This was the highlight of my trip to Oahu. The idea came to me on a whim, and I’m so glad I went! It was really an experience like no other I’ve had before (and I’ve sky dived before - so I’m not afraid of some adventure). We saw a tiger shark, a black tipped shark, and two Galapagos sharks. Besides the sharks, the water had this electric blue quality to it I had never seen before since I've never swum anywhere so deep. And there were some really weird jellyfish!
I was choosing between a couple different companies, but ultimately decided on this one because on their website they really emphasized the importance of safety. They were very clear about the different roles of the crew - safety divers, photographers, captains - it was clear there was a lot of care put into their website and thought put into being transparent with the customer. I also appreciated that they explained the importance of keeping the sharks safe as well.
After booking, I told my friend who is a local and a marine biologist that I was planning this trip. Out of the multiple companies, she recommended this one and one other. She said these two companies were the safest and most dedicated to treating the sharks and ecosystems with respect. When I heard this I was super glad I booked here!
The crew were very patient and empathetic to their guests - there was a lot of guests with severe sea sickness, who couldn’t swim well, had never snorkeled, or were terrified of sharks. The crew did a great job of making these people feel comfortable and helped them have a worthwhile experience despite their personal struggles.
I have to give extra props to Allison - she was extremely kind and passionate about her work and the sharks. She let me dive deeper into the water and have some really special experiences. Yay Allison!
I super recommend this company! Price is a little higher than other companies - but to me, totally worth it. I also personally recommend the free dive (without a cage). If you’re considering it, I’d say go for it - to me it feels safer than being stuck next to people in a limited space, and you just get a much more unobstructed experience and connected experience with the nature around you. I also recommend paying for photos - especially if you do the free dive and dive deep into the water you can get some really special shots. (Maybe less worth it if you only stay at the surface, since the photo angle would be different… but...
Read moreThis was by far one of the best moments I’ve had in the water. I was raised on Kauai and have lived in Oahu for a few years now working on boats. So to say I have had plenty of experiences with marine life, would be an understatement. This was a once in a lifetime dive that will have a very happy place in my mind for the rest of my life. I was able to go out in late July which is smack dab in the center of tiger shark season. When the boat pulled up to the spot we were going to be hoping in the water at, a MASSIVE tiger swam right past the boat. It was a scene right from a movie. Now obviously this isn’t something for the faint of heart, but if you would like to conquer your fears of the ocean, this is the best way to face them head on. Before getting in the water, our two amazing safety divers got in first to make sure we were safe to hop in. When I slid into the water, my jaw immediately dropped, there in front of me were some of the most elegant and elusive creatures I have wanted to see my entire life. Here they were, within throwing distance. When you get in the water, you are ushered over to a line they hang from the back of the boat so you don’t drift away with the current and so they can keep track of you the whole time. At any given moment there were about 6 sharks in the water all very curious with us. Five tigers came to say hi and two Galapagos would take a curious but cautious pass every once in a while. Now our safety divers were so impressive, like magicians but so much cooler. They were so aware of everything happening they must have eyes on every side of their head. The second a shark would curiously approach, they would let you admire it for a second and come elegantly guide it out of the way. We were in the water for the shortest 40 minutes of my life; I would have loved to stay in the water with those magnificent creatures all day. I will 100% becoming back with this boat and I hope you will too. Thank you Hawaii adventure diving for all the memories...
Read moreThis was hands down one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in Hawaii — and I’ve done a lot of adventures! From start to finish, the crew at Hawaii Adventure Diving was beyond exceptional. Professional, safe, super knowledgeable, and a blast to be around.
Captain Ro set the tone right away — confident at the helm, funny, and full of good vibes. As we cruised out to the marine buoy, the ocean blessed us with a massive pod of spinner dolphins that decided to join the party. They raced alongside the boat, leaping and spinning like crazy — even the babies were showing off! It felt straight out of a nature documentary.
Once we arrived at the dive site, Luka, our in-water dive safety guide and shark expert, briefed us perfectly and made everyone feel 100% comfortable. As soon as we got in the water, the show began — Galapagos sharks everywhere! I counted around 15 sharks of all different sizes, gracefully circling us the entire time. One female was absolutely massive — probably 9 or 10 feet long — a total queen of the sea. The water was calm, crystal-clear (about 50 feet of visibility), and conditions couldn’t have been better.
Sammy, the underwater photographer and fellow shark expert, blew my mind. Not only did she capture jaw-dropping photos, but she clearly loves and respects these animals deeply — and it shows in the way she interacts with them. Her energy underwater was contagious, and the photos she took are pure magic.
Everything about this trip struck the perfect balance between thrill and serenity — surrounded by sharks, yet feeling totally at peace. It’s a truly natural shark experience, no cages, no gimmicks, just humans and these magnificent creatures coexisting in their world.
If you’re even thinking about booking a dive with sharks — stop overthinking it and book with Hawaii Adventure Diving. They’re the real deal. Ro, Luka, and Sammy — you’re absolute legends. I’d do this dive again (and again, and again).
Mahalo for an unforgettable...
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