Notice: Some tour suppliers on this checklist might have ceased operations on account of COVID-19. Test along with your tour operator about availability earlier than you e-book.
From humpback whales and spinner dolphins to peaceable sea turtles, Hawaii’s lovely seas teem with wildlife. Observing these creatures, in addition to Kauai’s dramatic cliffs, is greatest performed from the water aboard a catamaran, kayak and even inflatable raft. U.S. Information chosen the next 10 boat excursions as one of the best accessible after analyzing each traveler and skilled opinion.
Kayak Adventures – Kayak Adventures
Paddle your approach by means of the Wailua River on this roughly five-hour tour that is restricted to 12 individuals. Throughout the tour, you will additionally hike by means of the Wailua rainforest to Uluwehi Falls for a swim. Alongside the best way, guides share details about the traditional historical past and tradition of this space, which is a Nationwide Historic Landmark. Vacationers notably benefit from the hike and say guides are pleasant and informative. Kayakers additionally say the included lunch is tasty. Tours depart each day, besides Sunday, at 7:45 and eight:45 a.m. Tickets price roughly $85 for adults and $65 for kids, who have to be a minimum of 5 years outdated to take part. Kayak Adventures additionally presents afternoon excursions.
Holo Holo Charters – Napali Sundown Cruise
If a sundown sail is on the high of your Hawaii to-do checklist, take into account this 3 1/2-hour cruise. Aboard the corporate’s 65-foot catamaran, you will be handled to views of a sundown, rocky cliffs, sea caves and native sea life whereas gliding alongside the Napali coast. Cruises are restricted to 49 passengers. The tour additionally features a full sizzling buffet dinner, in addition to mai tais, beer and wine. Tourgoers describe the crew as distinctive, the views fabulous and say the meals is scrumptious. Tickets begin at $139 for individuals 13 and older and $119 for ages 5 to 12. Youngsters youthful than 5 are usually not allowed on the cruise. Tours depart each day, however departure instances fluctuate by season. Holo Holo Charters additionally presents snorkeling cruises and a daylong tour that sails by the neighboring Niihau island.
Blue Dolphin Charters – Niihau + Napali Coast Snorkel & Scuba Tour
Uncover the Napali coast and the island of Niihau on this 7 1/2-hour tour, which additionally presents an opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive off Niihau’s coast. The journey additionally features a buffet lunch together with limitless beer, wine and mai tais. Vacationers report seeing a lot of wildlife and reward the pleasant crew. Tours are usually accessible Tuesday, Friday and Sunday with a 6 a.m. check-in time. Tickets price roughly $235 for adults 18 years and older, $210 for ages 12 to 17 and $180 for ages 5 to 11. Youngsters youthful than 5 are usually not permitted on the tour, and scuba diving prices further. Blue Dolphin runs a couple of different snorkel and scuba cruises in addition to a whale watching journey.
Kauai Sea Tours – Napali Coast Raft Journey
Be ready to get moist on this tour, which takes place aboard a rigid-hull inflatable raft. Because of the boat’s design, it could actually enter into sea caves, go beneath waterfalls and hug the coast, permitting passengers an up-close have a look at nature. Individuals have the chance to snorkel and luxuriate in a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and nonalcoholic drinks whereas on the tour. Tour-takers reward the crew and say they benefit from the views and the plentiful wildlife. Others warning the experience can get uneven. The 5 1/2-hour journeys depart at 7:15 a.m. year-round, and extra excursions at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. are provided from April by means of September. Tickets begin at $145 for ages 13 and older and $115 for kids ages 7 to 12. The firm additionally presents a seasonal variation of this journey that features a strolling tour of the Nu’alolo Kai State Park (which is on the Napali coast) in addition to cruises on conventional boats.
