On the Water
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$95
per adult
North Shore Shark Adventures
North Shore Shark Adventures
5
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by North Shore Shark Adventures
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
5,330 reviews
Excellent
4,634
Very good
493
Average
88
Poor
44
Terrible
71
Amy A
Orange County, CA9 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Finally got a reservation for this experience with my 10 yo son. The traffic to Haleiwa can be long during winter months so I would allot some time getting there. I also recommend booking an early morning tour as the ocean gets more choppy and windy later in the day. We are brought 3 miles out on a 24 seater boat. They separated us in groups of 8 into an anchored cage. There were plenty of sharks and it was absolutely awesome! I’ve swam with whale sharks in open water and seeing these majestic creatures up close is beyond amazing! Aloha!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Amy! Thanks for the great review and advise to the community. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you out on the water with us again soon. Mahalo Joseph Pavsek.
Written January 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christine
Orem, Utah3 contributions
Feb 2020
Me and my husband loved our shark experience. I was nervous at first, but watching how the sharks just swam around the cage and didn’t try to get too close eased my fear. I love sharks and being able to see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment was amazing. On our way out to the spot we even saw a humpback 🐋 whale and her baby breach the water. It was such a neat experience. Booking online was so easy and when our experience got cancelled due to weather they were quick to reschedule us and were very kind and professional. Our boat crew, Mike and Paulina (I think) were great and even very understanding when a couple of us got sea sick. Even getting sea sick I would do it again! Thanks for an awesome experience!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha. Thank you so much for this great review and for joining us! We love hearing you had an awesome with our crew and enjoyed our services! Thank you again and we hope to have you on board again soon! Mahalo Joseph Pavsek
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike G
Bakersfield, CA33 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A great experience. I went with my kids teen-20's. We all loved it. Deckhands Jeremy and one other (forgot name) were helpful and knowledgeable, and captain Dave sat at the back while other groups were diving and presented a lot of information on the sharks and how they are habituated to the sounds of the boats arriving due to crabbers that work the area.
If you are on the fence at all about the experience, just do it. Honestly, I was more concerned with getting seasick than any encounter with a shark. They will drive you out a ways. We could still see the western most point of Oahu. The cage was already at the site. They bring the cage right next to the boat and you enter the cage via a ladder from the boat (reverse process to exit). The cage extends above the water line by about 2 feet. The cage has hand and foot rails inside that you use to steady yourself and keeps hands and feet away from outside the cage. The sharks are just inquisitive, waiting to see if any food will be dropped (as in the crabbers that work the area), they are never aggressive, nor actually trying to get into the cage. They circle all around and underneath it. This tour does not do any feeding of the sharks.
Book early. I booked late and got a later tour that they opened up because the earlier ones sold out. The weather was perfect mid day, but the swells got a bit rough. It made for a sloppy ride in the cage.
If you are on the fence at all about the experience, just do it. Honestly, I was more concerned with getting seasick than any encounter with a shark. They will drive you out a ways. We could still see the western most point of Oahu. The cage was already at the site. They bring the cage right next to the boat and you enter the cage via a ladder from the boat (reverse process to exit). The cage extends above the water line by about 2 feet. The cage has hand and foot rails inside that you use to steady yourself and keeps hands and feet away from outside the cage. The sharks are just inquisitive, waiting to see if any food will be dropped (as in the crabbers that work the area), they are never aggressive, nor actually trying to get into the cage. They circle all around and underneath it. This tour does not do any feeding of the sharks.
Book early. I booked late and got a later tour that they opened up because the earlier ones sold out. The weather was perfect mid day, but the swells got a bit rough. It made for a sloppy ride in the cage.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha! We are so appreciative for your thoughtful review. You outlined the tour with lots of great details which is helpful to our community. We hope to see you out on the water with us again in the future. Mahalo.
