Pricing on this coast is refreshingly transparent. Every one of the 26 bookable trips lists a starting figure, and the range is easy to hold in your head: $190 buys the shortest express sunset run aboard 'Imiloa, while $361.31 covers the eight-hour Niihau crossing that adds a second island to the day. Between those poles sit rafts, catamarans and sailboats, most of them priced in the low-to-mid $200s. Free cancellation applies across the entire roster, which matters when winter swells force a captain to change plans.

Which Napali Coast Boat Tours Fit Your Day?

Review volume tells you plenty. The Amelia K sunset dinner tour from Makana Charters holds a 4.9 rating across 2,050 reviews, from $227.13 per person. Close behind sits the Super Raft Snorkel Adventure from Captain J's, with 1,723 reviews at 4.8 and a from-price of $235.

Short on time or budget? The two express products from Kauai Sea Tours occupy the bottom of the price ladder. The sunset version aboard 'Imiloa opens at $190 per person, rated 4.7 from 224 reviews, and its snorkel sibling starts at $212 with a 4.7 from 346 guests. Each keeps the outing to four and a half hours, enough to run the cliffs without eating a whole day. At the other end sits the eight-hour Niihau and Na Pali Coast snorkel tour at $361.31, a full-day commitment for swimmers who want the crossing as much as the coast.

Party size and stomach for spray should drive the decision more than price. A stable catamaran such as the Lucky Lady snorkel cruise, from $233.73 per person and rated 4.7 over 1,639 reviews, suits mixed groups and anyone prone to seasickness. Rafts are the opposite bargain: Na Pali Riders runs Zodiac expeditions from $225 to $255, all rated 4.9, on tight three and four-hour itineraries that ride hard and get close to the rock. Check minimum-age rules on the live booking page before booking children onto a raft, since those restrictions are common and catamarans rarely carry them.

One detail deserves a look before money changes hands: what the itinerary really covers, especially the sea caves. No operator here guarantees entry, and several say so in writing. Sailing catamarans are too large to enter the caves at all, though they can pull close, and power cats vary by operator. Rigid-hull rafts are the boat built for cave runs, which is why every sea-cave listing on this page runs on one, and even then the captain decides on the day whether conditions allow it. If going inside matters to you, filter to the raft category first, then read the itinerary on the live booking page.

Still weighing the options? A raft gets you nearest the cliffs and, when the ocean allows, into cave mouths; dinner cruises time the run for golden light; catamarans trade thrills for comfort; and the two Niihau crossings stretch the day into a full expedition. See every category side by side.

Narrow The Napali Coast Boat Tours List To Your Trip

Start with the hours you want to spend on the water. A three-hour Zodiac run and an eight-hour Niihau crossing are both on the table here, and everything else falls somewhere between. Then pick the style of boat: rigid rafts for proximity to the sea caves when conditions permit, sunset dinner sailings for the evening light, catamarans built for snorkel stops, or a sailing trip under canvas. These 26 tours split across five categories, from-prices stretch from $190 to $361.31, and no listing on this page has paid for its position.

1. What kind of trip do you want?
2. What can you spend per person?
3. How much time do you have?

A starting shortlist of the best-reviewed tours. Answer a question below to rebuild it.

What To Know Before You Book

  • All 26 tours publish a from-price. The cheapest is an express sunset tour at $190 per person, and the priciest is the eight-hour Niihau crossing at $361.31, with five categories in between.
  • The Amelia K sunset dinner tour from Makana Charters is the most-reviewed trip here, with 2,050 reviews at a 4.9 rating and seats from $227.13 per person.
  • All 26 listings allow free cancellation, a real safety net here since winter swells can shut the coast to boats and force reroutes. Check the exact terms on each booking page.
  • Money questions resolve quickly here. All 26 tours publish a from-price, the floor is $190 on the express 'Imiloa sunset run, and the ceiling is $361.31 for the eight-hour Niihau day. The bulk of seats fall between $212 and $275, so category choice moves the budget less than you might expect.
  • A licensed captain earns their fee in ways a self-guided day cannot. North-west swell along the Napali Coast changes fast, and a snorkel spot that looks fine at dawn can be unworkable by mid-morning. Skippers reroute to calmer water and judge whether any cave mouth is safe to approach that day. That call is never guaranteed in advance, and that local judgement is part of what the ticket buys.
  • Check the maths before assuming a longer day costs more. The Express Na Pali Sunset Tour runs $190 for five hours, while a three-hour Zodiac raft expedition starts at $225. Price follows boat type and route, not hours alone.

