Oahu: Open Water Shark Dive with Small Group & Snorkel Gear

Summary

Shark dive off Oahu with marine guides small group snorkeling

You’ll start at Haleiwa Harbor with your guide and a quick briefing before heading out for your open water shark dive off Oahu. With only six people per group and all snorkel gear included, you’ll float alongside Galapagos sharks under expert supervision—then share stories on the way back in. That feeling stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, my hands were shaking a bit when we pulled up to the boat at Haleiwa Harbor. There was this mix of salty air and sunscreen, and I could hear someone laughing — maybe nervously, like me. Our guide, Kai, grinned and handed out snorkel masks, cracking a joke about how sharks are just “big puppies with fins.” I wanted to believe him but… you know. It’s a shark dive off Oahu, not a petting zoo.

The ride out felt longer than it probably was (maybe 15 minutes?), but I kept watching the horizon and trying to remember the safety briefing. Kai and Li — she’s a marine biologist — talked about what we might see: Galapagos sharks mostly, maybe some curious fish. Li explained how sharks move when they’re relaxed versus hunting. She said if we stayed calm, they’d stay calm too. Easier said than done when you’re dangling in open water, right?

When it was time to get in, our safety diver slipped in first — just this smooth quiet entry that made me feel slightly less ridiculous for clutching my mask so hard. The water was cooler than I expected; clear enough that you could see shadows moving below before anything else. At one point a shark glided by close enough that I could see the texture of its skin — kind of matte gray, not slimy at all. Someone next to me tried to say something through their snorkel but it came out as bubbles and laughter.

On the way back in, everyone was talking over each other about what they’d seen — I think Li was quietly proud of us for not panicking (well, mostly). We cruised back toward shore while Kai pointed out birds overhead and answered questions about shark behavior. I still think about that moment underwater when everything went quiet except for my own breathing — not scary exactly, just sort of… awake.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Open ocean shark safari experience

• Arrive at harbor 15 minutes early
• Board vessel and receive snorkel gear
• Attend shark and safety briefing
• Safety diver checks water conditions
• Enter water to dive and photograph
• Swim with marine life under supervision
• Cruise back to harbor discussing wildlife

Top questions

How long does the open water shark dive last?

The total tour time is up to two hours, with around 45 minutes in the water.

Where does the shark dive depart from?

The tour departs from Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu.

Is snorkel equipment provided for the shark dive?

Yes, complimentary snorkel gear is included for all guests.

How many people are on each shark diving tour?

The maximum group size is six guests per tour.

Do I need diving experience for this Oahu shark dive?

No prior diving experience is needed but you must be able to swim.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be a guide or safety diver in the water?

Yes, a professional safety diver enters first and supervises throughout the swim.

What kinds of sharks might we see on this dive?

You may encounter Galapagos sharks and other local marine life during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel equipment plus guidance from marine experts throughout your two-hour adventure; after meeting at Haleiwa Harbor, you’ll join a small group capped at six guests before heading out together for your open water shark dive off Oahu.