5 Best Napali Coast Boat Tours for Your Kauai Bucket List

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Our first time on the Napali Coast was a sunset dinner cruise. The second time, we hiked the Kalaulau Trail. Let me tell you, a Napali Coast boat tour is the best way to experience these stunning cliffs!

Visiting the Napali Coast is at the top of our must-do list on Kauai. Located on Kauai’s northwest side, the 17 miles of coastline are absolutely spectacular. But it’s inaccessible by car, so if you’re hoping to see it (which you definitely should), you’ll need to go by boat, helicopter, plane, or on foot. 

So you don’t leave Kauai with regrets, we created a shortlist of our favorite Napali Coast boat tours. After visiting every year for the past eight years, here are the tours you should consider. 

Thanks for booking direct with the local tours we recommend. Using our links below helps us do more reviews and support local tour operators. These are their best prices!

Shortlist of the Best Napali Coast Boat Tours on Kauai

We get straight to the point. Here are our five favorite tours. Each offers a unique way to experience the stunning Napali Coast. Tours are listed in no specific order.

Read our full Guide to Visiting the Napali Coast to understand this wilderness of Kaua’i.

1. See the Napali Coast from Hanalei. Tours depart daily in the summer, March-October. This is a 4-hour power-raft snorkeling tour for ages 4+. $299 per adult, $269 per child.
2. Napali Coast Snorkel Excursion & Sail, with a water slide! Tour departs from Port Allen. This is our favorite snorkel tour: a stable, luxury catamaran and an experienced tour company. Price: $235 per adult 13+, $215 per child 5-12.
3. Sea Caves & Snorkeling on the Napali Coast! Depart from Waimea Town (Kikiaola Harbor) for a rafting adventure! Choose to snorkel & explore the sea caves for $199 per adult, $179 for ages 5-12, or sea caves only (May-Sep) for $179 per adult, $159 for ages 5-12.
4. Sunset Dinner Cruises: Depart from Port Allen on a 3.5-hour sunset cruise (most popular) or a 4.5-hour sunset sail; both include buffet dinner, open premium bar, champagne toast, and wildlife! Price: $220 per adult, $200 per child ages 5-12.
5. Na Pali Explorer: Power Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Departs from Kikiaola Harbor near Waimea for a fast ride on a comfortable catamaran. Price: $200 per adult, $164 for children ages 5-12.

Napali Coast Boat Tour FAQs

What boat options are available for Napali Coast boat tours?

Choosing the right boat for your adventure matters. The two main options are power rafts (including Zodiac rafts) and catamarans (both power and sailing).

Rafts are easily maneuverable and fast, but you’re in for a less leisurely ride. Think of it as a Hawaiian rollercoaster! An adventure where you’ll likely get wet and there’s a chance there won’t be shade. Our family, with a five-year-old, had a great time on a rafting tour. This is the best way to get inside the sea caves. You can sit in the front for an adventure or sit in the back for a calmer experience.

A catamaran is a more comfortable ride, but you do miss some of the pep you get with a raft. It’s not quite as easy to zip in and out of sea caves (conditions permitting). But you’ll have shade, and you likely won’t get wet if you don’t want to. Catamarans are also slower than power rafts, so tours are longer. 

Where do Napali Coast Boat Tours depart from?

You’ll find three departure points for Napali Coast boat tours.

Port Allen in Eleele: (directions) Located just 15 minutes from Poipu on Kauai’s south shore, this is the most popular departure point for Napali Coast tours. Tours leave year-round from Port Allen.

Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Waimea: (directions) 30 minutes from Poipu, this is the closest departure point to the Napali Coast from the south side. Tours also leave year-round from Kikiaola Harbor. Rafting tours usually depart from here.

Hanalei Bay in Hanalei: (directions) On the north shore, there are a handful of tour operators that leave from Hanalei Bay. This is the closest departure point to the Na Pali Coast, but tours from here can be more expensive.

Tours are seasonal from Hanalei! Tours depart from March/April through October as the winter brings in large swells.

Where should you stay on Kauai? That’s a tough decision.

What’s the chance of seasickness on a Na Pali Coast boat tour?

The ride to the Napali Coast can be rough. We’ve never been on a tour where no one got seasick. So if you are prone to seasickness (or even if you’re not!), you might want to consider taking seasickness medication to help. 

What’s the best time to visit the Napali Coast?

You can visit the Napali Coast any time of year, but if you’re aiming for the calmest seas, your best bet is in the summer. During the winter months (October through March), waves can get large, and the winds can get high. The trip to and from the Napali Coast is rarely super smooth, but it’s usually better in the summer than in the winter.

The trade winds pick up in the afternoon. For a lower probability of wind, go on a morning snorkeling tour.

