Shark Cage Hawaii
If you are wondering what to do in Oahu, then get ready for Hawaii shark encounters! This North shore Oahu shark adventure starts with a 15 minute, 3 mile boat ride off the north shore coast & takes you where the water is deep, blue, & you will encounter sharks and maybe even some Hawaiian sea turtles!
We are the original shark cage tour since 2001 and with your help, we've become the best company for Hawaiian shark encounters. We enjoy helping to change people’s perception on sharks since popular media portray them as vicious, man-eating machines. We aim to change that.
Our tour allows the average person to see sharks in their natural habitat three miles offshore in about 400-600 feet of water from the safety of a large, custom-made, metal shark cage. Guests will come face-to-face with sharks as they swim around and under the cage and realize that sharks are more curious and not as dangerous as we think they are. We take pride in seeing a person’s fear evolve into admiration and respect for sharks. Keep in mind, this isn't shark cage diving, you will be submerge and have snorkel gear for ultimate viewing comfort!
We are the only company that offers a Boat Rider option for passengers who do not want to go into the cage. This option allows passengers to stay on the boat throughout the tour and watch as the sharks swarm around the boat while our expert crew share their knowledge about sharks and other marine life our guests may see. The cage itself is never fully submerged. The top two feet of it protrudes out of the water, yet, the cage goes down another 8 feet. Dimensions are 10’ x 8’ x 8’. Six plexi-glass panels (measuring 2’ x 2’) are integrated into three sides of the cage to allow a clear and unobstructed view. A step ladder is built inside the cage to allow easy entry from the boat.
The species of sharks we normally see are the Galapagos and Sandbar sharks. They can measure up to 12 feet in length and are not known to attack humans. Tiger or Hammerhead shark sightings are rare but you can never tell when they may show up. Hawaii’s warm waters do not provide an ideal habitat for great whites but they have been seen sparingly in Hawaii and you can never know when or if they may come around. We usually always see barracuda, ahi, and schools of other fish and during Nov-Apirl, we’ll often see and hear Humpback whales.
This extreme shark adventure is an awesome way to get close to these ferocious creatures, either from
the boat (surface viewing) or within the safety of a metal shark cage with large plexiglas observation windows (cage viewing). After a safety & educational briefing from the professional crew, you will be fitted with professional grade snorkel gear so that you can be ready to step into the shark cage! Once you are in there, you will experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to see sharks swim within inches of you!
The shark cage is not completely submerged, so make sure to come out of the water & check out all the shark’s dorsal fins as they swim around you! For those of you not ready to take the plunge, come & take the boat tour and watch the sharks swim around from the safety & comfort of the boat deck. In the winter season (Dec.-April), if you are lucky you will see whales on your trip back to shore!
THE TOUR
Your day begins by checking in at the Shark Shack 30 minutes before your tour start time and soon you're boarding our vessels Abunai, Kaiou, or Anela. As the boat disembarks and you say your final farewell to all land dwellers, your adrenaline starts pumping and your heart starts racing as you anticipate an exciting encounter with sharks. In a short 15 minutes, we're at the shark cage 3 miles off-coast. During the ride out we will share our safety briefing and other pertinent information. We may see dolphins, turtle, flying-fish, Humpback whales (seasonal) or whatever may fly by.
CAGE DIVER
The cage divers are broken into 2-3 groups and will spend their next 20 terrifying minutes staring face-to-face with razor sharp teeth. Depending on passenger count, size, and ability, we may place up to 8 people in the cage comfortably. We have handle-bars inside the cage on all sides and plexi-glass windows for clear and unobstructed views. A step-ladder to allow easy access.
BOAT RIDER
This option allows you to watch the sharks swim under your feet while you stay on the boat and is equally impressive. Learn about these majestic fish as our expert crew answers all our questions about sharks. You can take some great pictures and video from here. The coastline's pretty too, especially on the first tour of each day.
OUR BOATS AND CAGES
Abunai – Our largest custom designed 47-foot aluminum boat. Seats 28 maximum but we set it at 24 for passenger comfort. Padded seats and backrests for passenger comfort. Only 2 years old.
Kaiou – Our second largest custom designed 35 foot aluminum boat. Seats 19 maximum. Padded seats and backrests for passenger comfort. Only 2 years old.
Anela – A 32 foot Anderson boat and the heart of our company. One of our original boats seating 15 maximum but set it at 12 for passenger comfort. This is a true fishing boat and has one of our original cages assigned to it. We may operate this boat only as needed.
Cages – We have 2 custom designed welded metal cages. We normally use our largest cage which measures 10’ x 8’ x 8’. If we run our third boat, the Anela, we'll assign to her one of our original cages which is slightly smaller and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
- Dimensions: Large cage (Abunai & Kaiou) 10' x 8' x 8’. No dimensions on smaller cage at this time.
