Deep Blue Eco Tours — Attraction in Hawaii

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel it’s important to share my experience. While the idea of swimming with sharks was incredible, the way this company ran the excursion was deeply disappointing and concerning.

We were promised an educational experience with certified marine biologists, but that was not delivered. Instead, we were given only very basic information from young staff members who did not seem qualified to provide real marine education. The lack of instruction continued once we were in the water. The crew did not give us clear or consistent guidance on signaling or communication. For example, we were told that if a tiger shark appeared, a hand signal would be used, but instead a staff member simply yelled “tiger shark” — something that half of us could not hear because our heads were in the water. This was both confusing and dangerous, and honestly, we are shocked we are still alive after how unprepared and disorganized it was.

Beyond that, the crew was unprofessional. When I expressed nervousness, some workers made fun of me instead of offering reassurance. At one point, my friend saw a staff member vaping/smoking, which felt completely inappropriate given the seriousness of the activity. We were also frequently yelled at in a way that felt more harsh than helpful. To make matters worse, on the way back, one crew member actually made fun of my friend and told her she was “cursed” and had “bad karma.” That kind of behavior is incredibly disrespectful and uncalled for, especially in a professional setting. On top of that, the photos my friends paid for were few and of poor quality, which added to the disappointment.

Considering the cost, this excursion was extremely overpriced for the experience we received. The lack of professionalism, safety, and promised education made it feel absolutely not worth the money.

What could have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience instead felt unsafe, unprofessional, and far from the educational trip we were promised. I sincerely hope this company takes feedback like this seriously and makes changes to prioritize safety, professionalism, and respect for guests...

Greatest experience of my life! My partner and I booked for the shark diving + photo package and I am ready to go out again! Our Crew was amazing, educational and made everyone feel so safe in the water. Big thanks to Emma, Meg, Amelia, and Camille ! This all girl crew made us feel so special and understood with any fears, anxieties- etc.

They have a 6 person limit which caters amazingly to those who want more of a personable experience. Crew exclaimed if for any reason we needed some support in the water or wanting to go back on the boat, they were there to assist.

I was extremely excited, my partner a little more on the anxious side. Safety diver (Emma) maintained amazing communication in and out of the water.

With any type of experience like this one, even though I was excited, anxiety hit. After 30 seconds and getting used to the current and surroundings I maintained my anxieties and took in the amazing views of these gorgeous and tranquil creatures.

Got to be so close to some amazing Galapagos Sharks, and I cannot wait to see the pictures. Meg (photographer) was so helpful with the posing of pictures- even though the waters were a little choppy she directed me with confidence and I’m excited to see how the pictures came out!

Make sure to bring cash for the photo package or online payments like Venmo/ PayPal are also accepted!

My partner took her pictures shortly after me, but the currents got to her shortly after and felt more comfortable heading back to the boat. The assistance she received with getting back on was swift and easy. Our Captain (Amelia) was beyond helpful with instructions with gear, and entry to / exiting the water.

On our way out back to shore, we were lucky enough to also see some dolphins. The crew even told us the fish we saw in the water near the sharks were Bonita Tuna! Education out to the ocean and on our way back was informative and also allows you to reflect a lot on how Sharks are dearly misunderstood and ways you can actively do your part to help.

If you’re considering doing this experience, book ahead with full confidence w/ Deep Blue - best tour company with...

This experience was incredible so accommodating. Our crew was with Captain Cal, safety diver Gavin, and photographer Meg. I am a wheelchair user and enjoy these high adventure activities, but it is sometimes difficult to find companies willing to work with you. This crew was so kind and my brothers and I had a blast. Meg took gorgeous photos, I recommend the photo package! We choose the 8am tour for calmer waters and saw Galapagos sharks. The tour was educational and we felt safe the entire time. I highly recommend this company!

ACCESSIBILITY INFO I chose the 8am tour for calmer waters. The current was still fairly strong, so swimming experience is necessary. I wore a life vest. We were able to put a line out to hold onto and stay with the boat, but that is dependent on water conditions. I chose to do the photo package and Meg held my hand to guide me to get into good positions. I am a wheelchair user, but have the ability to walk short distances with assistance. My two brothers did the tour with me and helped me to walk to the boat. It was about a 3 minute walk on a thin dock. To get on the boat the crew helped to stabilize the boat and line it up with the dock, so that I could sitting transfer onto the boat. Once on the boat I avoided walking and choose to scoot because it's unsteady. The boat ride out was 20-30 min and fairly bumpy, someone may need to hold you for stability. Once out to the spot, getting into the water I was able to slide off the back in a seated position. In the water I held onto the line, wore my life vest, and sometimes swam around holding either Gavin or Meg's hand. Saltwater is easier to float in along with the use of flippers, so I felt fairly steady. We swam for about 30 minutes. Getting back in the boat was a ladder on a swaying boat. One crew member was in the water while the other was on the boat, providing help as needed. The whole experience was great, I...