Five Kinds Of Napali Coast Boat Tours, Compared

CategoryBest forTypical lengthFromLead tourPickup
Sea Caves By Raft Best suited to travelers who want speed, spray and a raw ride over comfort. Six raft tours cover this style, from a 3-hour express run to a 5-hour 30-minute expedition with snorkel gear aboard. 3 to 5.5 hours $217 Super Raft, Snacks Included Meet at the start point
Sunset And Dinner These tours suit travelers who want the coast without a hard ride: couples, families with older kids, and anyone who prefers a catamaran or sailboat deck over a raft bench. Snorkel stops, where offered, depend on conditions. 3.5 to 5.5 hours $190 Buffet Dinner Sunset Cruise Meet at the start point
Snorkel Catamarans Best for families, first-time snorkelers and anyone who wants the coast without a wet, pounding ride. Catamarans suit travelers who value comfort over speed. 4.5 to 5.5 hours $212 5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included Meet at the start point
Under Sail Sailing suits travelers who want the coast at a quieter pace, with deck space to spread out and time to watch the cliffs change light. Families and couples book these over the rafts, and the longer runs suit anyone unhurried. 5 to 6 hours $260.91 6-Hour Sail, Two Meals Included Meet at the start point
Niihau And Full Days Built for travelers who want the fullest day on the water: eight hours on the flagship tour, seven on the shorter one. Strong swimmers and families with older kids tend to get the most from them. 7 to 8 hours $339 8-Hour Niihau Island Snorkel Meet at the start point
A rigid-hull inflatable raft running close under the Napali sea cliffs on Kauai beside a dark sea arch, the trip style behind the six raft tours compared in this section. Sea Cave And Raft Napali Coast Boat Tours Small, fast rafts run the coast hard and close, threading tight to the cliffs where bigger boats keep their distance. Sea cave entry is never promised; it happens only when swell and the captain allow it. Best suited to travelers who want speed, spray and a raw ride over comfort. Six raft tours cover this style, from a 3-hour express run to a 5-hour 30-minute expedition with snorkel gear aboard. A catamaran on gold evening water below the Napali cliffs on Kauai, the setting for the nine sunset and dinner cruises compared in this section. Sunset And Dinner Napali Coast Boat Tours Sunset and dinner cruises run the coast in the golden hour, serving a meal aboard as the light drops behind the cliffs. Nine tours fit this category, with from-prices between $190 and $263.82 per person. These tours suit travelers who want the coast without a hard ride: couples, families with older kids, and anyone who prefers a catamaran or sailboat deck over a raft bench. Snorkel stops, where offered, depend on conditions. Snorkelers in clear turquoise water beside a catamaran anchored over a Kauai reef, the in-water stop that defines the six snorkel cruises compared in this section. Snorkel Napali Coast Boat Tours Catamarans carry snorkelers up the Napali Coast with space to move, shade on deck and a steadier ride than a raft. Six tours fit this style, from $212 per person. Best for families, first-time snorkelers and anyone who wants the coast without a wet, pounding ride. Catamarans suit travelers who value comfort over speed. A sailing catamaran heeling under raised white sails on open water off the Napali Coast of Kauai, the three sail-powered trips compared in this section. Sailing Napali Coast Boat Tours Three sailing tours cover the coast, all catamarans under sail power where the wind allows. Holo Holo Charters and Kauai Sea Tours run them, from five to six hours, with snorkel stops when conditions permit. Sailing suits travelers who want the coast at a quieter pace, with deck space to spread out and time to watch the cliffs change light. Families and couples book these over the rafts, and the longer runs suit anyone unhurried. Open blue channel water between Kauai and the low outline of Niihau on the horizon, the crossing made by the two full-day tours compared in this section. Niihau And Full-Day Napali Coast Boat Tours The two longest trips on this roster cross the channel to the Forbidden Island, snorkeling off Lehua when conditions allow. Holo Holo Charters runs both, from $339 per person. Built for travelers who want the fullest day on the water: eight hours on the flagship tour, seven on the shorter one. Strong swimmers and families with older kids tend to get the most from them.

Sea Cave And Raft Napali Coast Boat Tours

Top rated in this category

Super Raft, Snacks Included

Rafts ride harder than catamarans; cave entry and snorkeling depend on conditions on the day. · 4 hours 30 minutes · Run by Captain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures

4.8 1,723 verified reviews

A 4 hour 30 minute raft run out of Port Allen with Captain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures, priced from $235 per person. The boat tracks north-west along the shoreline toward the cliffs, and sea-cave entry and a snorkel stop both sit at the captain's discretion, weather permitting. Rated 4.8 across 1723 reviews, with free cancellation.

from $235per person Check Price & Availability → Free cancellation
Raft Snorkel, Breakfast Included

Raft Snorkel, Breakfast Included

4.8 1,656 verified reviews

Only 14 seats per departure

5 hours 30 minutes · A rigid-hull raft rides harder than a catamaran; expect spray and bumps. · Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours runs this 5 hour 30 minute raft trip from Port Allen on Kauai's west side, heading north-west along the coast to the sea cliffs. Snorkel stops and any sea-cave entry depend on conditions and the captain's call that day. The ride is faster and rougher than a catamaran, which is part of the appeal. Rated 4.8 across 1656 reviews, from $217 per person with free cancellation.

Check Price & Availability →
4-Hour Zodiac, Snacks Included

4-Hour Zodiac, Snacks Included

4.9 956 verified reviews

4 hours · Departs Kikiaola on Kauai's west side. Four hours, from $255 per person, free cancellation. · Na Pali Riders

Na Pali Riders runs this four-hour Zodiac expedition out of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on Kauai's west side near Waimea, heading north-west along the shoreline beneath the cliffs of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Sea-cave entry and the snorkel stop are captain's discretion, weather permitting. Rated 4.9 across 956 reviews, from $255 per person.

Check Price & Availability →
3-Hour Zodiac, Optional Snorkel

3-Hour Zodiac, Optional Snorkel

4.9 279 verified reviews

3 hours · A short, fast raft run with cave and snorkel stops only when the captain judges conditions safe. · Na Pali Riders

Na Pali Riders runs this 3-hour Zodiac raft out of Kikiaola, north-west along the Napali Coast. The raft is small enough that the captain may enter sea caves when conditions allow, and a snorkel stop is included when the swell cooperates. Rated 4.9 from 279 reviews, from $225 per person, with free cancellation.

Check Price & Availability →
3-Hour Zodiac Sea Caves, Snacks

3-Hour Zodiac Sea Caves, Snacks

4.9 155 verified reviews

3 hours · A 3-hour raft from $235 per person, with cave entry only when conditions allow. · Na Pali Riders

Na Pali Riders runs this 3-hour Zodiac raft expedition out of Kauai's west side, hugging the Napali Coast cliffs at close range. Sea-cave entry happens only when the captain judges conditions safe, which is more typical in the calmer summer months. Rated 4.9 across 155 reviews, from $235 per person with free cancellation.

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5-Hour Zodiac, Deli Lunch

5-Hour Zodiac, Deli Lunch

4.7 111 verified reviews

Only 14 seats per departure

5 hours · Runs year round from the west side. Summer usually brings calmer water for caves and snorkeling; winter brings humpbacks offshore. · Kauai Sea Rider Adventures

This 5-hour Zodiac run from Kauai's west side pushes north-west along the Napali Coast with Kauai Sea Rider Adventures. Sea cave entry is at the captain's discretion and depends on swell, and the snorkel stop is conditions-permitting. Rated 4.7 across 111 reviews, from $257.28 per person.