- Our largest cage can place up to 8 people while our smaller cage can accommodate up to 6 passengers comfortably. The count is determined by the captain based on body size and passenger count.
- Custom made handlebars are welded inside the cage for clients to hold onto for safety.
- Three sides of the cage have built-in plexi-glass windows for a clear and unobstructed view. About an inch thick.
WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE ABOUT THIS TOUR:- This is the best price we found with the best company up there. Usually its $120 plus tax
- In the winter if you're lucky you will also see whales! (Dec.-April)
- This company has the largest cage up there, and viewing sections with plexiglass, which enable you to take pictures that look like you're in there with the sharks!
- You can stick your head out of the water and I guarantee when you see the shark fins swimming around you will think of JAWS!
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE ABOUT THIS TOUR- Some people get seasick. We recommend taking the earliest tour possible & volunteering to go with the first group in the cage. These are the best ways to avoid the tour getting cancelled. Also, take a motion sickness pill before the tour. If it gets cancelled, of course you will get your money back. If you have any doubts feel free to contact us.
- If the weather is bad they will cancel because the water gets choppy (You will get a full refund). This tends to happen on the later tours in the Winter. We highly recommend taking the earliest tour possible, this is usually not any issue for most people because they came from a different timezone so they wake up early anyways. Also, try doing this tour in the beginning of your trip so you can reschedule.
- The video is expensive. I got the video, it was ok, but it had no sound. I recommend taking a waterproof camera, its much cheaper and you can get better pictures/video.
HELPFUL ADVICE:
- Take sea-sick pills and follow directions on box. We do not provide.
- Wet suits are welcomed, we do not provide or available.
- Call us the day before your tour to reconfirm.
- OK to bring snacks, foods, non-alcoholic drinks. We do not provide. NO BANANA'S OR ALCOHOL, please.
Please bring the following:
- Towel. We do not provide.
- Wear your swimwear underneath your street clothes if possible.
- Backpack recommended to store your items.
- Eco-friendly suntan lotion.
- We encourage underwater camera's or video equipment as long as it does not interfere with other clients.
SHARK CAGE INFO
- Dimensions: 10' x 8' x 8'
- We place up to 8 people inside the cage per drop (max 10).
- There are handlebars INSIDE the cage where the clients hold onto for safety.
- Three sides of the cage have built-in plexiglass windows for a clear and unobstructed view. About an inch thick.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
- Underwater video service @ $70 + tax for a 15 minute video. Clients will receive an SD card with their footage and a BONUS CD with pictures from previous tours. Your clients will be able to make copies and print pics from their 15 minute video without any copyright issues. Please see our boat staff or let us know when you make a reservation. We will make a note of their request.
- Souvenirs, t-shirts, tank-tops, disposable underwater camera's, and hats.
WHAT DO WE PROVIDE? - Mask. Rx (prescription) masks limited, please note upon booking.
- Snorkel.
- Drinking water.
- Life vests (for emergency use only)
- Educational information.
- Assistance in and out of the cage and boat.
- Limited dry storage for personal items. No lockers.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?
- Underwater video service @ $70 + tax for a 15 minute video. Clients will receive an SD card with their footage and a BONUS CD with pictures from previous tours. Your clients will be able to make copies and print pics from their 15 minute video without any copyright issues. Please see our boat staff or let us know when you make a reservation. We will make a note of their request.
- Souvenirs, t-shirts, tank-tops, disposable underwater camera's, and hats.
FEMALE CLIENTS - Pregnancy / Menstrual - Pregnancy: Up to 7 months.
- Menstrual: Normally not a problem. Cool water keeps things in.
HISTORY
For many years, local crab fishermen in Haleiwa favored a certain spot off the coast to clean their catch, each time marveled at the sharks which they've attracted. In 2001, at the suggestion of friends, Joe Pavsek created North Shore Shark Adventures with the intent to educate people about these sharks and offer a rare and unique perspective into Hawaii's ocean depths. During the annual migration of Humpback whales to Hawaii from Alaska, our clients get an extra treat by hearing whales sing and sometimes see them swim by, all from inside the cage.
Sightings of barracuda, spinner dolphins, Hawaii green sea turtles, birds, and other sea-life add extra value With a life-long passion of the sea, Joe's had a boat in Haleiwa harbor, surfed, and dove on the north shore for over 35 years. Being a former private investigator and having worked in the aircraft salvage recovery business, avid artist and entrepreneur, Joe has been featured on "Lets Go Fishing", Japan television, The Travel Channel, BBC Outdoors, ESPN Outdoors, Canadian Wildlife Television, Wheel of Fortune, and many other famous TV programs worldwide. His artwork is also on display in galleries across Honolulu and Tahoe.
