Introduction
Are you daring enough to swim with sharks, cage-free? If you’re looking to encounter sharks in a more authentic way, cage-free shark diving in Oahu offers a unique opportunity to interact with these incredible creatures without compromising their natural environment.
Cage-free shark diving is becoming a popular activity amongst adventure seekers and active travelers. The sharks are not baited and the water is not chummed such as with cage diving, meaning the sharks are left to observe and interact naturally with humans in the water. This creates a sustainable and ethical interaction as well as a safe space where the sharks are not drawn in for the pursuit of food.
It is extremely important to choose safe and ethical tours and dive operators when looking to take part in a responsible shark diving experience. This is why we have created this guide, to help you find the best cage-free shark dives in Oahu, Hawaii, such as One Ocean Diving, and give you the tools to make responsible choices as travelers and ocean enthusiasts.
1. Is Shark Diving Safe in Oahu?
Shark diving in Oahu is extremely safe – As long as you choose to dive with reputable and certified operators who have experienced guides, safety briefings and procedures, and good equipment. Operators such as Once Ocean Diving, Ocean Outfitters Hawaii, Hawaii Adventure Diving, Hawaii Eco Divers and Island View Hawaii prioritize safety and conservation on their daily shark dives.
Furthermore, you may be under the impression that sharks are aggressive predators and are wondering how a dive with sharks can be safe, especially without a cage. You’d be surprised to hear that some shark species are considered friendly and that it’s completely safe -and popular- to dive with whale sharks or black-tip reef sharks. Sharks do not see humans as a source of food and as long as we are respectful to them and remain within the boundaries set by the ethical operator we are with, it is a perfectly safe and fascinating experience.
For example, One Ocean Diving has held a 100% safety record for over 20 years to this day. By choosing to dive with ethical and sustainable operators that offer proper guidance and enforce codes of conduct when in the water, you can experience the natural beauty of sharks up close and personal in a safe and respectful environment!
2. Is It Ethical to Cage Dive with Sharks?
As mentioned above, humans are not a shark’s ideal prey. The main reason there are operators that dive with cages is because they may chum or bait the water, thereby attracting sharks to the site so that they can be observed. This, however, puts sharks into feeding mode which is why a cage is used to ensure the safety of guests. It is also considered unethical and unsustainable as it associates humans with food, and has been shown to alter the behavior of sharks and their natural feeding patterns. Therefore, it can be considered unethical to cage dive with sharks.
Cage-free diving is a more ethical and sustainable approach to diving with sharks as the sharks are not fed or attracted to the site, therefore allowing them to interact with humans because they choose to, creating a mutually respectful environment between humans and sharks.
Furthermore, cage-free shark diving can also support shark conservation. Companies like One Ocean Diving engage in conservation efforts, educational outreach, and research in order to promote cage-free diving as a sustainable and ethical alternative to cage diving. On their dive trips, a marine biologist will give briefings about the type of sharks that you can expect to see and answer any questions about sharks and their behavior.
By creating a space for people to interact and observe sharks naturally and organically, cage-free dive operators can aid in replacing some irrational fears surrounding the ocean and sharks with a more respectful understanding of marine life, and thus ignite a sense of curiosity, stewardship, and love for ocean conservation.
Unfortunately, not all operators strive for such an ethical and sustainable approach to diving with sharks. So how do you identify and avoid these operators that do not prioritize shark welfare? Firstly, do not dive with operators that feed, bait, or chum the water to attract sharks. Secondly, read reviews! Check third-party sites such as Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Google Reviews to find out what previous guests have to say about their shark diving experience. It can sometimes be tricky to completely avoid unethical practices, however, it does not take away from us to step towards making responsible choices!
3. Can You Swim with Great Whites in Hawaii?
The simple answer; is yes. Though it is rather rare. The shark species that are most commonly encountered in Oahu on shark dives include Galapagos sharks and sandbar sharks. With the occasional appearance from tiger sharks, and very rarely scalloped hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, mako, oceanic white tips and black tips, silky sharks, and on average once a month, great white sharks.
Other epic marine species that are also sometimes spotted on shark dive trips include humpback whales, sperm whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles, monk seals, flying fish, and boobie birds.
Swimming with sharks safely and ethically entails a large amount of respect that must be given to the apex predator. When you are in the water with sharks, you are visitors to their natural habitat. Thus, it is vital to your safety that you follow guidelines and rules given by your responsible tour operator to avoid agitating or provoking sharks into aggressive or defensive behavior – as with any other marine species. When a shark senses respect, they will be relaxed and show curiosity in return – giving you the best enjoyable and intimate shark experience possible.