Check Price & Availability →

Sunset And Dinner Napali Coast Boat Tours

Top rated in this category

Buffet Dinner Sunset Cruise

Departs Port Allen on Kauai's west side. Dinner included, 5 hours on the water, from $222.86 per person with free cancellation. · 5 hours · Run by Kauai Sea Tours

4.7 1,610 verified reviews

Kauai Sea Tours runs this 5-hour sunset cruise from Port Allen aboard the Lucky Lady, a catamaran built for smooth riding along the Napali Coast. Sea caves and snorkeling are never promised; the captain decides on the day. Dinner and drinks are served as the cliffs turn gold.

from $222.86per person Check Price & Availability → Free cancellation
Shorter Dinner Sunset Sail

Shorter Dinner Sunset Sail

4.7 1,249 verified reviews

3 to 4 hours · A 3 to 4 hour sunset run, from $263.82 per person. · Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

Holo Holo Charters runs this sunset trip out of Port Allen, heading north-west along the shoreline to the cliffs, sea arches and waterfalls of the Napali Coast. It runs 3 to 4 hours, rated 4.7 across 1249 reviews, from $263.82 per person, with free cancellation. Sea caves and any stops are at the captain's discretion, since swell decides what the boat can safely approach. The return leg is timed for the light.

Check Price & Availability →
Dinner Sail Aboard Leila

Dinner Sail Aboard Leila

4.7 609 verified reviews

4 to 5 hours · Sailing catamaran, dinner included, west-side departure, free cancellation on this listing. · Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

The Leila is Holo Holo Charters' sailing catamaran, and this dinner sail puts her on the Napali Coast for the golden hours. The boat runs out of Port Allen on Kauai's west side and follows the shoreline north-west toward the sea cliffs. Dinner is served aboard, and the return leg often catches the last light over the Pacific. Sea-cave entry and any swim stops depend on conditions and the captain's call.

Check Price & Availability →
Dinner Cruise Plus Snorkel

Dinner Cruise Plus Snorkel

4.7 348 verified reviews

5 hours 30 minutes · Snorkel stop and sea-cave pass are captain's discretion; the sunset cruise itself runs in most conditions. · Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours runs this 5 hour 30 minute Lucky Lady catamaran trip out of Port Allen, pairing a Napali Coast snorkel stop, conditions permitting, with a sunset sail back along the cliffs. Sea cave entry is at the captain's discretion. From $233.74 per person, free cancellation.

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Sunset Sailboat, Dinner Included

Sunset Sailboat, Dinner Included

4.7 234 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · Sunset dinner sail from Port Allen, from $247 per person, free cancellation. · Holo Holo Charters

This Holo Holo Charters sunset sail runs about 4 hours 30 minutes from Kauai's west side, tracing the Napali Coast cliffs as the light softens. Dinner is served aboard. Sea-cave entry and any swim stop depend on conditions and the captain's call. Rated 4.7 across 234 reviews, from $247 per person with free cancellation.

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Express Sunset, Late Lunch Included

Express Sunset, Late Lunch Included

4.5 224 verified reviews

5 hours · Lowest from-price among sunset tours here, at $190 per person, with free cancellation. · Kauai Sea Tours

The Express Na Pali Sunset Tour aboard 'Imiloa runs 5 hours from Port Allen with Kauai Sea Tours, priced from $190 per person. The catamaran heads north-west along the coast toward the sea cliffs as the light softens, with a snack and drinks served aboard. Sea cave entry and any stops are at the captain's discretion, weather permitting. Free cancellation applies.

Check Price & Availability →
Dinner Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes

Dinner Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes

4.7 104 verified reviews

3 hours 30 minutes · A 3 hours 30 minutes sunset dinner cruise with Holo Holo Charters, from $247 per person. · Holo Holo Charters

Holo Holo Charters runs this dinner cruise out of Port Allen, heading north-west along the Napali Coast as the light drops. The trip runs about 3 hours 30 minutes, with dinner served aboard and time to take in the cliffs from the water. Sea-cave entry is at the captain's discretion and depends on conditions on the day. Free cancellation applies.

Check Price & Availability →
Luxury Sunset, Appetizers Included

Luxury Sunset, Appetizers Included

4.8 46 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · Kauai Sea Tours, 4.8 from 46 reviews, four and a half hours, free cancellation. · Kauai Sea Tours

The Lady Kailani sunset trip from Kauai Sea Tours runs about 4 hours 30 minutes out of Port Allen, tracing the Napali Coast cliffs in late-afternoon light before turning back along the shoreline. The boat carries a small group, and the pace leans toward comfort rather than speed. Sea cave entry is never promised; the captain decides on the day based on swell. Dinner and drinks are served aboard.

Check Price & Availability →

Snorkel Napali Coast Boat Tours

Top rated in this category

5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included

Likely to sell out

Five hours with Makana Charters, lunch included, from $227.13 per person. Free cancellation. · 5 hours · Run by Makana Charters

4.9 2,050 verified reviews

The Amelia K, run by Makana Charters, is a five-hour daytime snorkel boat tour along the Napali Coast, departing from Port Allen on Kauai's west side. The boat runs north-west along the shoreline past the sea cliffs and valleys, with a deli lunch served on board, plus snacks and soft drinks. It holds a 4.9 rating across 2050 reviews, from $227.13 per person, with free cancellation.

from $227.13per person Check Price & Availability → Free cancellation
Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included

Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included

4.7 1,639 verified reviews

5 hours 30 minutes · Free cancellation. Catamaran comfort that rides softer than the rafts, with a snorkel stop when the swell allows. · Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours runs this 5 hour 30 minute catamaran cruise out of Port Allen, tracking north-west along the shoreline of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. A snorkel stop is planned when conditions allow, and the captain may bring the boat close to the sea caves, always at their discretion. Rated 4.7 across 1639 reviews, from $233.73 per person.