That said, we’ve done the trip in mid-November and had an absolute blast. We have also gone in sea caves in the afternoon as the winds were calm. You’ll likely have good conditions!

Tour companies will help keep you safe. They have cutoff criteria based on conditions to cancel a tour and notify you. We recommend booking your tour early in your vacation in case you have to reschedule.

Not sure when to plan your trip? We have you covered with our best time to visit Kauai article.

What’s included on a Napali Coast Boat tour?

You can see the Napali Coast in two ways: on a snorkeling tour or a sightseeing tour. We include options for both below. 

On snorkeling tours, you can expect a meal (or two!), drinks (water, juice, soda, and occasionally alcoholic beverages), as well as snorkeling gear and a knowledgeable guide. 

Dinner cruises include drinks, food, and a knowledgeable guide.

Is a trip to the Napali Coast worth it?

A trip to see the stunning Napali Coast is definitely worth it! The stunning mountains and coastline aren’t accessible by car, so you can only experience them by boat, helicopter, plane, or hiking. The beauty is extraordinary, and by taking a boat, you also get to enjoy the wildlife that you meet along the way (often dolphins).

It’s one of our favorite things to do on Kauai! If you have kids under 5 years old who can’t go on a Napali Coast boat tour, check out our 24 Things to Do on Kauai with Kids and Kauai With Kids Ultimate Guide: stay, play, and eat.

Who is a Napali Coast boat tour best for?

A Napali Coast boat tour is best for nature lovers who don’t mind some splashes or bumps along the way. It can be a rough ride for those with children or who are prone to seasickness. We recommend taking motion sickness medicine the night before your boat tour.

If seasickness or the chance of rough seas (winter months) doesn’t sound good to you, consider these other ways to see the Napali Coast of Kauai or go snorkeling on Kauai.

• Napali Coast Helicopter Tours
• Kauai Airplane Tours
• Snorkeling with Sea Turtles from the South Shore (Poipu)

The 5 Best Napali Coast Boat Tours

There are a lot of excellent tours on the island, but we’ve narrowed it down to share with you what we think are the best Napali Coast boat tours around.

1. Napali Coast Tour from Hanalei Bay (North Shore)

If you’re staying on the North Shore in the summer, you are close to the Napali Coast! So close, in fact, that it’s only a 15-minute ride from Hanalei to the start of the Napali Coast.

This tour runs from March through October only.

• Tour size: 18 guests
• Price: $299 per adult, $269 per child
• What’s Included: Sea Caves, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles, towering cliffs, waterfalls, two premium snorkel locations, deli lunch, local captain and crew, cold beverages (bottled water + soft drinks), incredible history, stories, and photo opportunities.
• Minimum age: 4 years old
• Duration: 4-hour snorkeling tour
• Availability: 7:30 AM or 12:00, daily, March-October
• Best for… Summertime travelers staying near the North Shore. Staying in Kapa’a (East Side) works too!
• Departure Location: Black Pot Beach Parking Lot (click for directions)

Why we love this tour… the power catamaran has comfortable seats and an experienced crew. The captain knows the best route each day to see wildlife, get great photo opportunities, and explore the sea caves. This is a wonderful snorkel tour and super convenient from Hanalei.

There is no bathroom aboard the boat, so plan accordingly!

The remaining best Napali Coast boat tours depart from Port Allen and Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

2. Napali Coast Snorkel Excursion from Port Allen

Explore the Napali Coast on a Kauai-built boat, perfect for handling the waves of the Napali Coast. The owner, Kevin, is a boat builder. He designs and builds all the boats for Holo Holo Charters. This snorkel excursion is on their 50′ Leila motorized sailing catamaran. A great ride for kids and those who get motion sickness.

We’ve gone out with Holo Holo several times, and we’ve always enjoyed our trip! Check out our experience on our top-recommended snorkel tour on the Napali Coast.

Read our full review on Holo Holo Charter’s Napali Coast boat tours: Napali Coast and Ni’ihau Snorkel Tours. You will find information on their three main tours along the Napali Coast: Snorkel Excursion (most popular), Ni’ihau & Napali Supertour, and Sunset Dinner Cruise.

