Oahu isn’t just about surfboards and luaus—this Hawaiian island offers some of the most remarkable scuba diving experiences in the world. Its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life make it a top destination for divers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking an adrenaline rush with sharks, Oahu has a lot to offer. We particularly like the Beginner Scuba Experience with Video in Honolulu for its friendly approach and personal attention, especially perfect for first-timers. And for thrill-seekers, the Shark Cage Diving tour on North Shore is hard to beat—no cage, just close encounters with the ocean’s top predators. Check out all the options below to find your ideal underwater adventure.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of scuba tours: from beginner introductory dives to advanced wreck explorations, shark encounters both cage and open water, and family-friendly options. For those new to diving, there are gentle, guided experiences like Beginner Scuba Experience with Video and Waikiki Discovery Scuba. Certified divers will appreciate multi-tank wreck and reef dives, such as Waikiki Wreck & Reef, while adrenaline junkies can opt for the Shark Cage Diving experience. Dive into the details below to see what makes each tour special.
1. Beginner Scuba Experience with Video Package in Honolulu
At just $80, this beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving takes place in the calm Magic Island Lagoon near Waikiki. The small group size of four ensures personalized attention, making it perfect for nervous first-timers. You’ll learn how to breathe through your gear and maneuver with fins, all under the watchful eye of your instructor. The session lasts about 1.5 hours, with 20-30 minutes underwater exploring the colorful fish and coral. Plus, you’ll get a video of your first dive—an excellent keepsake. Reviews consistently praise Kyle’s patient, easy-going teaching style—”Kyle definitely eased your nerves and made it an amazing experience,” says one happy customer. This tour is ideal for those who want a safe, gentle intro without rushing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners curious about scuba, with plenty of personal guidance and a memorable video keepsake.
2. DISCOVER Scuba Diving Experience in Honolulu
For around $107, this DISCOVER Scuba offers a more in-depth introduction to underwater exploration. Over roughly three hours, you’ll get one-on-one instruction from a PADI-certified guide, then enjoy a guided reef dive where you might see sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins, and endemic fish. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and all equipment is included. Reviewers mention the professionalism and friendliness of staff like Lindsay and Jared, who go the extra mile to make you comfortable. This trip is suited for those eager to see more than snorkeling offers, with the added benefit of professional guidance. It’s a fantastic choice for newcomers wanting a deeper introduction.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded beginner experience that combines instruction with a real reef dive, perfect if you’re eager to see Hawaii’s underwater life up close.
3. Shark Cage Diving On “The World Famous North Shore of Oahu”
For an adrenaline rush, this Shark Cage Diving tour at $145 offers a thrilling two-hour adventure. You’ll hop aboard a boat, head out to the North Shore, and get up close—and safe—inside a cage to observe sharks in their natural environment. Owned by Native Hawaiians, the boat ride itself offers scenic views of the coast, making it more than just a shark experience. The tour features encounters with 6-8 foot sharks and even whales, depending on the season. Current reviews highlight the professionalism and patience of the crew, with one saying, “You’ll never forget this experience.” It’s a top pick for those who want a safe, yet exhilarating, encounter with Hawaii’s ocean predators.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable, safe way to see sharks up close, suited for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
4. Oahu Open Water Shark Diving Experience
If you’re comfortable in the water and want an authentic shark experience without the cage, this Open Water Shark Dive is for you. Led by marine biologists, you’ll snorkel from a boat in waters full of sharks, which means no barriers—just you and these magnificent predators. The small-group format ensures plenty of personal attention, and a professional underwater photographer will capture your moments. Reviewers rave about the safety and educational aspect, with one saying, “Watching sharks in their natural habitat was incredible, and I felt totally safe.” Ideal for adventurous travelers wanting a natural encounter, this tour is highly rated for its authenticity and educational value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want a genuine, barrier-free shark experience with expert guidance.
5. Waikiki 2 Tank World Class Wreck SCUBA Diving – Certified Only
For certified divers, this Wreck & Reef Dive offers an immersive experience. Over about five hours, you’ll explore wreck sites like the Sea Tiger, YO-257, or San Pedro, along with reef dives along Waikiki’s coastline. All gear is provided, and the small group ensures safety and attention from your guide. Guests mention feeling “totally safe and prepared,” with knowledgeable divemasters guiding every step. This tour is ideal if you enjoy wreck exploration, marine photography, or just want to see Hawaii’s underwater history. The price reflects a premium experience, but many say it’s worth every penny.
Bottom Line: A must for certified divers wanting to explore wrecks and reefs in a relaxed, professional setting.
6. Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners
This Discovery Scuba tour is designed for those who want a guided, safe introduction to diving on some of Oahu’s best reefs. For three hours, you explore tropical waters with a certified guide, observing turtles, eels, rays, and fish. The tour is family-friendly, for ages 10 and up, and includes all gear. Reviewers praise the smooth instruction and the chance to see a variety of marine life, making it suitable for first-timers and families seeking an accessible yet memorable experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beginners and families looking for a gentle, guided introduction to Oahu’s underwater world.
7. Waikiki: Honolulu Beginner Scuba Diving with Videos
For just $79, this Honolulu Beginner Scuba is ideal for those who want a quick, family-friendly experience. It lasts 1.5 hours in Magic Island Lagoon, and includes free GoPro videos to record your underwater adventure. The small-group setup, typically suitable for children 10 and up, makes it accessible for all ages. Reviewers mention how Kyle’s patient teaching eased nerves and made the experience enjoyable. It’s a great pick if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Hawaii’s marine life.