Written January 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
melaniekaye
Kailua, HI13 contributions
Oct 2020
We loved our Shark encounter with North Shore Shark Adventures. They were very professional and I was impressed with the detailed e-mail confirmation as well as the reminder e-mail the day prior. They were on time and very professional. The trip itself was amazing. We saw 3 different types of sharks Galapagos, Sandbar, and a freaking TIGER shark. We will definitely be going back when it's Whale season. Highly recommend this excursion if you want to see wildlife up close in their natural habitat.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha Melanie. Thanks for coming out with us and for taking the time to leave a great review. Come back soon! Aloha Joseph Pavsek.
Written November 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ewhj18
1 contribution
Dec 2020
This was a once in a lifetime experience! I will always treasure it. The swimming in the cage, I felt completely safe and the sharks came so close and things always felt in control/safe. The boat ride over we saw a humpback whale, dolphins, and the amazing mountains of Oahu. Truly loved this experience. The crew was super caring and knowledgable and super cool.
The reason this gets 3 stars instead of 5....everyone except the captain, two guests from the mainland, and myself wore their masks as we were supposed to. The large group of 8 and the other two crew members repeatedly took theirs off during the boat trip, like to talk, the boat ride to the cage, the boat ride to shore. I was super disappointed when one of the crew told the others to put masks back up because the Coast Guard would be watching. Hawaii is SERIOUS about their COVID safety and I was seriously disappointed by the fact that the crew took this lightly. Wouldn't come back just because
The reason this gets 3 stars instead of 5....everyone except the captain, two guests from the mainland, and myself wore their masks as we were supposed to. The large group of 8 and the other two crew members repeatedly took theirs off during the boat trip, like to talk, the boat ride to the cage, the boat ride to shore. I was super disappointed when one of the crew told the others to put masks back up because the Coast Guard would be watching. Hawaii is SERIOUS about their COVID safety and I was seriously disappointed by the fact that the crew took this lightly. Wouldn't come back just because
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha and thank you for your honest review. We do indeed take Covid-19 safety protocols seriously and it is our company policy to wear face coverings at all times. We also sanitize high touch areas in between every tour, take extra precautions to sanitize the snorkel equipment, do temperature screening and pre screen the groups the evening before with a short email questionnaire. We have an entire page dedicated to Covid-19 safety protocols and practices on our website. We agree with you that everyone including crew and guests need to be wearing their face coverings while conducting tours so we will definitely be reinforcing this policy to the staff. Thank you for bringing it tour our attention. Aloha Joseph Pavsek.
Written December 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zac
West Covina, CA7 contributions
Aug 2021
This was the definition of a complete 180 experience, my wife and I got this experience on a whim Monday morning of our trip since it was the only experience that had an opening for 2 people in the north shore day of.
We didn't have a car so we Uber'd out there a few hours early to grab food. After hanging out for a while we walked over to where the email said to wait by, we got there 45 minutes before the departure time since it said to get there 30 mins early. The area we arrived at was super sketchy with no one else around except a couple of homeless people. We found the public bathroom to get changed into our swim suits but the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting with no doors to the stall so we had to get changed as fast as possible before someone just walked in. After that we walked down to the Shark Adventures booth and it was completely closed with no one around so we figured we'd try waiting. 30 mins goes by and nothing happens so we tried calling the number multiple times with no one picking up, which had been the case all day of trying to call. Then we see some other people looking around the booth so we walk up and they were also confused since they had their previous appointment cancelled on them. So at this point we were all unsure if we got scammed and I was absolutely ready to write this off and get the hell out of there.
But just as the exact departure time comes around a boat finally comes rolling up. The crew gets us all on and from then on out it was a phenomenal experience! The guys on the crew were super cool and did a great job on briefing, educating, and making it a great experience for the entire trip. We were the last boat out there so we had the privilege of getting all the sharks! We had at least 10 Galapagos sharks swimming all around us they were super friendly and adorable it was so amazing getting to see them so up close.
The seas were really rough that day so my wife got sea sick but the crew was really great and gave her a spot at the back of the boat to chill on the way back that wasn't as bumpy. Also despite the sea being so rough it felt safe the entire time with the crew's instructions and guidance through out the whole experience.