Check Price & Availability →
Power Catamaran, Snacks Included

Power Catamaran, Snacks Included

5.0 811 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · Departs from Kauai's west side, near Eleele. · Na Pali Experience

Na Pali Experience runs this power catamaran out of Kauai's west side, running north-west along the shoreline toward the Napali Coast. The twin-hull design rides steadier than a raft, which suits travelers who want the cliffs and sea caves without a pounding. A snorkel stop is planned when the captain judges conditions allow, and cave entry is never promised. The trip runs 4 hours 30 minutes.

Check Price & Availability →
Express Snorkel, Two Meals Included

Express Snorkel, Two Meals Included

4.7 346 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · From $212 per person, 4 hours 30 minutes, free cancellation. Snorkeling depends on conditions. · Kauai Sea Tours

The 'Imiloa is Kauai Sea Tours' power catamaran, and this express run covers the Napali Coast from Port Allen in four and a half hours. The boat runs north-west along the shoreline past the sea cliffs and valleys, with a snorkel stop when conditions allow. Rated 4.7 across 346 reviews, from $212 per person, with free cancellation.

Check Price & Availability →
Lunch Included, Comfortable Catamaran

Lunch Included, Comfortable Catamaran

5.0 226 verified reviews

Likely to sell out

5 hours · Catamaran, 5 hours, from $215. Free cancellation. Snorkel stop is at the captain's discretion. · Napali Navigators

This 5-hour catamaran run from Napali Navigators leaves from Kauai's west side and works north-west along the coast. Snorkel stops are conditions-permitting and always at the captain's discretion, and the same goes for any pause along the sea cliffs. The tour holds a 5 rating across 226 reviews, costs from $215 per person, and carries free cancellation.

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Deluxe Power Catamaran, No Meal

Deluxe Power Catamaran, No Meal

4.9 157 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · Runs year round from Kauai's west side, weather permitting. Free cancellation applies. · Na Pali Experience

Na Pali Experience runs this 4 hour 30 minute power catamaran trip from Kauai's west side, rated 4.9 across 157 reviews. The boat runs north-west along the shoreline toward the cliffs, with a snorkel stop planned when conditions allow. From $275 per person, free cancellation.

Check Price & Availability →
Deli Lunch Snorkel Tour

Deli Lunch Snorkel Tour

5.0 23 verified reviews

5 hours · Five hours, lunch included, snorkel only if conditions allow. Free cancellation. · Napali Navigators, LLC

Napali Navigators runs this 5-hour snorkel-catamaran trip out of Kikiaola, near Waimea, with lunch served aboard and a stop for swimming when the captain gives the all-clear. The boat runs north-west along the coast, past the cliffs and valleys of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Snorkel time depends on conditions on the day.

Check Price & Availability →

Sailing Napali Coast Boat Tours

Top rated in this category

6-Hour Sail, Two Meals Included

A six-hour Holo Holo sail from Port Allen. Snorkeling is planned but conditions-permitting, and the captain may move the stop. · 6 hours · Run by Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

4.8 582 verified reviews

Holo Holo Charters runs this six-hour sail out of Port Allen, the longest tour in the sailing category. The boat runs north-west along the coast past the sea cliffs, and a snorkel stop is planned when conditions allow, since the captain can move or drop it depending on the day. From $292.48 per person.

from $292.48per person Check Price & Availability → Free cancellation
Luxury Catamaran, Two Meals

Luxury Catamaran, Two Meals

4.8 115 verified reviews

5 hours · Small-group sailing catamaran, 5 hours, from $260.91 per person. Snorkel stop is conditions-permitting. · Kauai Sea Tours

Lady Kailani is a sailing catamaran run by Kauai Sea Tours, departing from Port Allen on Kauai's west side and running north-west along the shoreline to the Napali Coast. The five-hour trip serves a light breakfast and lunch, with drinks available on board. A snorkel stop is planned when conditions allow, and the captain decides on the day. Free cancellation applies.

Check Price & Availability →
Sail From Port Allen, Two Meals

Sail From Port Allen, Two Meals

4.8 106 verified reviews

5 hours · Sailing category, 4.8 rating. Departs Port Allen on Kauai's west side, never the north shore. · Holo Holo Charters

Holo Holo Charters runs this five-hour sail and snorkel trip out of Port Allen, heading north-west along the shoreline into Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Guests rate it 4.8 across 106 reviews, and the from-price is $274 per person. Snorkel stops are conditions-permitting and always at the captain's discretion, so treat any swim time as a bonus rather than a promise. Free cancellation applies.

Check Price & Availability →

Niihau And Full-Day Napali Coast Boat Tours

8-Hour Niihau Island Snorkel

8-Hour Niihau Island Snorkel

4.7 481 verified reviews

8 hours · 8 hours, from $361.31 per person, departing Port Allen. Snorkeling is conditions-permitting. · Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

The longest trip on this roster: a full 8 hours from Port Allen with Holo Holo Charters, running the Napali Coast and crossing the channel toward Ni'ihau. Snorkel stops are conditions-permitting and may be moved or dropped at the captain's discretion. Rated 4.7 across 481 reviews, from $361.31 per person, with free cancellation.

Check Price & Availability →
7-Hour Niihau Full-Day Tour

7-Hour Niihau Full-Day Tour

4.7 160 verified reviews

7 hours · A 7-hour Niihau day trip from Port Allen, from $339 per person. · Holo Holo Charters

Holo Holo Charters runs this 7-hour trip from Kauai's west side, pairing the Napali cliffs with a crossing to the waters off Niihau, the privately owned island west of Kauai. Rated 4.7 across 160 reviews, it is one of only two Niihau tours on the roster, priced from $339 per person. Snorkel stops are conditions-permitting and always at the captain's discretion.

