Shark Diving and Snorkeling in Oahu Hawaii

If you’re craving a unique, adrenaline-fueled adventure in Hawaii, this shark snorkeling tour with Ocean Addict Shark Excursions might just be what you’re looking for. It promises the chance to swim with sharks in their natural habitat—without a cage—and in a small, intimate group setting. The experience lasts roughly two hours, and with a 5-star rating from ten reviews, it’s clear that many find it well worth the price of around $130 per person.

One aspect that really shines is the personalized, small-group approach—only six divers at a time—which fosters a relaxed environment where everyone can feel safe and close to nature. The enthusiastic guides are praised for their safety briefings and friendly demeanor, making even nervous first-timers feel comfortable. However, it’s worth noting that this is a snorkeling experience (not scuba), so if you’re not comfortable in open water or have mobility issues, you’ll want to consider your fitness level beforehand.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, families with children over six years old, or anyone looking to check off a bucket list item. It’s perfect if you’re after an authentic encounter with Hawaii’s marine life and don’t mind sharing the water with majestic, sometimes curious sharks.

Key Points

• Small Groups for Intimate Experiences: Only six divers max, ensuring safety and a personal touch.
• No Experience Needed: This is a snorkel-only tour, suitable for beginners with minimal water experience.
• Authentic Shark Encounters: Swim freely in the open ocean with sharks, not behind cages.
• Highly Rated for Safety and Atmosphere: Guides are praised for their safety briefings and friendly attitude.
• Unforgettable Views and Memories: You’ll get to see sharks in their natural environment, often hanging out with the group.
• Ideal for Adventure-Loving Families: Minimum age is six, making it family-friendly.

What Makes This Shark Snorkeling Tour Stand Out?

From the moment you meet at Ocean Addict Shark Excursions’ base in Haleiwa, you’ll notice the focus on safety and comfort. The meeting point is conveniently close to public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Once on board, the crew—led by experienced guides—foster an environment that’s both relaxed and informative.

The tour duration of about two hours includes a briefing, the boat trip out to the snorkeling site, and the water time with sharks. Expect to spend roughly an hour in the water, as one reviewer, Jeff, noted: “Expect maybe an hour of actual time in the water with safety brief and trip out/back.” During this time, you might see one or two sharks hanging around, which doesn’t diminish the experience; in fact, many say the sharks behave very naturally and aren’t bothered by the presence of snorkelers.

The guides are credited with making the experience both safe and fun. One reviewer, Alexis, shared that she started “terrified,” but left with “nothing but smiles and admiration.” This highlights how the guide’s professionalism and calming presence can turn initial nerves into awe. They also help with equipment and are attentive to individual comfort levels, which is crucial for those new to snorkeling or the ocean.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The meeting point at Ocean Addict Shark Excursions is the starting line for your adventure. After a brief safety orientation, the crew will provide all necessary gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins. You’ll then board a boat that takes you into the clear waters of Oahu’s North Shore—famous for its rich marine life and big waves.

The trip itself is relatively short but packed with excitement. You’ll have time to float and watch sharks glide past in their natural environment. The emphasis on unobstructed encounters means you won’t be behind any cages—just swimming freely with these graceful predators. The experience is designed to be intimate and peaceful, allowing you to observe the sharks’ natural behavior up close.

Throughout the tour, the guides are quick to point out interesting facts and ensure everyone feels secure. Reviewers frequently mention the depth of knowledge and friendliness of the staff, which contributes to the overall positive vibe. The water is often calm, and the scenery is stunning, with crystal-clear waters and scenic views of the Hawaiian coastline.

The Experience: Authenticity and Atmosphere

Many reviewers appreciated how calm and unhurried the environment was. Unlike some more commercial tours, Ocean Addict Shark Excursions keeps the group size small, which creates a more authentic connection with the environment and wildlife. Jeff’s comment that “the sharks don’t care that you are there in their space” highlights how natural and relaxed the animals are during the encounter.

The safety briefings are detailed, ensuring that even first-timers feel confident. Alexis shared that she felt initially terrified, but the guides’ professionalism turned her experience into one of her trip’s highlights. The fact that no scuba experience is required makes this accessible to most, and the guides’ attentiveness ensures you’re comfortable.

A standout feature of this tour is the opportunity to swim freely with sharks—not in a cage—creating a sense of authenticity and thrill. Many reviewers mention that the sharks tend to stay nearby, providing ample opportunities for close-up views. The peaceful nature of the sharks—they are not aggressive—allows for awe-inspiring moments, especially for those who love observing wildlife in its natural setting.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $130.35 per person, this tour provides what many would consider excellent value. Considering the small group size, safety focus, and the rarity of such experiences, it’s a worthwhile investment. Compared to larger, more commercialized tours that might rush through the water or pack more people onto a boat, this experience offers more personal interaction and less crowding.

The two-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy a meaningful encounter but not so long that it becomes tiring. The fact that all equipment and safety gear are included means there are no hidden costs or surprises—just straightforward pricing for an unforgettable adventure.

Practical Details

Meeting Point: Ocean Addict Shark Excursions LLC, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Group Size: Maximum of 6 divers per tour
Age Limit: Minimum 6 years old
Weather Dependence: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled
Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 13 days ahead, indicating good planning is recommended
Accessibility: Near public transportation; moderate physical fitness needed

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurers eager to see sharks in the wild, including those with little to no snorkeling experience. It’s a fantastic choice for families with kids over six, as well as solo travelers and couples seeking a unique story to tell.

If your priority is authentic wildlife encounters and you’re comfortable in open water, you’ll likely find this tour both educational and exhilarating. However, if you’re very nervous or have mobility restrictions, it’s worth considering your comfort level, as the experience involves floating in open water.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to witness Hawaii’s majestic sharks up close in their natural environment. The small group size and focus on safety and comfort make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of travelers. The guidance from experienced staff ensures you feel confident, even if you’re new to snorkeling or ocean adventures.

The stunning scenery, coupled with the authentic, cage-free encounter with sharks, makes this a memorable highlight of any Hawaiian trip. While the tour is priced at a reasonable $130, it delivers more than just a photo op—it provides meaningful memories and a chance to connect deeply with Hawaii’s vibrant marine life.

If you’re after an experience that combines adventure, education, and natural beauty, this shark snorkeling tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those seeking a rich, authentic taste of Hawaii’s underwater world with a safety-first approach and a friendly crew.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about two hours, including safety briefings, boat trip, and water time.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, no scuba experience is required. It’s a snorkeling-only tour, and guides will assist throughout to ensure your comfort.

What is the group size?
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of six divers, making it a more intimate and personalized experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, the minimum age is six years old, making it family-friendly.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen; all snorkeling gear is provided.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 13 days in advance, so planning ahead is advisable.

What’s the price?
The tour costs around $130.35 per person, which many consider good value for such an authentic experience.

This shark snorkeling tour in Oahu blends adventure, safety, and the chance to see Hawaii’s marine life in its own environment—an experience that’s bound to leave lasting impressions.