One Ocean Diving’s Mission & Impact
Mission
Community & Global Benefits
Approach
"Coexisting with sharks through education, research, and advocacy."
"We don’t just show you sharks – we teach you to understand them"
Approach
Community & Global Benefits
Approach
"Respectful, Non-invasive, science-backed shark interactions and educational information to dispel myths."
Responsible Ecotourism
Community & Global Benefits
Community & Global Benefits
"Passive shark encounters and
Data collection during dives (ID photos, behavior tracking)"
Community & Global Benefits
Community & Global Benefits
Community & Global Benefits
"Free school programs on shark conservation."
"7 year Advocacy for full protection for Sharks in Hawaii (HB55)signed into Law 2021"
"Jobs for marine biologists (70% women), divers, and educators."
Help Save Sharks & Marine Life When You Dive With One Ocean
Pioneering Shark Encounters Founded by Marine Experts
One Ocean Diving was established by marine scientist, shark conservationist, and ethologist Ocean Ramsey alongside award-winning underwater videographer/photographer Juan Oliphant, who collectively bring over two decades of hands-on experience working with sharks. Since launching in 2010, we've maintained a 100% safety record while pioneering Hawaii's first non-caged commercial shark diving experiences and introducing free-diving with sharks to the United States. Each shark tour is supervised by a marine scientist/ safety diver personally trained by Ocean and Juan, representing one of the world's most qualified and insured shark diving operations. What began as shark research has evolved into an accessible program combining scientific study with responsible marine tourism, offering visitors unparalleled educational opportunities while prioritizing safety for humans and sharks.
Respectful Shark Tours: Where Science Meets Aloha Spirit
Our educational shark tours reveal why sharks are essential to keeping ocean ecosystems healthy as keystone species. Before entering the water, our marine biologists teach you to identify different sharks by their unique markings while explaining their critical role in maintaining marine balance - mirroring the Hawaiian culture's sacred understanding of sharks as ʻaumakua, revered family guardians. We teach guests to safely interpret shark communication by reading body language and swimming patterns, understanding different approach styles, and recognizing signs of comfort or curiosity. These skills, developed through decades of scientific research, allow for meaningful yet respectful encounters where we treat each shark with the same care as ʻohana (family), maintaining safe distances while honoring their natural behaviors.
By combining cutting-edge marine biology with the Hawaiian culture's profound respect for sharks, we create transformative experiences that teach you to care for sharks as family. This philosophy embodies the true meaning of aloha ʻāina - that deep love and respect for all that sustains us. Through this unique blend of science and cultural wisdom, you'll gain not just knowledge about sharks but a renewed sense of responsibility toward protecting them as vital members of our oceanic community.
Safe Interaction Protocols Developed by Experts
At One Ocean Diving, our deep understanding of shark behavior enables safer, more meaningful encounters. Through decades of research, we've identified key factors that influence shark interactions - we avoid areas of potential territorial disputes, minimize bright colors that may attract curiosity, and position guests away from engine sounds or camera equipment that could alter natural behaviors. Most importantly, we teach you to recognize the subtle signs when a shark becomes excited, allowing us to proactively adjust positions for everyone's safety. You'll learn to maintain an ideal 2-3 meter distance while understanding why this space respects the shark's comfort zone. We demonstrate how calm, passive observation yields better encounters and train you to recognize critical communication signals - from specific body postures to changes in swimming patterns that indicate when a shark needs more space.
These proven methods, refined through 10+ years of Ocean Ramsey's scientific observation, allow for awe-inspiring yet controlled encounters. Whether snorkeling or diving, you'll gain confidence through our real-time guidance while always prioritizing shark welfare. This scientific approach, combined with our perfect safety record, transforms what many fear into what all can respect - the magnificent presence of sharks in their natural habitat.
Transforming Shark Encounters Into Global Conservation Action
Every shark tour with us becomes a springboard for meaningful conservation impact. Thanks to thousands of inspired guests who personally testified after their dives, One Ocean Diving helped pass Hawaii's historic HB553 law in 2021 - making it illegal to kill sharks in Hawaiian waters after 7 years of dedicated advocacy. We extend this commitment through free charters for local schools, swim clubs, and Make-A-Wish participants, sharing these transformative experiences with the next generation of ocean stewards.
During our return trip, we share current shark population data from your dive and provide actionable ways to continue protecting sharks worldwide. You'll learn how to support critical legislation, from shark finning bans to marine protected areas, and receive resources for sustainable daily choices like reducing plastics and selecting ocean-friendly seafood. A portion of every tour directly funds our beach cleanups, research initiatives, and educational programs - turning your experience into real conservation results that honor Hawaii's legacy of marine stewardship. Through these combined efforts - from policy change to community outreach - we're creating a future where sharks thrive and ocean ecosystems remain balanced for generations to come.
finding the shark kiosk and boats
Shark Kiosk
The kiosk is at the entrance to the Haleiwa small boat harbor. If the kiosk is not open, please wait there so our crew knows where to find you. Parking can be found by the bathrooms or by the boats on the waterside.
Meet our brand new shark boats, "Mano Kai" and "Niuhi"
Look for these boats across from the Kiosk at the commercial dock.
Brand new, state-of-the-art shark diving boats
The best shark dive boats in the world. Both are 33ft in length and 14ft wide and ready for Hawaiian waters. One of the most stable boats in its class size, this helps to reduce the chances of sea sickness
Commercial Loading Dock
This is where you will be getting on and off the shark boat.
A ton of space and storage under the benches
Groups are 6 people per shark safety diver, we can accommodate large groups of up to 16 people. Private charter options are available to book instantly online. There are also freshwater showers on board the boats