You'll be adding some excitement to your Hawaiian vacation on Oahu when you take one of the exciting North Shore private boat tours. If shark cage diving sounds like too much, but you'd still like to sharks while you're in the area, a boat tour is a way to do it. Experienced local captains know all the best spots, and from the safety and security of a tour boat with an advanced design, you can take an up-close look. If your teenagers groan at the suggestion of a family sightseeing trip, their attitude will change when you tell them it's a high-speed trip to see sharks. There will be plenty of opportunities to snap great pictures.

If you've never ridden on a Zodiac watercraft, you'll soon notice it's a cut above. When you're aboard a boat that's smooth and agile, you can move swiftly from place to place with little delay. It's a far cry from your grandfather's slow-moving wood tour boat. If you're interested in touring big waves, they can be combined with your shark-watching adventure. Another option is to charter a boat for your family only and enjoy a custom tour, sharks or not. You can cruise at the time of your choosing and see the sights you want to see at the tour speed you prefer. It gives you ultimate freedom and flexibility.

There are five sharks common in the Oahu waters if you haven't done the research already. They include white-tip reef, Galapagos, sandbar, scalloped hammerhead, and tiger sharks. Your captain will call out the species names of the ones you see on your boat tour. Some are more prevalent at certain times of the year, and you can plan your shark-seeing adventure accordingly. People have a long fascination with sharks, but not everyone is interested in cage diving. The secure view from a boat is another way to see them up close and one that requires less effort and preparation. Boat tours are ideal family fun.

You can join most tours as an individual, family, or group. If your party is large enough to charter a boat for a custom shark tour, it might be even more fun. You can add other sightseeing, such as touring Oahu's legendary surfing spots, which are some of the best in the world. The time of day you select also gives your boat tour a unique dimension. For example, choosing a sunset trip means you'll be on the water at one of the most beautiful and colorful times of the day. Few things are prettier than a Hawaiian sunset that makes a photo-op moment for your scrapbook and social media posts.