4. How Much Does It Cost to Free Dive with Sharks in Oahu – The Top Cage-Free Shark Diving Tours
Below is the approximate price for 2-hour trips given by responsible cage-free shark diving tours in Oahu. The prices may vary based on add-ons such as photography and videography packages or requests for private tours. All operators have a maximum group size of 8 people, with at least one safety diver in the water at all times. This ensures your safety and a personalized experience for cage-free shark diving.
| Dive Operator | Price per person |
|---|---|
| One Ocean Diving | USD 150 |
| Hawaii Adventure Diving | USD 150 |
| Island View Hawaii | USD 150 |
| Ocean Outfitters Hawaii | USD 119 |
5. Review of The Best Cage-Free Shark Diving Tours in Oahu
1. One Ocean Diving
One Ocean Diving offers one of the most scientifically grounded and eco-conscious shark diving experiences in Oahu. This operator is led by marine biologists who prioritize education, teaching divers about shark behavior and the vital role sharks play in ocean ecosystems. What sets One Ocean Diving apart is its focus on shark conservation and research, with each dive aimed at not only providing an exhilarating experience but also at increasing awareness of the importance of sharks in marine health. Divers also get the chance to contribute to ongoing shark research by observing and documenting shark behavior during the experience, creating a deeper connection to ocean conservation efforts.
2. Hawaii Adventure Diving
Hawaii Adventure Diving offers an intimate and personalized shark diving experience. This operator prides itself on smaller group sizes, ensuring that divers receive personalized attention and a more relaxed, less crowded dive. What makes them unique is their “no-chum” policy, allowing divers to observe the sharks in their natural habitat without artificially altering their behavior. Hawaii Adventure Diving emphasizes safety and comfort, making it a perfect choice for first-timers or those nervous about diving with sharks. Additionally, they offer private charters, allowing families or small groups to have the boat to themselves for a more exclusive experience.
3. Island View Hawaii
Island View Hawaii stands out for its family-run business model, bringing a personal and authentic touch to shark diving in Oahu. The Kapu family, who owns and operates the tours, provides not just a thrilling experience but also shares their deep connection to Hawaiian culture and marine life. Their tours offer a blend of adventure and cultural education, giving divers insights into traditional Hawaiian perspectives on the ocean and its inhabitants. Island View Hawaii focuses on creating a respectful and harmonious experience with the ocean’s wildlife, and divers often appreciate the local knowledge and passion the Kapu family brings to each tour.
4. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii
Ocean Outfitters Hawaii offers a versatile ocean adventure experience, combining shark diving with other exciting activities like snorkeling and whale watching. This operator caters to adventure seekers who want a comprehensive ocean experience beyond just shark diving. Their tours provide a unique opportunity to dive with not only sharks but also other marine species like dolphins and sea turtles. Ocean Outfitters Hawaii is known for its high-quality equipment and comfortable boats, ensuring both seasoned divers and newcomers feel at ease in the water. They also emphasize sustainability by promoting eco-friendly practices, making their tours both adventurous and environmentally conscious.
Each of these operators is recommended, our top choice being One Ocean Diving, they offer the best cage-free shark diving tour in Oahu. They stand out as a top choice because of their safety measures, ethical approach, conservation work, and exceptional customer reviews;
“Hands down the best thing I did in Hawaii and one of the best experiences in my life! Love that this shark dive tour is so educational and more than a dive, going out with One Ocean Diving helps support so many shark conservation efforts too.”
– Matt Johnston
On every dive with One Ocean Diving, you will have safety divers, guides, and marine biologists onboard who are specifically trained in Hawaii. In addition to these top-tier safety standards, One Ocean Diving also advocates for environmental protection and conservation through their efforts of reef and beach clean-ups, educational outreach at local schools, drafting petitions, contributions to citizen science research, and pushing for the protection of sharks on a legislative level.
Ocean Outfitters Hawaii, Hawaii Adventure Diving, and Island View Hawaii are also reputable operators that strive to create a safe and ethical shark diving experience. For all operators, equipment will be provided such as fins, snorkel, and mask, and each will conduct their own safety and dive briefings once you are onboard so that you are aware of emergency protocols as well as codes of conduct when in the water with the sharks.
Thus, some key features to look for in a responsible tour operator include:
- Small group sizes
- Safety and dive briefings
- Adherence to ethical, safe, and sustainable practices
- Knowledgeable guides and staff members
- Participation in conservation activities
- Well maintained equipment
Final Thoughts
To sum up, cage-free shark diving is a safe activity that can also be ethical and sustainable if you choose to dive with a reputable and responsible operator. Choosing to dive with companies such as One Ocean Diving ensures that you are taking the appropriate steps to be a responsible traveler, and preserving the beauty of sharks and our oceans for generations to come.
We would love to hear about your experiences diving with sharks! Or ask us any questions you might have about cage-free shark diving in Oahu! Mahalo!