Na Pali Coast Tours – West Facet Sight See Tour
On this three-hour tour, vacationers depart from the west facet of Kauai to see the Napali coast, in addition to wildlife like dolphins, whales, sea turtles and extra. Put on a swimsuit or garments that may get moist as you will doubtless must wade into waist-deep water and climb a ladder to board the boat. Vacationers supply kudos for the crew and love the views on the cruise. Tickets price roughly $135 per particular person, and excursions depart at 1:30 p.m. Youngsters youthful than 4 are usually not permitted. Na Pali Coast Tours additionally operates a couple of snorkel excursions, amongst different choices.

Set sail alongside the Napali coast throughout a visit with Capt. Andy’s.(Courtesy of Capt. Andy’s)
Capt. Andy’s – Traditional Napali Snorkel Picnic Sail
This cruise aboard a 55-foot catamaran features a journey alongside Kauai’s Napali coast, snorkeling in a tropical reef, in addition to a continental breakfast, lunch, desserts and drinks (together with beer and wine). You may additionally earn in regards to the space’s historical past. Vacationers benefit from the views and wildlife noticed on this cruise. They’re additionally complimentary of the meals. Tickets price roughly $165 for adults and $125 for kids ages 3 to 12. Youngsters youthful than 3 are usually not permitted. Tours depart each day at 8 a.m. and final about 5 1/2 hours. Capt. Andy’s additionally presents daytrips in addition to dinner and sundown sails.
Catamaran Kahanu – Kauai Whale Watching Tour
For these trying to go whale watching in Hawaii, this catamaran cruise is simply the ticket. From December to March, animal fans may have the possibility to identify humpback whales as they stay in Hawaii’s waters to take care of new child calves. Vacationers can also spot different wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles. Tourgoers report seeing a lot of whales and dolphins and describe the crew as passionate and educated. Tickets price round $75 for ages 18 and older, $70 for teenagers and $55 for teenagers ages 5 to 12. Youngsters have to be a minimum of 5 years outdated to affix the cruise. Tours depart each day at 3:45 p.m. and final roughly 2 1/2 hours. Catamaran Kahanu additionally presents a ship tour across the Napali coast.
Makana Charters and Tours – Makana 12 Passengers
This five-hour tour aboard the Makana – a 32-foot catamaran – consists of exploring sea caves, lunch and snorkeling at Nualolo Kai, one of many island’s greatest seashores. A local Hawaiian household owns the corporate and operates the excursions. What’s extra, the boat takes not more than 12 snorkelers out at a time. Vacationers notably benefit from the coastal views and say the crew could be very attentive. Select from excursions departing within the morning at 8 a.m. or within the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Tickets price roughly $190 for adults ages 13 and older and $130 for kids ages 9 to 12. Passengers have to be 9 years outdated to experience. The firm presents quite a lot of excursions of the Napali coast in boats of all sizes.
Blue Ocean Journey Tours – Napali Coast + Seashore Touchdown Journey
You may discover the Napali coast from the water and glide previous waterfalls and thru sea caves, recognizing dolphins, whales and sea turtles alongside the best way on this six-hour tour. The cruise additionally features a cease for snorkeling on the secluded Nualolo Kai seashore, a buffet lunch and a nature stroll by means of an historical Hawaiian fishing village – a spotlight for vacationers. Tours depart at 7 a.m. year-round and 12:30 p.m. seasonally. Tickets price roughly $195 for ages 12 and older and $175 for ages 6 to 12. Youngsters have to be a minimum of 6 years outdated to affix the tour. Blue Ocean additionally operates seasonal whale watching excursions.
Kayak Kaua’I – Hanalei Blue Lagoon Paddle & Snorkel
Spend 4 hours kayaking within the ocean and rivers in and round Hanalei Bay on this scenic journey. There’s ample alternative to gather shells and bird-watch, all whereas on the lookout for dolphins and sea turtles. The tour additionally features a deli lunch with juice and bottled water. Tour-takers say guides are pleasant and educated, and notably benefit from the river portion of the journey. Tickets begin at $105 for ages 13 and older and $95 for kids ages to five to 12. Youngsters have to be a minimum of 5 years outdated to take part. Tours are provided each day beginning at 9 a.m. Kayak Kaua’I additionally presents kayaking journeys on the Waliua River, amongst different excursions.