Today, we utilize up to 3 boats each day to accommodate our tours. Our practice is to sell out our early tours first to take advantage of the calmer part of the day. We operate at the mercy of nature which may, at times, force us to cancel our tours to avoid possible injury to passengers and staff. To minimize clients from being inconvenienced, we try as much as possible to alert
passengers as soon as the decision is made to cancel.
WEATHER
Because weather is unpredictable we seek reliable forecasts from reputable sources such as NOAA. Although they’re usually predicted a week ahead, we find that forecasts 3 days prior to an activity date seem to be more reliable. The weather is ever-changing so we don’t mean to be rude when we say we are unable to recommend a good day but the best advice we can give is the earliest tour your client can commit to since the weather conditions are most favorable in the earlier part of the day. In fact, when the weather forecast calls for zero winds over the next 2-3 days, those days are the best days to book.
Sea-sickness prevention is recommended, we do not have it available on board.
WIND
Our #1 cause for cancellation. Typically, winds start light and pickup throughout the day. Most times the change is light enough which allows us to run tours as late as 4 pm with shark sightings on every tour. We find that when the 3 day forecast calls for zero winds, those days are the best to schedule tours. Otherwise, the earlier tours are usually the best.
RAIN
Tours operate rain or shine. Our vessels are equipped with vinyl flaps on its sides which we adjust into place to create a rain shield. There are areas in the boat where clients can leave their belongings to stay dry.
WATER TEMPERATURE
Hawaii’s average is 78 degrees (26 celsius) year round. Wet-suits are welcomed but not required. We do not provide wetsuits for rent or sell. As with any other body of water, you might feel cold when you first submerge yourself into the water and as you.
SURF
While exiting Haleiwa harbor guests watch up-close locals surfing at Alii beach, one of the best surf spots in the world. Haleiwa’s waterways and channels allow for safe boating which allows us to operate tours all day up to 4 pm even when surf predictions are 25-30 feet. We hardly cancel due to high surf.
BOX JELLYFISH
Each month after a full moon phase, Oahu’s shores are inundated with box jellyfish. Rarely are our tours affected.
VISIBILITY
Being approximately 3 miles out to sea visibility is hardly a problem. In fact, visibility is usually clear up to 150 feet +. We often see whales pass by during whale season.
DIRECTIONS
By car from Waikiki / McCully Bridge @ Ala Wai Canal- Head Mauka (toward mountain) over bridge, stay in left lane.
- Drive over H1 freeway overpass and take first left onto Dole St.
- Take first left onto Alexander St.
- Take right onto H1 West on-ramp.
- Continue on H1 West (or H201 Moanalua Freeway). They eventually merge again as H1 West.
- Take H2 North cutoff (Exit #8A sign).
- Take Wahiawa town cutoff (Exit #8 sign). You are on Kamehameha Hwy #80. Drive about 1⁄2 a mile straight through Wahiawa town, no turns. Upon exiting Wahiawa town, you’ll see a 7-11 store on your right heading downhill, then over a bridge. You are heading in the right direction.
- After the bridge you’ll pass through a traffic light and eventually arrive at a fork in the road, stay right. At this point, Hwy #80 turns into Hwy #99, its still Kamehameha Hwy.
- In about 20 seconds, you’ll see Dole Plantation on your right. You’re heading in the right direction.
- After about 7 miles, you’ll see a “Historic Haleiwa Town” sign on your right. Take the left at the next traffic signal. (If you miss it, take a left at the next traffic signal near the 2nd “Haleiwa” sign, drive over the double arch bridge, and turn right at the 76).
- Shortly, you’ll come upon Weed Junction circle. Take the first right into Haleiwa town. If you miss it, it’s a circle, go back around and try again.
- Proceed about 1.5 miles and turn left at the 76 gas station.
- Almost immediately after making the turn, you’ll see a sign on your right “Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor”. Take that right in front of the sign. The brown building on your left is the restroom. Proceed downward toward the ocean and turn left onto the pier.
- Look ahead of you to the right. You’ll see our small, white Shark Shack. Please check in and inquire about free parking, ADA stalls, and restrooms.
By city bus from Ala Moana Center: (2-3 hours each way)
See www.thebus.org for route information. #52 is your best option. Please remember busses do not run as frequent on weekends and holidays. From Waikiki, head to any bus stop and ask the next bus driver how to get to Haleiwa boat harbor. They are very helpful and friendly.
By Taxi
About $250.00 round trip up to 6. If we need to cancel or change tours, we do not issue refunds for taxi fares or any other third party transportation costs.
By H Tours Hawaii
We offer a transportation option at $55 + tax per seat for any person staying at a Waikiki hotel, Kahala Hotel, or Cruise ship passengers. Special arrangements can be made for certain circumstances, call us for advice.