• Tour size: 47 guests max
• Price: $235 per adult, $215 per child 5 to 12 years old + taxes
• What’s Included: Snorkeling under the cliffs, waterslide, breakfast & lunch, local beer, wine, and hard seltzers included (open bar), sea caves, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles, historical stories, and a chance to go under sail when the conditions are right.
• Minimum age: 5 years old
• Duration: 5-hour snorkeling tour, check-in at 6:45 AM (seasonal changes)
• Availability: Check-in at 6:45 AM (seasonal changes), tour is offered daily
• Best for… Families, couples, and groups looking for a balanced Nāpali Coast adventure with snorkeling and wildlife.
• Amenities: The Leila has a large shaded galley, two marine heads (toilets), showers, and a full-service crew for the buffet and drinks!
• Departure Location: Port Allen (click for directions to check-in)

Why we love this tour… It’s hard not to love. We have been recommending it for over 8 years, and no one has had an issue. The local operator has over 25 years of experience and an experienced crew. The snorkeling tour offers a great day on the water, lots of marine life, and a comfortable, luxurious sailboat. We had such a great time on this Napali Coast Boat tour in 2024. We will do the tour again!

Pro Tips: This tour is a good example of a jet lag activity. Do the tour on your second day on Kauai, since you will be awake at 6 AM anyway! Book a Napali Coast boat tour early in your trip in case of bad weather.

We’ve done all of their Napali Coast boat tours! For more serious snorkelers and those wanting a full day on the water, see their Napali & Ni’ihau Snorkeling Tour. They offer sunset tours on both boats (dinner cruise is 3.5 hrs and sailing cruise is 4.5 hours).  Details on their sunset dinner tours are in #4 below!

3. Sea Caves Raft Expedition from Kikiaola Harbor: with or without snorkeling

Head out to the Napali coast on a power raft with Na Pali Riders. Sea caves are their specialty! They got into EVERY sea cave along the coastline (conditions permitting).

We went out with them in August 2026 and couldn’t stop talking about the tour afterward! Read our full review here: Napali Coast Sea Caves Tours.

We took their afternoon sea caves tour without the snorkeling option. We chose this tour because we went to Waimea Canyon in the morning and wanted a quick afternoon tour. Plus, we wanted to take good photos in the late-afternoon sun!

Your Nā Pali ocean raft tour begins on their 30-foot Zodiac© rigid-hull, inflatable raft. Zodiacs, or rafts, are known for their speed and maneuverability, so this is more of an adventurous ride. While it is a Hawaiian rollercoaster, we are told it is better for those prone to motion sickness. 5- to 90-year-olds have done this tour.

Our five-year-old loved this tour, and we felt very safe with her in the seat in front of us. For a smoother ride, sit on the middle bench, in the back of the raft. For a wetter, wilder ride, sit on the front of the raft on the side. Hold onto the rope tight!

• Tour size: 28 guests max
• Price:
  • Sea Caves Only: $179 per adult, $159 per child (ages 5 to 12) + taxes
  • Sea Caves + Snorkeling: $199 per adult, $179 per child (ages 5-12) + taxes
• What’s Included: Snorkeling under the cliffs, raft rides into and through the cliffs, a large dry bag for your belongings, and snacks! (fresh-cut fruit, chips, Aloha juices, Gatorades, and waters). Wonderfully narrated history and myths about the Napali Coast, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Green Sea Turtles, and whales in whale season.
• Snorkeling (conditions permitting): they provide fins, masks, and snorkels. Full face masks are not allowed on this adventure. However, you may bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins.
• Restrictions: No pregnancy or folks with back problems. Emergency services are up to 3 hours away during the tour.
• Minimum age: 5 years old
• Duration: 3 hours without snorkeling, 4 hours with snorkeling
• Availability: Daily
  • Sea Caves Only tour is available May – September only; tour is at 3:30 PM
  • Sea Caves & Snorkeling is year-round; tours are at 6:30/7 AM and 11/11:30 AM
• Best for… Families, couples, young and old who want a fast tour with all the sights that the Nāpali Coast by boat can offer!
• Amenities: No toilet or shade on the raft. The seating is comfortable. There are toilets at the check-in office and at the harbor. Photographs are available for purchase afterward. We bought them!
• Departure Location: Near Waimea Town at the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. Check-in is in Waimea Town. They will send details when you book below!

Why we love this tour… sometimes you want a fast ride. All of us enjoyed the wet and wild ride on the raft. We had never gone into the sea caves except sticking our nose in on a catamaran. This trip went deep into the caves and even included high-speed rides through the front door/back door cave. The tour also covered more of the Napali Coast as the captain took us past Kalalau Valley, the usual turnaround point.

Pro Tip: The 6:30 am/7:00 am departure is their most popular tour due to lighter winds, calmer waters, and more dolphin encounters. That is their snorkeling option.

Na Pali Riders is USCG Veteran-owned & operated. Safety is their number one priority.

The raft has no shade or cover, so hats, sun-protective clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen are a must. 

4. Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sail or Cruise

We did this Kauai sunset dinner cruise with Jordan’s parents over 10 years ago, and we still have the framed photo of us all in front of the impressive coastline. We sat up front, so we were drenched but smiling through the entire experience.