So overall, completely awful pre-boarding experience that absolutely needs some work but the experience itself was so great I completely forgot about all of that!
We didn't have a car so we Uber'd out there a few hours early to grab food. After hanging out for a while we walked over to where the email said to wait by, we got there 45 minutes before the departure time since it said to get there 30 mins early. The area we arrived at was super sketchy with no one else around except a couple of homeless people. We found the public bathroom to get changed into our swim suits but the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting with no doors to the stall so we had to get changed as fast as possible before someone just walked in. After that we walked down to the Shark Adventures booth and it was completely closed with no one around so we figured we'd try waiting. 30 mins goes by and nothing happens so we tried calling the number multiple times with no one picking up, which had been the case all day of trying to call. Then we see some other people looking around the booth so we walk up and they were also confused since they had their previous appointment cancelled on them. So at this point we were all unsure if we got scammed and I was absolutely ready to write this off and get the hell out of there.
But just as the exact departure time comes around a boat finally comes rolling up. The crew gets us all on and from then on out it was a phenomenal experience! The guys on the crew were super cool and did a great job on briefing, educating, and making it a great experience for the entire trip. We were the last boat out there so we had the privilege of getting all the sharks! We had at least 10 Galapagos sharks swimming all around us they were super friendly and adorable it was so amazing getting to see them so up close.
The seas were really rough that day so my wife got sea sick but the crew was really great and gave her a spot at the back of the boat to chill on the way back that wasn't as bumpy. Also despite the sea being so rough it felt safe the entire time with the crew's instructions and guidance through out the whole experience.
So overall, completely awful pre-boarding experience that absolutely needs some work but the experience itself was so great I completely forgot about all of that!
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry about the state of the harbor and the bathrooms. The State of Hawaii does not want to take care of the infrastructure in our harbor. I have a guy who comes in 2 times a week to clean the area where we do business. The Harbormaster has been of no help justifying the situation. The day you came our lady who works the Shark Shack had her daughter become very ill and she had to leave. I am glad to hear you had a good time on our boat. Hope to see you again stay safe. Aloha Joe Pavsek
Written August 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
karenmzelaya
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Aug 2021
This is definitely a must do. We had great weather and great visibility. If you’re worried about safety, don’t be. The crew members are definitely pros, they shared really cool information and facts about the sharks that made us feel at ease. Even my mother who was skeptical at first, said she felt safe at all times and dared to try it after all, and she loved it! I do recommend taking motion sickness medicine before the ride if you think you are likely to get seasick, better to prevent than be sorry. Otherwise sit back and enjoy the views and the ride! I hope to come back someday.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hope the ocean clams down soon!!
Written August 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sabrina B
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
My husband and I visited the North Shore in 2007 and did the shark cage experience with North Shore Shark Adventures then. It has been one of our most treasured memories. This year we went back with our 11 year old and he wanted to experience it as well. The booking process was very easy and all communication prior was helpful to understand where to go etc. The staff on the boat were excellent especially the individual helping everyone in and out of the cage. He was very funny, answered all the questions and made sure everyone was ok - as sea sickness is common. We would recommend this to anyone looking for a shark activity.
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabrina I will pass your review along to all the crew. Aloha
Written April 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nerin
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Family
We booked our trip online and saved 25% on adult tickets, definitely the way to go. We followed their clear instructions on meeting time and location and everything went off without a hitch. They were even able to accommodate another person in our party last minute. Super professional, friendly and courteous staff both on board and at the ticket booth.
The boat ride to the location where the sharks hang out (about 3 miles off the coast) took about 15-20 minutes. We were not bothered by the sea, but I understand that some people get sea sick, so plan for that.
Shortly after our arrival the sharks started to show up, which was quite a site. More started arriving as we were pulling near the cage. The sharks are of Galapagos variety and a few of them were quite large at 12'. It is definitely exciting to see them, even from the boat. Then you realize, oh I gotta get into the water now...: ).