Bottom Line: Short, sweet, and perfect for families or those with limited time, with the bonus of free videos.
8. Certified Scuba Diving Along Two Shallow Reef Sites
This Certified Reef Dive is for divers with certification who want a comprehensive reef experience. Led by Aaron’s team of PADI pros, you’ll explore two reefs, spotting endemic species like the humuhumunukunukuapua’a—Hawaii’s fish. The tour lasts around three hours, and all gear and wetsuits are included. Past guests praise the professionalism (“made a great day out of low visibility”), highlighting how this trip captures the true essence of Hawaiian marine biodiversity.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, authentic reef experience for certified divers wanting to explore Hawaii’s endemic species.
9. SCUBA Dive at Electric Beach with Photos – No Certification Needed
This Electric Beach Dive is perfect for beginners who want to explore from shore. For $150, you get 2 hours of guided snorkeling and shallow diving, with photos included. The instructor Randy’s calm approach ensures you feel safe, and reviews rave about the abundant sea turtles and fish. The spot’s clear waters and shallow reefs make it ideal for first-timers who want an easy, accessible experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Bottom Line: A great, low-stakes way to see Hawaii’s marine life up close, especially suited for first-timers and families.
10. First Time Introductory Scuba Dive
This Intro Dive offers a comprehensive four-hour experience for first-timers at $279. You’ll visit two shallow reefs, see hundreds of reef fish, and possibly encounter sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. The small group and expert instruction make it accessible for beginners, with the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a relaxed setting. Reviewers highlight how instructors like Randolph made it easy to enjoy the water safely.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-time divers who want a thorough, well-supported introduction to Hawaii’s underwater world.
11. Oahu: Shallow Reef Scuba Dive for Certified Divers
For certified divers, this Reef Dive offers two guided dives along pristine reefs in southern Oahu. Lasting about three hours, it features plentiful marine life, coral formations, and the chance to explore different reef environments. Guests commend the experienced guides and the safety of the tour, making it a strong choice for those wanting to maximize reef time.
Bottom Line: A reliable, engaging reef adventure for certified divers seeking a quality experience.
12. Shark Diving and Snorkeling in Oahu Hawaii
For those craving a shark encounter without the cage, this Shark Diving & Snorkeling tour is a favorite. It lasts around two hours, includes snorkeling and cage-free shark viewing, and is run by expert ocean explorers. Reviewers mention the “super safe, very chill environment,” and many appreciate the opportunity to see sharks up close—”a highlight of the trip.” It’s ideal for adventurous travelers ready to face their fears.
Bottom Line: An exhilarating, safe way to see sharks in their natural habitat, suitable for thrill-seekers and marine enthusiasts.
13. Hawaii DISCOVER Beginner + Certified 2 Tank Shallow Scuba Diving
This Discover & Certified combo provides two tanks for both beginners and certified divers. It lasts about four hours, with transfers from your hotel. You’ll explore reefs teeming with sea turtles and octopuses, led by PADI professionals. Guests mention how the small group setting helps everyone feel comfortable and well cared for. It’s great for those who want a flexible, personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Versatile and flexible, offering excellent value for either first-timers or certified divers seeking more reef exploration.
14. Certified Scuba Diving in Honolulu
This guided Certified Dive tour provides around 3.5 hours of underwater adventure in Maunalua Bay. The shop has a warm reputation for safety and personalized service, ensuring a memorable experience. All gear is included, and the guides tailor the dives to your experience level. Reviewers note the professionalism and ease of the experience, making it suitable for experienced divers who want to explore Oahu’s marine life in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Reliable, personal, and perfect for certified divers wanting to explore local reefs with expert guidance.
15. Oahu: Wreck & Reef Scuba Dive for Certified Divers
For wreck enthusiasts, this Wreck & Reef tour offers guided exploration of wreck sites and reefs in about three hours. It includes sightings of sharks, turtles, and rays. Past guests highlight the professionalism of the guides and the fact that all gear is included at no extra cost. It’s suited for experienced divers eager to explore Hawaii’s underwater history and marine life.
Bottom Line: An excellent, all-inclusive wreck and reef tour for certified divers wanting a comprehensive underwater experience.
16. Experience Scuba Diving in Hawaii
Finally, this Experience Scuba Diving tour is a short, lively introduction for two people at $237.69. You’ll visit popular turtle-cleaning stations and snorkel in shallow reefs, with instructors pointing out turtles, eels, and colorful fish. It’s a relaxed, engaging experience perfect for small groups or couples who want a taste of Hawaiian marine life.
Bottom Line: An accessible, intimate experience ideal for those new to diving or snorkeling, with the chance to see Hawaii’s famous turtles.
How to Choose Your Perfect Oahu Scuba Experience
When deciding on the best tour, consider your budget, time availability, and experience level. For absolute beginners, options like the Beginner Scuba Experience with Video or Waikiki Discovery Scuba are ideal. If you’re a certified diver craving wrecks, the Wreck & Reef Dive offers both history and marine life. For adrenaline lovers, the Shark Cage provides a safe but heart-pumping encounter with sharks, while the Open Water Shark immersion is perfect for those wanting a more natural experience.
Timing and weather also matter—summer months often provide calmer waters and better visibility. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the shark encounters or wreck dives.
Oahu offers a fantastic spectrum of scuba diving adventures — from gentle introductory dives to adrenaline-pumping shark encounters. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking your first underwater experience, or looking to explore wrecks and reefs, the options above give you a solid starting point. For the best experience, choose a tour that matches your comfort level and interests, and don’t forget to book early before these popular tours fill up in peak season. Happy exploring beneath the waves!