North Shore
Boat trip 3 miles offshore into open Pacific water to free-swim — no cage — with Galapagos and sandbar sharks guided by marine biologists. The science briefing before entry is substantive; these are conservation researchers using eco-tourism to fund shark behavior studies. Average encounter is 15–25 sharks. Deeply respectful of the animals — no feeding, no touching. The experience converts most first-timers into shark advocates.
Book through One Ocean Diving or North Shore Shark Adventures. $165–185/person for snorkeling. Scuba available for certified divers. Departs from Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Operates year-round in most conditions. Cancelled in rough seas (>4ft swells). Morning departures most reliable.