You’ll likely encounter the curious Galapagos and graceful Sandbar sharks, with a seasonal chance to spot the legendary Tiger shark!
Three miles off the coast of Haleiwa imagine yourself staring down at deep blue waters ready to jump in, your body pumping with adrenaline, the sharks already beginning to circle the boat. This cageless shark dive on Oahu’s famous north shore lets you swim alongside sharks, cage free in their natural habitat. At first look, many people imagine sharks as monsters, but this experience will allow you to get closer and see the true beauty of these creatures. Here is our guide on what you can expect to see on our tour off the coast of Oahu.
The Locals: Meeting the Galapagos and Sandbar Sharks
The most common residents are the Galapagos sharks and will be frequently spotted throughout the tour. These sharks can grow to nearly 10 feet long. They have a curious nature and often roam the waters in small groups staying close together. They are apex predators in their ecosystems and help control the populations of fish in the area. Another regular that will be seen is the sandbar shark. These sharks can be spotted easily because of their taller than normal dorsal fins. These sharks are slightly smaller than the Galapagos and swim gracefully through the water.
The Rare Encounter: The Legendary Tiger Shark
If you’re lucky enough there are several sharks that sometimes make a rare appearance during the tour. One of these infrequent guests is the Tiger Shark, one of the longest sharks you will meet, which is nearly 15 feet long. They have dark vertical stripes that resemble the fur of a tiger. They are known as the “aumakua” (ancestral guardians) to the native Hawaiians. The Scalloped Hammerhead shark will also pay you a visit if you are fortunate enough. These sharks normally are found in deep waters, but they occasionally rise to the surface.
Myths vs. Reality: Who You Won’t See on the North Shore
Despite what is shown in the movies you won’t see every kind of shark in the North Shore. Even though this shark passes by Hawaii, the Great White shark prefers colder waters and is extremely rare to see. Sharks Like the Bull Shark also will stay clear of the crystal water of the North Shore, preferring murkier water instead. While culturally we are taught to fear sharks, seeing this animal in the wild changes your perspective of fear to amazement. Ready to meet them face-to-face? Book your cage-free shark dive today and see the ocean’s top predators in person.
