6 Shark Dives in the USA, Ranked by What You Get

1.Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,962 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Board the 34-foot Tiger Cat at Pier B behind the Westin and cruise through mangroves toward a shark-viewing site four miles offshore. Guides including Clay, Matt, and Tanner explain the Keys ecosystem while bait brings lemon, nurse, and other sharks beside the boat. Dolphins, turtles, stingrays, birds, drinks, snacks, shade, and a restroom round out the two-hour trip.

“We all had a great time!!! Definitely saw sharks and learned a lot about them too! Highly recommend!”

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2.Oahu Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,903 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

From Haleiwa, you’ll boat offshore with North Shore Shark Adventures for close views of wild sharks through a secure cage. The crew, including guides such as Maddie and Emma, explains each step clearly. You may also see dolphins, turtles, humpback whales, or sharks from the deck. No swimming skills are required.

“What a great experience. A must do when in Oahu. I advise you have them film your experience as it makes it so much easier.”

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3.Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,485 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

From Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, a certified English-speaking crew takes you into open water for a 90-minute shark cruise. Watch Galapagos sharks from the boat or enter a secure cage for about 15 to 20 minutes. You may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, and whale sharks.

“Amazing experience!! I would absolutely recommend booking. We saw a ton of sharks! If possible, I’d recommend bringing a GoPro for video footage or a phone in a waterproof case!”

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4.Shark Cage Diving on Oahu’s North Shore

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,391 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

Meet Galapagos and Sandbar sharks about three miles off Haleiwa in a floating cage with mask and snorkel. The small boat carries up to 12 people, and guides such as Caleb, Dave, Efraim, and Jax explain shark behavior while keeping the mood calm. You can also book an observer ticket if you prefer to stay aboard.

“The operators were fantastic, such cool guys and very easy going. We saw half a dozen whales on the way out, and the captain would point out cool things along the way (like flying fish and the Iwa bird). The cage was super easy to get into and out of, and our family of five fit very comfortably in there. They have GoPros on the boat to rent if you don’t have one. The water was on the cooler side in February, so you may want to bring a body suit to wear inside, and a towel when you’re out. Thank you guys for our favorite part of the vacation!”

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5.Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,102 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $29Best value

At Mandalay Bay, you’ll walk through 14 exhibits with more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, piranhas, jellyfish, and sea turtles. Two underwater tunnels bring you close to the main tank, while the included Undersea Explorer VR Experience gives you a short, motion-platform swim with sharks and whales. Allow 45 to 60 minutes.

“The sheer size of the tanks in the middle of a desert is mine boggling but it was very crowded and LOUD. It is a probably a good family experience. There were a lot of children and they seemed to love it, thus the loudness, but I would not recommend for adults without children.”

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6.Shark Reef Aquarium Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 892 reviews · 1 day · from $29

At Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, you’ll see 14 exhibits, walk through a shark-filled tunnel, touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, and watch jellyfish drift through a large tank. Your ticket includes the Undersea Explorer VR Experience, a motion-seat ride that puts you among sharks and whales. Allow 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your pace.

“The shark reef was very beautiful and a wonderful and affordable activity to do while here in Las Vegas. The hotel area that it’s in also has a few other things to take part in so explore once you are done with the Reef ( everything is inside)!”

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