Check Price & Availability →

Compare All 26 Napali Coast Boat Tours

Every bookable tour on this coast is gathered in one place: 26 departures across five categories, from a three-hour Zodiac run to an eight-hour crossing to Ni'ihau. Filter by price if the budget is set, by duration if your day is already spoken for, or narrow the list to one style of boat. Published from-prices run from $190 to $361.31 per person. Ratings, review counts and running times all come from the live listings, and every tour on the page carries free cancellation.

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All 26 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a heading chip twice to flip the order.

TourCategoryTransportLengthFromRatingBook
5-Hour Tour, Lunch IncludedMakana Charters Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 5 hours $227.13 ★ 4.92,050 reviews Check availability
Super Raft, Snacks IncludedCaptain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $235 ★ 4.81,723 reviews Check availability
Raft Snorkel, Breakfast IncludedKauai Sea Tours Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 5 hours 30 minutes $217 ★ 4.81,656 reviews Check availability
Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast IncludedKauai Sea Tours Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 5 hours 30 minutes $233.73 ★ 4.71,639 reviews Check availability
Buffet Dinner Sunset CruiseKauai Sea Tours Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 5 hours $222.86 ★ 4.71,610 reviews Check availability
Shorter Dinner Sunset SailHolo Holo Charters, Inc. Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 3 to 4 hours $263.82 ★ 4.71,249 reviews Check availability
4-Hour Zodiac, Snacks IncludedNa Pali Riders Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 4 hours $255 ★ 4.9956 reviews Check availability
Power Catamaran, Snacks IncludedNa Pali Experience Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $274.93 ★ 5.0811 reviews Check availability
Dinner Sail Aboard LeilaHolo Holo Charters, Inc. Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 4 to 5 hours $263.82 ★ 4.7609 reviews Check availability
6-Hour Sail, Two Meals IncludedHolo Holo Charters, Inc. Under Sail Check the listing 6 hours $292.48 ★ 4.8582 reviews Check availability
8-Hour Niihau Island SnorkelHolo Holo Charters, Inc. Niihau And Full Days Check the listing 8 hours $361.31 ★ 4.7481 reviews Check availability
Dinner Cruise Plus SnorkelKauai Sea Tours Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 5 hours 30 minutes $233.74 ★ 4.7348 reviews Check availability
Express Snorkel, Two Meals IncludedKauai Sea Tours Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $212 ★ 4.7346 reviews Check availability
3-Hour Zodiac, Optional SnorkelNa Pali Riders Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 3 hours $225 ★ 4.9279 reviews Check availability
Sunset Sailboat, Dinner IncludedHolo Holo Charters Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $247 ★ 4.7234 reviews Check availability
Lunch Included, Comfortable CatamaranNapali Navigators Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 5 hours $215 ★ 5.0226 reviews Check availability
Express Sunset, Late Lunch IncludedKauai Sea Tours Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 5 hours $190 ★ 4.5224 reviews Check availability
7-Hour Niihau Full-Day TourHolo Holo Charters Niihau And Full Days Check the listing 7 hours $339 ★ 4.7160 reviews Check availability
Deluxe Power Catamaran, No MealNa Pali Experience Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $275 ★ 4.9157 reviews Check availability
3-Hour Zodiac Sea Caves, SnacksNa Pali Riders Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 3 hours $235 ★ 4.9155 reviews Check availability
Luxury Catamaran, Two MealsKauai Sea Tours Under Sail Check the listing 5 hours $260.91 ★ 4.8115 reviews Check availability
5-Hour Zodiac, Deli LunchKauai Sea Rider Adventures Sea Caves By Raft Check the listing 5 hours $257.28 ★ 4.7111 reviews Check availability
Sail From Port Allen, Two MealsHolo Holo Charters Under Sail Check the listing 5 hours $274 ★ 4.8106 reviews Check availability
Dinner Cruise, 3 Hours 30 MinutesHolo Holo Charters Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 3 hours 30 minutes $247 ★ 4.7104 reviews Check availability
Luxury Sunset, Appetizers IncludedKauai Sea Tours Sunset And Dinner Check the listing 4 hours 30 minutes $260.91 ★ 4.846 reviews Check availability
Deli Lunch Snorkel TourNapali Navigators, LLC Snorkel Catamarans Check the listing 5 hours $215 ★ 5.023 reviews Check availability

What Napali Coast Boat Tours Include, Side By Side

The comparison table below gathers every bookable trip in one place. Sunset dinner cruises form the biggest group, nine in total, while six rigid-hull rafts target the sea cave sections and six catamarans pair the coast with a snorkel stop. Three sailing options round things out, plus two long voyages that continue past the coast to Ni'ihau. Makana Charters, Kauai Sea Tours, Holo Holo Charters and Na Pali Riders all appear, with running times from a three-hour express run up to a full eight-hour day. Every listing carries free cancellation, and guest ratings span 4.5 to 5.

TourSnorkellingLunch or foodSea cavesFree cancellationDeparts fromFrom
5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included gear included lunch conditions permitting see the listing Eleele $227.13
Super Raft, Snacks Included gear included snacks, not a full meal conditions permitting see the listing Eleele $235
Raft Snorkel, Breakfast Included gear included breakfast on board conditions permitting see the listing Eleele $217
Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included gear included breakfast on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $233.73
Buffet Dinner Sunset Cruise sightseeing only buffet dinner not on this route see the listing Eleele $222.86
Shorter Dinner Sunset Sail sightseeing only dinner on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $263.82
4-Hour Zodiac, Snacks Included gear included snacks, not a full meal conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $255
Power Catamaran, Snacks Included gear included snacks, not a full meal conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $274.93
Dinner Sail Aboard Leila sightseeing only dinner on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $263.82
6-Hour Sail, Two Meals Included gear included lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $292.48
8-Hour Niihau Island Snorkel gear included lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $361.31
Dinner Cruise Plus Snorkel gear included dinner on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $233.74
Express Snorkel, Two Meals Included gear included lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $212
3-Hour Zodiac, Optional Snorkel gear included snacks, not a full meal conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $225
Sunset Sailboat, Dinner Included sightseeing only dinner on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $247
Lunch Included, Comfortable Catamaran gear included lunch conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $215
Express Sunset, Late Lunch Included sightseeing only late lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $190
7-Hour Niihau Full-Day Tour gear included lunch conditions permitting see the listing Eleele $339
Deluxe Power Catamaran, No Meal gear included no meal listed conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $275
3-Hour Zodiac Sea Caves, Snacks sightseeing only snacks, not a full meal conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $235
Luxury Catamaran, Two Meals gear included lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $260.91
5-Hour Zodiac, Deli Lunch gear included deli lunch conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $257.28
Sail From Port Allen, Two Meals gear included deli lunch not on this route see the listing Eleele $274
Dinner Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes sightseeing only dinner on board conditions permitting see the listing Eleele $247
Luxury Sunset, Appetizers Included sightseeing only dinner on board not on this route see the listing Eleele $260.91
Deli Lunch Snorkel Tour gear included deli lunch conditions permitting see the listing Waimea $215

