Shark Encounters

Do I need experience with scuba diving or snorkeling to go inside the shark cage?
No! You only need to be able to climb down a short ladder and hang onto a handrail. We get many people that don’t even know how to swim!

Can I go out on the boat, but not go inside the cage?
Absolutely! There is not a bad seat in the house. From the boat you can see the sharks swimming near or on the surface with their fins slicing through the water. Of course the best view is from inside the cage.

Can I go outside of the cage?
No way! You would probably be fine, we go outside all the time, but these are big sharks with lost of teeth so we don’t want to risk a guest getting bit.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes! We don’t think this tour is appropriate for children younger than five years old.

How long is the tour?
It’s a 2-hour tour, including a 15 min boat ride to and from the site.

What equipment should I bring?
All you need in the cage is a mask and snorkel and we provide that. A towel and sunscreen will definitely make you more comfortable. If you prefer to use your own snorkeling equipment, feel free. Maybe a sweater or a windbreaker to keep you warm once you get out of the water.

How far out does the boat go?
Three miles. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on ocean conditions.

How deep is the ocean where you see the sharks?
Almost 500 feet deep. You cannot see the bottom! This is actually the scariest part for most people. The water is incredibly clear and blue here. You feel very small in this big ocean.

Is the water cold?
Not really, it is a little cool at first but you get used to it. Some people wear a short wetsuit but most do not. The water temp is the same as at the beach. A sweatshirt can also be nice when you get out of the water.

Will I get seasick?
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 or the chewable Bonine, read the instructions. It must be taken in advance. Fortunately, if you get sick, the tour is only two hours and land is an instant cure. Even those that get sick have a tremendous time.

What kind of sharks do you see?
Galapagos sharks, Sandbar sharks, and Grey Reef Sharks are our most common visitors. Rare appearance by Tiger Sharks.

Will the sharks attack the cage?
No! 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.

Has anybody been bitten or killed?
Not by sharks! We have a perfect safety record. Your biggest concern will be keeping your excited friends off your back while you are inside the cage.

What if I have a great fear of sharks?
No problem. We have had many people on board that were terrified. Within a few minutes of being inside the cage you will be completely comfortable. We have seen it many times before. Seeing these magnificent creatures and how they behave will change your attitude and ease your fears forever.

Why do the sharks show up?
We go to the same place every day. They have become accustomed to the sound of our boats.

These sharks have followed crab-fishing boats on the North Shore for many years as they retrieved their crab traps and tossed old bait over the side. The sharks learned that certain boats would hand out scraps of fish. We went to the same places and acted just like a crab boat, but instead started to introduce a cage.

Are there photo/video services available on board?
Yes, but please let us know when you make reservations that you would like the personalized video. We also have one–time use underwater cameras for sale and a Shark DVD that shows the whole experience plus a selection of our best shark images.

Is there a money back guarantee?
Yes, if you don’t see sharks you don’t pay!

Where can we rent underwater cameras, wetsuits and prescription masks?
We provide regular masks and snorkels in small, medium and large sizes on the boat. We do not provide wetsuits.

We have the one–time use underwater cameras for sale on board.

Is there anything else to do in the area for those in my party that are not going on the boat?
Absolutely. The harbor is surrounded by beautiful public beaches. The harbor is located within walking distance of lots of great shops and site seeing in Haleiwa town.

From the Kailua/ Kaneohe
take H-3 to H-1 then follow directions from Honolulu.

From Honolulu:
Take the H1 freeway west from Honolulu to the H2 freeway north. Stay on H2 until freeway ends (8 miles) and becomes Route 99. After freeway ends, go straight through 4 stoplights then turn right at the sign indicating “North Shore”.

Follow the signs towards North Shore / Haleiwa, staying on Route 99. As you come down the hill with the ocean in view, you will reach a traffic signal where you will turn left to enter Haleiwa Town.

Go through “Historic” Haleiwa Town (1 mile) then turn left immediately after the 76 gas station on left side of road. (If you pass through a narrow bridge you missed your turn at the Gas Station).On your right is the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way!

From Turtle Bay:
When you leave Turtle Bay Hotel, turn right (north) on 83 to the North Shore and Haleiwa town. It’s about a half hour drive (can take longer if there is a surf contest going on on the North Shore!).

There will be a traffic signal and a sign pointing you into “Historic” Haleiwa Town. Turn right and follow the road over the white, narrow bridge. Immediately after, turn right again before the 76 gas station (right after Haleiwa Joe’s Restaurant)

On your right will be the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves around and out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way!