If swimming with sharks is on your bucket list, then you’re vacationing in the right place! Hawaii is home to about 40 species of sharks, but roughly eight call Oahu home. Luckily, Oahu’s top shark diving guides are a quick drive from our Marina Hawaii Vacations. Each facility offers its own experience for interacting with sharks, ranging from cage diving to open swimming with sharks. For an adventure like no other, slide on your bathing suit and swim with the sharks. 

Sharks in Oahu

Before swimming with sharks, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the species you’re likely to see. The whitetip reef shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, tiger shark, Galapagos shark, gray reef shark, and the sandbar shark are a few regulars to the area. 

You’ll quickly notice that whitetip reef sharks are easiest to identify because of their dorsal fin’s white tip. These sharks can breathe while lying still, which is rare. These curious sharks are known to get up close and personal but don’t worry; they pose no immediate threat to humans. 

Galapagos sharks are larger than whitetip reef sharks and can reach around nine and a half feet long! Unfortunately, Galapagos sharks can act aggressively toward humans if they feel their home or babies are threatened. Their behavior pales in comparison to tiger sharks, who’ve earned the reputation as man-eaters. People often forget to mention that at times, these sharks enjoy eating garbage. While these three species are seen most often, you’ll likely see other species away from the shore, such as around coral reefs or underwater volcanoes. 

Cage Diving Expectations

Is this adventure for you? Of course it is! Previous Hawaii Shark Encounters guests range from non-swimmers to National Geographic photographers; their eldest diver was an 80-year-old,, while their youngest, only three! The guides state that both parties were impressed! While this excursion is doable for most people, some factors require additional preparation. The entry and exit of the cage require guests to be able to climb down a five-step ladder. You also must be able to carry your weight back into the boat. Also, be aware of the potential for rough waters. Even on a calm day, there’s a chance for rough water. So, if you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. 

Marina Hawaii Vacations

After swimming with sharks, head back to Marina Hawaii Vacations for a Selachimorpha free, outdoor pool. Or better yet, cook up a traditional Hawaiian meal in your own fully-equipped kitchen. Whichever activity sounds more appealing after swimming with sharks, we’re sure you’ll feel right at home. To learn more information, visit our website or talk to our friendly staff at 808-946-0716.