What Makes This Coastline Worth A Boat Tour

No road reaches this coast, and that single fact explains the ticket. Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park lines Kauai's northwest shore with cliffs that rise straight out of the water, so the only alternatives are a permitted multi-day hike or a hull on the ocean. A licensed captain reads the swell, times the approach to the sea caves and makes the call on days when the coast closes to boats entirely. Along the way you pass valleys and beaches that day hikers almost never reach, which is the part visitors cannot arrange on their own.

26Bookable Napali Coast boat tours compared side by side here, every price, rating and duration read from the live listing.
$190 to $361Per-person from-prices across the roster, so you can see what a short sunset run costs against a full Ni'ihau day.
5Distinct kinds of boat day on offer, from raft expeditions and snorkel catamarans to sunset dinner sails.
10Separate operators running these tours, which is why the same coast can be ridden, sailed or dined on so differently.
3 to 8Hours on the water, shortest tour to longest, so you can weigh a quick afternoon against a full-day crossing.
18Tours leaving from Port Allen Small Boat Harbor on Kauai's west side, with the rest departing nearby Kikiaola.

When To Go, And What The Ocean Does

The calendar shapes this coast as much as the scenery does. Summer brings the calmest water and the fullest schedules; winter delivers north swells that can shut the coast to boats, and humpback whales arrive in the meantime. Captains decide each morning whether the cliffs are reachable and whether a snorkel stop will hold. Because every tour listed here carries free cancellation, an early booking is easy to move if the swell arrives instead.

Summer

December to February

Summer is when the north-west swell settles and the coast shows its calmer face. Cave passages that stay shut for much of the year may open for the rafts when the captain judges them safe, and snorkel stops hold more often. Paddlers also join the water in these months, since kayaking the coast is permitted only in summer under state rules. The Amelia K dinner sail, rated 4.9 from 2050 reviews, is a strong pick for a long evening on the water. Book early anyway; free cancellation across the roster means an early reservation carries little risk.

Autumn

March to May

September often stretches the summer calm into early autumn, and the crowds thin while the water stays workable. Sunset departures such as the Lucky Lady cruise, rated 4.7 across 1610 reviews, get softer light over the cliffs. As north swells return, captains sometimes shorten a run or hold offshore rather than attempt the caves, and snorkel stops move with conditions. Free cancellation on every tour here leaves room to shift days if a front moves through.

Winter

June to August

Winter reshapes the schedule more than any season. North swells frequently close sections of the coast to cave runs, and some operators swap in whale watching along the south or west shore instead. Read the listing carefully: a winter whale trip can be a fine morning on the water without ever rounding the coast, so confirm what the route includes before booking. Between swell systems the boats that do run are fewer and easier to book late. The lowest from-price on this page, $190 for the express sunset aboard 'Imiloa, stays listed year-round.

Spring

September to November

Spring sits between seasons, and that shapes everything. Early on, lingering swell can shut the cave sections on some days, while by late April the rafts and catamarans settle into steadier routines. Visitor numbers are still low, so the sought-after dinner sails and the Ni'ihau crossings can sometimes be reserved only a day or two in advance. Humpbacks overlap the first part of the season, and a sighting on the outbound leg is a real possibility. Conditions are called morning by morning, and every tour listed here comes with free cancellation if the plan changes.

What You Will See Along The Coast

The scenery is vertical. Cliffs climb from open ocean, waterfalls thread the valleys, and sea caves cut into the base of the headlands where the swell allows. Spinner dolphins often ride near the bow, sea turtles turn up at snorkel stops, and humpbacks pass through in season. The beaches below hold backcountry campers who hiked in with permits, because no road reaches any of them. One thing to check: some winter products sold as whale watches skip the coast entirely, so confirm a listing includes the Napali shoreline before booking.

Port Allen (Eleele)

Kikiaola (Waimea And Kekaha)

Napali Coast Landmarks

  • Ke'e Beach, Haena

    East end of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau Trail trailhead, inside Haena State Park.

  • Hanakapi'ai Beach

  • Kalalau Beach

    No commercial boat may drop off or pick up passengers here; it is reached on foot with a camping permit, or by permitted kayak landing.

  • Honopu Arch

    Seen from the water only. All landings at Honopu are prohibited, including kayak landings.

  • Napali Coast cliffs, route midpoint

    COMPUTED, not a gazetteer feature: the arithmetic midpoint of two GNIS shoreline points, Kalalau Beach (22.172684, -159.659051) and Nualolo Kai Beach (22.159043, -159.700804). Recomputable from those two values. Used as the pin for the cliffs themselves, which have no single named point.

  • 'Awa'awapuhi Valley

  • Nualolo Kai Beach

    The only Napali shore landing a commercial boat tour may make, and only the three raft operators holding a State Parks concession permit may make it.

  • Miloli'i Beach

    A legal kayak landing and a summer camping area, reachable only by watercraft; day-use landings are allowed 15 May to 7 September without a permit.

