice for our shark adventure and each time I felt completely safe, well taken care of, and loved the footage they provided. Unlike larger, more commercialized operations, Island View is a small, family-run business, offering a more personal and authentic experience. On our most recent adventure, the owner was our guide in the water, and two of his kids even joined the group!

One of the best parts of this tour is that expert guides are in the water with you at all times to ensure safety and provide instructions. Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own camera—this rule helps keep everyone focused on safety. But don’t worry! A professional photographer will be in the water capturing stunning shots and videos. At the end of the trip, they’ll airdrop the footage to everyone, so be sure to position yourself well to get that perfect shot without others in the frame.

Getting to the Shark Snorkeling Tour in Haleiwa

The tour starts in Haleiwa, a charming North Shore town. If you’re coming from Waikiki or another part of Oahu, make sure to budget plenty of time to get there, as traffic can be unpredictable. Once you arrive at the boat dock, you might need a few extra minutes to navigate the large lot, but once you’re there- the adventure begins!

What to Expect on Your Shark Snorkeling Adventure

For this trip, we did an afternoon tour. While morning tours tend to have calmer waters, the afternoon fit our schedule better, and it was still an incredible experience.

As soon as we pulled up to the dive site, we saw sharks swimming beneath the boat! The guide was the first to jump in, and then each of us followed, carefully timing our entry with the waves and shark movements. If you’re new to snorkeling or not a strong swimmer, they provide floating devices to help. I brought my own gear, and they were more than happy to accommodate it.

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Swimming with Sharks: A Heart-Pounding Experience

We saw several sharks up close—mainly Galapagos sharks and Sandbar sharks, with a few reef sharks visible in the distance. In the summer, there’s a higher chance of spotting tiger sharks, and on my first-ever shark snorkel, I actually saw one! When I surfaced to tell the group, it had already disappeared. If a tiger shark is spotted, guides will ask everyone to group a little closer together due to its size. When I first saw one, my heart stopped—it was both magical and terrifying at the same time!

Pro tip 🚨: Try to stay parallel to the water’s surface rather than letting your feet dangle. One of my friends accidentally kicked a shark because they weren’t aware of their positioning! Luckily, the shark was spooked and quickly swam away.

Final Thoughts: Is Shark Snorkeling in Oahu Worth It?

Absolutely! You’ll spend about 30 minutes in the water, and by the end of the session, you’ll likely be wishing for more time. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler, this is an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Oahu and looking for an adventure that combines thrill, nature, and unforgettable moments, snorkeling with sharks is a must-do.

Have you gone shark snorkeling before? Drop a comment below and let me know about your experience! And if you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to book with Island View for the best experience.

Need more recommendations for your Oahu trip? Check out my guide to the best beaches in Oahu or the ultimate 5 day Oahu itinerary! Safe travels and happy snorkeling!