OUR LOCATION
All tours check in at the Shark Shack, a white, two person shack sitting at the water’s edge in Haleiwa harbor. Clients can get parking and bathroom information here. We also have available to purchase t-shirts, caps, towels, bottled water, suntan lotion, underwater film cameras, and other items.
How to find us by GPS = Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor
This is the best option to use to find us. It will lead you directly to the harbor.
How to find us using our physical address:
This address tends to lead people to Haleiwa Elementary School on Haleiwa road. As long as the school is on their left, they’ll find the harbor at the end of the road, on the left.
Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor
66-105 Haleiwa Road
Haleiwa, HI 96712
PARKINGFREE – Inquire at the Shark Shack or park in the middle of the harbor near the 2 story building.
RESTROOM / CHANGE ROOMPublic restroom across the Shark Shack up the hill, brown building. Men / Women, no showers.
PUBLIC SHOWERS / RESTROOMLocated nearby at Alii Beach Park. Showers are NOT private.
DRIVE TIMEPlease note that these times are approximate.
- Waikiki = 1.5 hours
- Ko`Olina Resort = 1 hour
- Turtle Bay Resort = 15 minutes
- Makaha Resort = 1.5 hours
- Kaneohe / Kailua = 1 hour
- Wahiawa = 15 minutes
SHARK TOUR TIMES
To take advantage of the calm morning weather conditions each day, we set our daily default tour times at 6 am (June-Aug), 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am. We will open later tours as needed. Call for availability. Check-in time is 30 minutes prior.
- 6 am (June - Aug)
- 6:30 am (June - Aug)
- 7 am
- 8 am
- 8:30 am (June - Aug) or 9 am
- 10 am
- 10:30 am (June - Aug)
- 11 am
- 12 pm
- 12:30 pm (June - Aug)
- 1 pm
- 2 pm
- 2:30 pm (June - Aug)
- 3 pm
- 4 pm
SHARK TOUR PICKUP TIMES
Below are our default pickup times when transportation is purchased. Special pickup times
may be arranged depending on the situation, please call for information.
Total time from pickup to return is approx. 4 hrs.
PICKUP TOUR RETURN TO WAIKIKI
5:30 am 7:00 am 9:30 am
7:15 am 9:00 am 11:30 am
7:30 am (weekend) 9:00 am 11:45 am
9:45 am 11:00 am 1:30 pm
11:30 am 1:00 pm 3:30 pm (as needed)
PICK UP LOCATIONS
Below are our default pickup locations. Other locations may be arranged depending on the situation. Please enter the hotel you are staying at when you make a request and we will let you know the nearest pick up location.
- Aloha Tower / Maritime Center @ pier 7
- Ala Moana Hotel / Mahukona street side entrance
- Hawaii Prince Hotel / Front entrance ocean side
- Ilikai Hotel / Ala Moana Blvd @ 3 flagpoles
- Hilton Hawaiian Village / The Great Lawn (HHV guests only)
- Hale Koa / Lobby in driveway (Hale Koa guests only)
- Trump Towers / Lobby in driveway (Trump guests only)
- Halekulani / Front in driveway (Halekulani guests only)
- Maile Sky Court / Namahana street side of building
- Ohana Malia Hotel / Front entrance on Kuhio Ave.
- Sheraton Waikiki / Don Ho Lane pickup area
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki / Koa Avenue @ green awning
- Ohana West / Walina Street side of building
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Hotel / Tour bus loading zone
- New Otani Hotel / Curbside on Kalakaua Avenue
- The Kahala Hotel / Front entrance in driveway
TRANSPORTATION NOTES
We have a 9 seat and a 14 seat vehicle. Both have sharks painted all over it. We ask clients to be 5 minutes early for their designated pickup times and allow up to 20 minutes for our driver to arrive. Pickup locations will be either at their hotel or within walking distance. Our vehicles cannot accommodate wheelchairs but 2 of or our largest boats can. Please message to inquire.
INFANTSLap child age 2 and under are free as long as they sit on a parent's lap. Child seats are not required or available. If the child seat takes up a seat on the vehicle, we need to charge.
GUARANTY POLICY
- If we cancel for any reason or if we don’t see sharks, we will authorize a full refund.
- Any guaranty applies to our "shark van" transportation and any tour we offer. It does NOT apply to car rentals, third party transportation, taxi fares, airline tickets, other transportation arranged outside of NSSA, or any fees or penalties incurred by client.
CHILDREN AND INFANTS
- For comfort we do not recommend tours later than 9 am for toddlers and/or infants.
- No age minimum.
- Youngest age allowed to participate without parental supervision: 14 years old.