  • Polihale Beach

    four tours here

    Super Raft, Snacks Included

Where Napali Coast Boat Tours Leave From

Every tour on this roster leaves from Kauai's west side: 18 departures from Port Allen Small Boat Harbor near Eleele and eight from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near Waimea. From either harbor the boats run north-west along the shoreline until the cliffs begin, so the approach itself is part of the trip. There is no boat departure from the north shore; Hanalei has an open bay and no harbor. The map shows each meeting point the way the roads actually connect them, which matters when you weigh where to stay against an early check-in.

Where the day starts, and the ten mapped points around it A true-scale plot of 11 real coordinates read from OpenStreetMap, north upwards. Port Allen Small Boat Harbor is the ringed point. Every other point is one mapped place, coloured by which set it belongs to and numbered to match the cards below. The grid squares are 10 km across. Two points sit within a few metres of a neighbour, so they have been nudged apart just far enough to stay readable. Distances on the cards are straight-line figures between the mapped coordinates, not road distances and not walking times. Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor boat ramp, mapped point 11 Ke'e Beach, Haena, mapped point 22 Hanakapi'ai Beach, mapped point 33 Kalalau Beach, mapped point 44 Honopu Arch, mapped point 55 Napali Coast cliffs, route midpoint, mapped point 66 'Awa'awapuhi Valley, mapped point 77 Nualolo Kai Beach, mapped point 88 Miloli'i Beach, mapped point 99 Polihale Beach, mapped point 1010 Port Allen Small Boat Harbor
Show

Showing every mapped place.

  • North is up. The bar on the map shows 5.0 km.
  • Each card shows the rating, review total and starting price.
  • Every tour card links straight to the live booking page for that trip.
  • Map data for the Kauai coastline, roads and trails: © OpenStreetMap contributors

All 26 trips on this page start on Kauai's west side, either at Port Allen Small Boat Harbor near Eleele or at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near Waimea. Port Allen handles the majority, including the Holo Holo Charters crossings toward Ni'ihau and the Lucky Lady cruises, while some of the rafts and smaller power catamarans check in at Kikiaola. From either harbor the boats run north-west along the shoreline to reach the cliffs. Once a tour is picked, the listing shows the exact harbor address and check-in window, so read it before travel day.

What Passengers Say

“Great captain with amazing boat driving skills. The guides kept us laughing and had so much knowledge about the history of the coast. We saw dolphins, turtles, and so many fish. Thanks for an amazing experience!”

TJ_N, operator-listing review of 5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included

“Seeing the Na'Pali Coast was one of our main excursions in Kauai while on our honeymoon. It was a bit of a wild experience as it rained for about 20 minutes, and the water was choppy. But our captains were very skilled in driving the boat safely. The views were incredible!! We were able to see the sea caves as well, which were SO cool. I unfortunately did have some motion sickness, but the crew was very supportive and offered ginger chews and Sprite (thank you to Colleen!). Still had an amazing and memorable time. Definitely a must-do in Kauai!”

Seher, United States, operator-listing review of Deluxe Power Catamaran, No Meal

“Would highly recommend this tour! It is rough when heading out along the Napali coast but you should be fine sitting in the back. Snacks, water and Gatorade are provided. The snorkeling was really fun, we saw a turtle and a lot of fish! The guys running the tour had some funny jokes and made the trip enjoyable.”

Samantha_R, operator-listing review of Super Raft, Snacks Included

“This tour was amazing! Captain Glenn, Jasmine and Kalama were such a great team and were so attentive. We were very lucky to have had very calm waters on our tour. The food and drinks were great. Due to calm waters, we were able to enter some of the caves which was great. We were given a lot of great information about the NaPali coast and the music played matched our tour which was really fun. There were not too many people on the boat and that made it easy to move around. We had the best time. Kudos to Holoholo Tours!”

Kristin, United States, operator-listing review of Dinner Cruise, 3 Hours 30 Minutes

“Fun experience. The captain and crew were friendly and made sure that everyone was well cared for. Offered plenty of food and drinks, looked after the guests who felt sea sick, offered all of the needed supplies to make snorkeling a fun experience. The water/waves were very agreeable on the day of our trip, better than usual according to the captain. I took my 4 year old son and he had a good time.”

Steve_O, operator-listing review of Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included

“Absolutely loved the whole trip from top to bottom but what outshined the rest of the boats was that we got to go into the sea caves and under the seaside waterfalls! The Captain and first mate were awesome as well! Thank you for a great tour and experience!”

Cain, United States, operator-listing review of Deli Lunch Snorkel Tour

Every quote here is copied word for word from a traveller review published on the tour operator's own booking listing. We cannot collect, add, remove or edit reviews there; we only chose which of them to show on this page.

Where To Stay Before An Early Departure

Ratings here come straight from the booking listings, spread and all. The Amelia K sunset dinner tour sits at 4.9 across 2050 reviews, the Na Pali Experience power catamaran holds a perfect 5 across 811, and newer entries such as the Napali Navigators snorkel tour carry review counts the table shows plainly. Nothing is padded or rounded up.

upscale

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Poipu, Koloa, on the south shore

★ 9.4

A big south-shore resort with pools, spa, golf and several restaurants on site, useful if you want a full hotel rather than just a bed near the dock. The run to Port Allen along Kaumualii Highway is direct, so early departures stay simple. Best for travellers who like resort facilities after a morning on the water.

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upscale

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

2641 Poipu Road, Koloa, Poipu resort area

★ 9.6

Villas and suites with full kitchens, handy when a boat departure means eating before sunrise. Port Allen, where most tours on this roster board, is a short drive north. A good fit for families and groups who want more space than a standard hotel room offers.

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mid

Waimea Plantation Cottages, a Coast Resort

9400 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea, on the west side

★ 9.2

Old plantation-era cottages on the waterfront at Waimea, walking distance from the town's shops and the closest listed stay to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, where a share of the Napali fleet docks. Some morning departures become a two-minute drive rather than a crossing of half the island. Cottages come with full kitchens. Waimea itself is sleepy, so plan dinners ahead.

Check rates

Napali Coast Boat Tours: Common Questions

How long do these boat tours run?

