Catamarans
Choose more deck space and amenities on larger boats, or an intimate coastal experience on a small power cat. Restrooms, shade and waterslides vary by vessel.
Live availability · Instant confirmation on completed bookingsLocal help: 888-508-9948
The Na Pali snorkeling guide
Make it your kind of adventure.
A little planning goes a long way. Understand the boats, departure areas, included gear and ocean conditions before choosing your day on the water.
One island. Different ways to begin.
Find your departure.
Select a starting point to see its tour route. Hanalei approaches Na Pali from the north; Port Allen and Kikiaola approach from the west. The Niihau expedition continues offshore after Na Pali.
- Port Allen: catamarans, rafts & the Niihau expedition
- Kikiaola: small boats & west-side adventures
- Hanalei Bay: north-shore catamarans & rafts
- Poipu: Snorkel tours Only
Your Kauai starting points
Select a departure to see its routeChoose a departure to see its route.
Port AllenCatamarans, rafts & NiihauKikiaola HarborSmall cats & west-side adventuresHanalei BayNorth-shore boats & raftsPoipu areaSnorkel tours Only
Illustrative tour routes; captains choose the actual route and snorkel site for conditions. Departure markers are areas, not check-in addresses. Poipu sites vary. Follow your booking confirmation.
What to expect
A coast worth getting up for.
Na Pali is the main event: towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, waterfalls and the possibility of sea caves and marine life. Snorkeling adds another perspective when the ocean allows.
- Snorkel equipment and a safety briefing
- Guided coastal sightseeing on Na Pali boat trips
- Meals, drinks and facilities as listed on each tour card
- Dolphin watching opportunities, sea turtles and seasonal humpback whales
- Captain-selected routes and snorkel sites based on conditions
Raft adventures
Super rafts offer forward-facing seats. Traditional rafts use pontoon seating and can be especially bumpy and physical. Cave access always depends on the sea.
Reef & shore
Poipu trips put the underwater experience first, with less transit or no boat at all. These shorter options do not include the Na Pali coastline.
Local help. Less planning. More adventure.
Why book with us?
Live availability
See current dates, departure times and prices for your chosen adventure in the live booking calendar.
Instant confirmation
Complete an available online reservation and receive your confirmation with the details for your trip.
Locally owned
Get local help choosing a boat, understanding departure locations and planning an adventure that suits your group.
Good to know before you go
Your Na Pali
questions, answered.
Know what is included, where to meet and what makes each adventure different.
Talk to a local · 888-508-9948Which trip should I choose for the best snorkeling experience?
Niihau + Na Pali is our top pick when snorkeling is your priority. The longer offshore adventure reaches remote waters near Niihau or Lehua Crater, known for clear-water potential and dramatic underwater scenery, while also taking in Na Pali. Ocean conditions determine the day’s sites, visibility and route.
Is this a Na Pali adventure or just a snorkeling trip?
The Na Pali trips combine a coastal boat adventure with snorkeling when conditions allow. Expect sea cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, local stories and wildlife watching. The two Poipu options focus on south-shore reefs and do not travel to Na Pali.
Are dolphins common in the morning?
Dolphins are commonly seen on morning Na Pali trips, making an early departure a great choice for wildlife watching. Sightings vary. The 7:00 a.m. 18-Passenger Na Pali Adventure carries a specific Dolphin Guarantee: if none are seen, guests may join another 7:00 a.m. tour during the same stay at no extra charge, subject to availability. This promise does not apply to every morning tour.
What is included?
Every listed snorkeling experience provides snorkel equipment. Meals, drinks, dry bags, flotation and onboard facilities vary by trip, so each card lists its own inclusions. Review the selected departure in the booking calendar for the complete list and any extras.
Do the Niihau tours land on the island?
No. The expedition visits offshore waters near Niihau or Lehua Crater for snorkeling and sightseeing. It does not include a landing on Niihau.
Where do tours depart?
Na Pali departures are grouped by Port Allen, Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and Hanalei Bay. The shorter reef and shore experiences take place around Poipu. The map shows departure areas; always follow the exact check-in location and arrival time in your confirmation.
Are snorkeling, sea caves and beach landings guaranteed?
No. The captain or guide makes the final call based on sea conditions. Routes and snorkel sites may change, and cave entry or beach landings may be omitted. These are ocean adventures, and a weather change can affect the experience even on a sunny day.
Which boat is right for my group?
Larger catamarans offer more room, restrooms and amenities. Small power catamarans offer a closer coastal experience. Super rafts have forward-facing seats; traditional rafts ride low to the water and can be much more physical. Hanalei wet-boarding requirements also vary by boat.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming requirements depend on the trip. Open-ocean snorkeling requires comfort in the water; flotation is not a substitute for swimming ability. The south-shore zodiac explicitly requires competent swimmers. Tell us about your experience level before choosing a tour if you are unsure.
Can children join?
Minimum ages range from three to seven on the boat trips listed here. See the age shown on each card and check the full reservation requirements. Children must meet the selected tour’s age and ability rules.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun-protective clothing, a secure hat and a change of clothes. Protect cameras and phones from spray. Follow your confirmation for footwear, bags and check-in instructions; bring photo ID if you plan to enjoy alcoholic drinks.
Are there health or mobility restrictions?
Boat rides may be fast, wet and bumpy. Pregnancy, recent surgery, neck or back problems, certain health conditions and limited mobility may prevent participation. Restrictions differ by vessel. Review the specific tour requirements and contact us before booking if you need help choosing.
How does online booking work?
Choose a tour and departure option, then select a date in its live calendar. Current times, prices and guest requirements appear in the secure booking flow. Complete an available reservation to receive instant confirmation and your trip instructions. An inquiry or incomplete checkout does not reserve a place.
What if the calendar has no dates?
Try another month, especially for Hanalei and seasonal beach-landing adventures. A blank month can mean sold-out dates, an off-season schedule or dates not released yet. Call 888-508-9948 if you need help finding an alternative.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation deadlines depend on the tour and party size. Read the policy shown in your selected booking before payment. Use the contact information on your confirmation for changes, weather cancellations or rescheduling.