Looking for a memorable dinner experience on Kauai? Head out on the water to get stunning views of the famous Napali Coast. You’ll be cruising on Holo Holo’s 65′ catamaran (Dinner Cruise) or their 50′ motorized sailing catamaran (Dinner Sail). Both navigate the sometimes bumpy waters with ease.

Pro tip: Head to the back of the boat if you aren’t interested in a bumpy, wet ride. Stay up front if you want more of an adventure cruise.

During your time onboard, you’ll have access to an open bar with beer, wine, and Mai Tai cocktails as well as juice and water. And don’t worry, there’s plenty to eat.

• Tour size: 45 to 47 guests max
• Price: $220 per adult, $200 per child (ages 5 to 12) + taxes
• What’s Included: Guided sightseeing along the Nāpali Coast, dinner and dessert in a Hawaiʻi-inspired onboard meal service, beer, wine, hard seltzers, soft drinks, and Holoholo’s signature Koloa Rum Mai Tai, sunset champagne toast just outside of Port Allen Harbor. Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and seasonal humpback whales (Dec–Apr)
• Minimum age: 5 years old
• Sail vs Cruise: 3.5-hour sunset cruise on the 65′ Holoholo powered catamaran or 4.5 hours on the 50′ Leila motorized sailing catamaran. The 3.5-hour tour is the most popular because it is shorter.
• Availability: Daily; check-in is as early as 2:00 PM (seasonally changes)
• Best for… Couples, families, photographers, celebrations, and anyone looking for a different kind of dinner plan on Kauaʻi.
• Amenities: Both catamarans have multiple toilets on board, shaded and comfortable galleys, an open bar, excellent service, and a comfortable ride.
• Departure Location: Port Allen (click for directions to check-in)

Why we love this tour… we did this tour for the dinner and the Napali Coast. Since our parents didn’t want to snorkel, this sunset dinner cruise was a perfect way to see and learn about the Napali Coast and enjoy a delicious dinner. Holo Holo’s luxury boats, plus catered dinner and drinks, make for a perfect evening out on Kauai.

5. Na Pali Coast Power Catamaran Scenic and Snorkel Tour

Blue Ocean Adventure Tours (Na Pali Explorer) offers a Monday-Friday snorkel tour aboard their spacious, powered catamaran. This Na Pali Coast boat tour departs from Waimea, at the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

The captain will amaze you as you get close encounters with waterfalls and sea caves at the base of Kauai’s 3,500 ft tall sea cliffs. You’ll learn about the Napali Coast’s rich history and stop at the best photo spots. Once you have journeyed to the end of the 17-mile Napali Coast in their state-of-the-art Power Catamaran, your adventure will continue to Makole, a pristine snorkeling spot along the base of the Napali Coast.

We are sharing this tour as a comparison to the sailing catamaran snorkeling tour from Port Allen by Holo Holo Charters. This tour departs closer to the Napali Coast, offers a better value, and runs on a high-speed, high-powered catamaran.

And for the kids (and really adults, too), the boat has an inflatable water slide. 

• Tour size: 40 guests max
• Price: $200 per adult, $64 per child (ages 5 to 12) + taxes
• What’s Included: Guided sightseeing along the Nāpali Coast, 45 minutes of snorkeling, lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, along with quality snorkeling gear. Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, seabirds, and seasonal humpback whales (Dec–Apr)
• Minimum age: 5 years old
• Availability: Monday-Friday at 7:30 AM. Check-in is at Kikiaola Harbor at 7:00 AM. They will have you back at the harbor at noon.
• Best for… those who want to enjoy and experience the Na Pali Coast without the physically strenuous parts of a Zodiac raft tour or a slower catamaran.
• Amenities: 2 full-sized bathrooms, cushioned seats, fresh water shower, canopy for shade, smoother ride, swim steps for easy on and off after snorkeling.
• Departure Location: Near Waimea Town at the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

Why we love this tour… the powerful, spacious catamaran is a great alternative to the slightly more expensive sailing catamaran snorkeling tour. Their snorkel location is excellent, and the seasoned crew of 20 years will keep you entertained with stories and myths of Hawaii. Plus, it is nice to leave from Kikiaola Harbor.

If you love waterfalls as much as we do, don’t miss these waterfalls around Kauai. 

Plan the Rest of Your Trip

Let us help you plan the details of your Kauai trip. With our island itinerary, we take you on excursion days to different parts of the island so you can see the best sights, eat at the best restaurants, and have an amazing trip.

The Hawaii Vacation Guide,  thanks so much! I purchased the Kauai itinerary and it is awesome! I had no idea how much work and information you guys really put into it and I am so excited for our trip now!!

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