My son (7) stayed on the boat and had a blast, while my daughter (12) and I went into the cage. The experience is exciting at first, but I was shocked how quickly I got used to the sharks being around us. By the end of the 20-30 minute experience in the cage, I thought that for the next trip, I wouldn't mind swimming next to them. It definitely takes time to adjust to their presence.
The kids were super excited about the experience and it was definitely the highlight of the trip.
I recommend having a go pro camera, or an underwater case, because you will want to remember this experience.
Enjoy!
The boat ride to the location where the sharks hang out (about 3 miles off the coast) took about 15-20 minutes. We were not bothered by the sea, but I understand that some people get sea sick, so plan for that.
Shortly after our arrival the sharks started to show up, which was quite a site. More started arriving as we were pulling near the cage. The sharks are of Galapagos variety and a few of them were quite large at 12'. It is definitely exciting to see them, even from the boat. Then you realize, oh I gotta get into the water now...: ).
My son (7) stayed on the boat and had a blast, while my daughter (12) and I went into the cage. The experience is exciting at first, but I was shocked how quickly I got used to the sharks being around us. By the end of the 20-30 minute experience in the cage, I thought that for the next trip, I wouldn't mind swimming next to them. It definitely takes time to adjust to their presence.
The kids were super excited about the experience and it was definitely the highlight of the trip.
I recommend having a go pro camera, or an underwater case, because you will want to remember this experience.
Enjoy!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aloha, thank you so much for your glowing review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us and thank you for relaying your helpful tips and advise to our community. We hope we can welcome you aboard again soon! Mahalo Joseph Pavsek.
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gdewell2020
Nevada, IA1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Family
We had an excellent experience! While not marine biologists, our guides were knowledgeable. In addition, they were very helpful. We traveled about 20-25 minutes to get to the cage. Then, the guides went over a few simple rules. We were divided into two groups and each group got to spend about twenty minutes in the cage. The sharks were swimming quite close to the cage and we were able to see them easily. There were at least three sharks. While the other group was in the water, one of the guides watched the group in the water and the other one kept us entertained. She threw a water bottle (attached to a rope) over the side and the sharks and we got to watch the sharks come over and inspect it. It was somewhat windy and several people got seasick and the guides were very gracious and helpful when this happened. It was definitely a worthwhile experience.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this wonderful review. We hope we can have the pleasure of having you onboard again in the future. Aloha Joseph Pavsek.
Written January 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In the pictures i notice the boat is pulled away from the cage, I have anxiety about the sea is this completely safe and if you need to come back in before your time is up will they pull back in?
Written June 13, 2024
They have it secure against the boat and someone is watching at all times. We brought our young kids and we felt secure when we were in the cage. I believe you can come back if you don’t feel comfortable once you get in. We did have someone get back onto the board saying it was way too cold for her.
Written July 16, 2024
Do you think it’s the right time to see sharks 14-16 of February 2024 ? Also do you think there a really good spot as we would flight from Los Angeles just for this activity ? Thank you
Written December 12, 2023
Do you think it’s the right time to see sharks 14-16 of February 2024 ? Also do you think there a really good spot as we would flight from Los Angeles just for this activity ? Thank you !
Written December 12, 2023
Looking for an ethical shark cage experience. Does this company bait or donate anything to shark conservation?
Written November 4, 2021
The sharks are NOT baited. There are crab cages out that attracts the sharks. It is a really neat experience to have the sharks so close.
Written November 5, 2021
Is there a weight limit for this experience? My friend wants to go, but is concerned about their weight being too much.
Written February 6, 2021
No there is no weight limit just as long the individual can climb a short ladder to get in and out of the cage.
Written February 6, 2021
We had 16 on the boat and we went in groups of 8 into the cage. We had a party of 6 and went into the cage at the same time. It was amazing have fun!
Written April 25, 2020
Can you bring a waterproof camera and/or have an option to somehow get pictures or videos of this experience? I would love to bring home something to show our 3 year old.
Written November 14, 2019
Yes if you’re not throwing up due to their small boat and rough waves you are allowed to take a go pro. I would suggest the floating handle attachment.
Written November 15, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 45