Kauai Ocean Tours BOAT RIDES: As mentioned above, the Na Pali Coast is truly beautiful and not to be missed. Boats, whether charted fishing boats, commercial catamarans, or zodiac rafts, travel along the coast daily. Most of these tours include snorkeling, and occasionally scuba diving, where you can swim alongside turtles, monk seals, tropical and game fish. These boats also offer whale watching between November and April and dolphin spotting is a year-round activity. Don’t forget your camera! View our Hawaiian Marine Life Gallery >> Zodiacs/Rafts: If you are looking for excitement and adventure then you are a zodiac person! These 24’-48’ rafts are a great way to see the Na Pali up close. These crafts are faster than the catamarans and they often allow you to take a dip in the ocean before you get to the snorkel sites – just to cool you off. Weather permitting, you travel into sea caves and under Cliffside waterfalls; sometimes you even do some raft-surfing.
Each of these rafts snorkel in a fishing cove that is filled with bright, tropical fish and some of the rafts are permitted to land on the coastline for lunch and a nature walk in an old Hawaiian village. 5-6 hours Na Pali Dinner Sail: This is a popular sail that allows you to see the Na Pali and enjoy dinner and drinks. Usually leaving between 2:30-3:30pm these trips are great for those avoiding sunburns and who want a shorter trip on the ocean. Take colorful pictures of the sun setting over Niihau (the Forbidden Island) and try to see the green flash as the sun sinks below the horizon on this 3-3.5 hour trip.
Poipu Sail: Enjoy the beauty of the South side of the island on this evening sail. See the secluded Maha’ulepu and Kipu beaches on this two hour sunset sail. Light appetizers, refreshments, and alcoholic beverages included. 2 hours Romantic Cruise: This great adults-only option in sailing is usually available Oct-May. Enjoy the serine beauty of Kauai’s coast in relaxation. Dinner, drinks, and champagne served as the sun sets over Niihau and the Na Pali. 2-2.5 hours 21yrs and up Boats to Niihau: This is the epitome of Deluxe!
If you enjoy sailing and want to see all that you can in one day then a trip around Niihau and the Na Pali is for you. Sail from Port Allen (the South-West side of the island) toward Niiahu (the Forbidden Island) for a day of adventure and beauty. Watch pods of dolphins swim alongside the 60’+ catamaran as you enjoy a continental breakfast and learn about the marine life that cruises by.
Once you reach Niihau you will learn about the history of this island and why it is so unique and “Forbidden.” Then snorkel or scuba dive (for a small additional fee) in the waters near Niiahu and Lehua Rock where Manta-Rays and Monk Seals are usually spotted. After some snorkeling and picture-taking you will head toward the Na Pali as lunch and drinks are served. You will see all the beauty of the Na Pali’s valleys, waterfalls, and cliffs before heading back to the Harbor. This ultimate trip is about 7 hours.
