Part snorkeling / Part Sightseeing the Na Pali Coast

KAUAI SNORKELING

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Kauai Snorkeling

FILTER BY VESSEL TYPE:
OCEAN RAFT or SAILING CATAMARAN or POWERED CATAMARAN

NIIHAU SNORKEL TOUR

See the Na Pali Coast in early morning light, then cross the channel to the Forbidden Island of Niihau where you will snorkel the back wall and underwater reef of an ancient volcanic caldera. Best tour for a variety of marine mammals too!

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^$310

NA PALI RAFTING WITH LANDING

Na Pali Rafting with an exclusive beach landing at remote Nualolo Kai. Explore an ancient Hawaiian archeological site, and snorkel a protected reef. The landing option is only available in "summer" half of the year from April through October.

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^$255

KAUAI SEA TOURS RAFTING

This Na Pali Rafting excursion does not include a landing, but has more time to explore the nooks and crannies of the Na Pali Coast and is offered all-year.

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^$190

BLUE OCEAN ADVENTURES

This cofortable and FAST powered catamaran is an outstanding choice for snorkeling and sightseeing the Na Pali Coast. They even have an inflatable water slide for great family fun!

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^$185

LUCKY LADY NA PALI SNORKEL

This custom built catamaran will sail you along the Na Pali's majestic sea cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, and beaches with a stop for snorkeling along the way. Dolphins love to swim at the bow of this boat!

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^$205

LEILA NA PALI SNORKEL SAIL

An authentic tradewind sailing experience aboard a beautiful 48' catamaran. The crew will entertain you with stories of ancient Hawaii as you cruise the Na Pali Coast.

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^$240

HANALEI NA PALI RAFTING

For those staying on the north shore, this vessel leaves from Hanalei which is really close to the start of the Na Pali Coast. This tour only operates in summer half of the year from April to October.

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^$322

Kevin's Activity Tips:

As the northernmost island of the chain of the major Hawaiian islands, Kauai's coastline is pounded with northern winter swells. As the oldest member of the chain, it has been the most eroded by wind and rain, sculpting the incredible beauty we so enjoy. Nowhere on the island is this more apparent than along the spectacular and pristine Na Pali Coast. There are no roads here ... if you want to see this part of the island you need to take a boat ride. We can help you with that! ;-)

The major decision is which TYPE of boat is right for you. The most adventurous and best choice for active travelers in good shape (no neck or back injuries and no one pregnant) would be one of the Ocean Rafting trips. Low on creature comforts and high on thrills, these tours are especially good in the summertime when the Na Pali is calmer and when conditions permit the rafts can even go in and out of sea caves that have been carved by the monster winter swells. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the Sailing Catamarans which are high on creature comforts. Just keep in mind that because these vessels have masts they cannot actually enter any of the sea caves. A good compromise is the Powered Catamarans. They are larger than rafts with more creature comforts, but without a mast they can enter one of two of the largest sea caves along the Na Pali under ideal conditions, and when they can't enter they can get really really close.

Overall Kauai's snorkel trips are different than those on other Hawaiian islands. Snorkeling is a FEATURE of these Kauaitrips, but the main attraction is always the spectacular beauty of the island. Also, Kauai is your best shot at seeing Hawaiian Monk Seals and larger marine mammals like Melonhead Whales, Pilot Whales, and Bottlenose Dolphins ... especially on the Niihau Supertour.