The practical details are straightforward. Every trip here checks in on the west side of the island, at Port Allen or Kikiaola, with snorkel runs leaving in the morning and the dinner sails pushing off in the afternoon. Running times differ a lot: the short Zodiac expeditions finish in three hours, the sailing tours stretch to six, and the Ni'ihau crossings take seven or eight because of the distance covered, not the harbor run. Each listing states its own check-in time, harbor and what the from-price includes.

Do sunset tours include dinner?

Dinner comes with several of the sunset runs, and the listing says which. The Amelia K tour, the Lucky Lady sunset cruise, the Leila dinner sail and the Napali sunset sailboat tour all serve a meal as part of the fare, while the snorkel trips tend to include lunch or snacks instead. Shorter outings, like the three-hour express Zodiac, assume you have eaten beforehand. Each live booking page states exactly what the from-price covers.

What does a Napali Coast boat tour cost?

Published from-prices here run from $190 for an express sunset tour to $361.31 for the longest Ni'ihau day. All 26 tours quote per person in US dollars.

Can you see the Napali Coast without a boat?

You do, unless you are willing to hike the Kalalau Trail. No road reaches the Napali Coast and there is no drive-in overlook, so a boat carries nearly everyone who sees the cliffs, arches and green valleys up close. Every tour on this page boards at Port Allen or Kikiaola, both harbours on Kauai's west side near Eleele and Waimea, and runs north-west along the shoreline. Each trip is a booked seat with a licensed captain, which means the day's route depends on the ocean, not on your preference. Check which harbour your tour uses before booking a room on the far side of the island.

What kinds of boat tour exist?

Five categories sort this roster better than anything else. Sunset dinner cruises are the biggest group at nine trips, sea-cave raft expeditions run small inflatables close to the cliffs and arches, snorkel catamarans carry steadier groups with room to move, sailing tours travel under canvas, and two long crossings continue past the coast to Ni'ihau. Sea-cave entry and snorkel stops are always conditions-permitting, decided by the captain on the day. If one specific cave or valley is why you are booking, read the listing closely first.

Are trips ever called off for bad weather?

They can be. The coast faces open ocean, and winter swells can make parts of the shoreline unreachable, so operators cancel or divert when the sea demands it. Every tour here carries free cancellation, which softens the blow, but cutoff windows differ by operator and the listing is where to check yours. If your dates fall in peak summer, book early, because the calm morning departures fill first.

How rough is a raft compared with a catamaran?

There is no single answer, because the coast changes character through the year. Summer brings the calmest water, when the north-west swell drops and sea-cave runs and snorkel stops become more reliable. Winter brings bigger seas and, with them, humpback whales passing through Hawaiian waters. Spinner dolphins appear much of the year. Motorised tours run year round, subject to conditions, so the listing for your chosen trip is the dependable source on dates.

Do tours allow free cancellation?

Yes. Every tour on this page, all 26, advertises free cancellation, and it is worth reading rather than assuming. Cutoff windows still differ from operator to operator, so check the terms on the live booking page before you commit. Ocean conditions can force a cancellation or a route change whatever the policy says, and that call is made on the morning, not weeks ahead. If your dates are fixed, book the earliest departure of your stay so a weather cancellation leaves room to rebook.

Napali Coast Boat Tours, Answered

A few practical points come up again and again. Rafts ride harder and sit closer to the water than catamarans, so back or neck issues usually point toward the bigger boats. Sea-cave entry is never promised: every captain makes that call on the day, based on swell. The same goes for snorkel stops, which can be moved or skipped entirely. The two Ni'ihau crossings add open-ocean miles and a longer day than coast-only runs. Each answer below leans on the same 26-tour roster as the comparison table, with ratings, durations and from-prices matching the live listings, all of which carry free cancellation.

Start With The Napali Coast Boat Tours That Fit

The roster breaks into five groups: nine sunset dinner cruises, six sea-cave raft expeditions, six snorkel catamarans, three sailing tours and two Ni'ihau crossings. From-prices run from $190 for an express sunset trip up to $361.31 for the eight-hour Ni'ihau snorkel run. Rafts cost less on average and reach the cliff faces faster, while catamarans and sailboats trade speed for a steadier deck. Sunset cruises swap a snorkel stop for dinner and the coast in late light. Filter by price, rating or length, then open the listing that fits before you book.

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5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included

5-Hour Tour, Lunch Included

4.9 2,050 verified reviews

Likely to sell out

5 hours · Five-hour tour with lunch included, 4.9 from 2050 reviews, free cancellation. · Makana Charters

The Amelia K, run by Makana Charters, is a five-hour daytime snorkel boat tour along the Napali Coast, departing from Port Allen on Kauai's west side. The boat runs north-west along the shoreline past the sea cliffs and valleys, with a deli lunch served on board, plus snacks and soft drinks. It holds a 4.9 rating across 2050 reviews, from $227.13 per person, with free cancellation.

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Super Raft, Snacks Included

Super Raft, Snacks Included

4.8 1,723 verified reviews

4 hours 30 minutes · Departs Port Allen. Cave entry and snorkeling happen only when conditions allow. · Captain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures

A 4 hour 30 minute raft run out of Port Allen with Captain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures, priced from $235 per person. The boat tracks north-west along the shoreline toward the cliffs, and sea-cave entry and a snorkel stop both sit at the captain's discretion, weather permitting. Rated 4.8 across 1723 reviews, with free cancellation.

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Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included

Catamaran Snorkel, Breakfast Included

4.7 1,639 verified reviews

5 hours 30 minutes · Free cancellation. Catamaran comfort that rides softer than the rafts, with a snorkel stop when the swell allows. · Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours runs this 5 hour 30 minute catamaran cruise out of Port Allen, tracking north-west along the shoreline of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. A snorkel stop is planned when conditions allow, and the captain may bring the boat close to the sea caves, always at their discretion. Rated 4.7 across 1639 reviews, from $233.73 per person.

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from $227.13 · ★ 4.9 (2,050 reviews) · likely to sell out · free cancellation Check availability →