The 7 Best Snorkeling Tours on Kauai
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Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience the Hawaiian Islands and connect with nature! While Hawaii is a stunning destination above water, snorkeling reveals another world lying just beneath the waves. Wildlife lovers can look forward to spotting sea turtles, eels, and colorful fish all while swimming along abundant reef systems and cruising Kauai’s famously stunning coastline.
The Garden Isle is a haven for snorkelers, but finding a good spot to do so on Kauai isn’t as straightforward as other destinations like Maui. You might notice that many snorkeling spots on Kauai can easily be affected by both weather and ocean conditions, especially if you’re hoping to snorkel off the North Shore in winter when most locations are completely off-limits.
From the best tour for families to exhilarating rafting trips and a visit to the “Forbidden Isle”, these are the best snorkeling tours on Kauai!
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The 7 Best Snorkeling Tours on Kauai
Best Snorkeling Tours from Kauai’s North Shore
NaPali Snorkel Adventure from Hanalei
The name says it all, this snorkeling tour is an adventure! You’ll get the chance to drive beneath waterfalls and through sea caves as well as spot playful monk seals and spinner dolphins all while exploring the breathtaking NaPali Coast both above and below the water. This tour leaves from Hanalei Bay and is only suitable for those who are age 4 and up. A light lunch with sandwiches, juice, and water is included, as well as all the snorkeling gear you’ll need!
This tour is onboard the 32’ Cave Catamaran. Guests will need to make sure they can climb a ladder in light surf for boarding and for getting out of the water when it comes time to snorkel. Because this snorkeling tour is more on the adventurous side it’s also not suitable for pregnant women or those who’ve had a recent surgery.
This is a great option if you want to combine a boat trip to see the NaPali Coast and snorkeling. It’s a two-for-one! Keep in mind that this tour only operates from March to October due to Kauai’s intense north shore swell. This is an adventurous snorkeling tour and there’s no bathroom on board the boat. The ride back to Hanalei Bay is nicknamed the “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” for a reason! It’s bound to be bumpy.
Best NaPali Coast Snorkeling Tours
Tours that go along Kauai’s NaPali Coast are an adventure! While this is one of the draws of this kind of snorkeling tour, it can be too much for some. Keep in mind that Kauai’s north shore has notoriously strong currents and you’ll need to be a strong swimmer to partake in the fun. It can also be a rough ride to get where you’re going. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is definitely something to keep in mind!
Both the abundance of wildlife, unique snorkeling sites, and stunning views on your way to your final destination are what make snorkeling on Kauai unforgettable.
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Ni’ihau and NaPali Super Tour
This snorkeling tour with Holo Holo Charters is really special because it gives you the opportunity to see Hawaii’s “Forbidden Island”, Ni’ihau. You’ll cruise along the verdant cliffs and crags of the NaPali Coast on a huge, 65’ catamaran before stopping just offshore Ni’ihau to snorkel and explore its pristine reefs.
Although you can’t actually step foot on the island itself (they don’t call it the Forbidden Island for nothing), seeing this off-the-beaten-path locale from the water is a truly special experience and something very few visitors get to do. Even better, this company is locally owned and their boats were designed and built on the island!
Departing from Port Allen on Kauai’s leeward side, you certainly won’t go hungry on this tour as both a continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch are provided. Beer and wine are also served after you’re finished with the snorkeling portion of the tour. All your snorkeling gear is included, as well as floating noodles for breaks in between your snorkeling sessions. This is a seven-hour tour that runs year-round and is only suitable for guests who are age 5 and up.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, this is it! There’s even a chance to see whales during their migration.
NaPali Snorkel Sail
If there’s a best snorkeling tour on Kauai for families, it might be this one! From a super fun waterslide to an included lunch that makes planning easy as pie, this is another tour with Holo Holo Charters on their beautiful Leila 50’ catamaran. Unlike other snorkeling tours on Kauai, this tour is smooth sailing (mostly) but still has an age limit of 5 and older.
You’ll have five hours to frolic in the sea, sailing along the beautiful NaPali Coast, including 50 full minutes of snorkeling. Both a continental breakfast and a deli-style lunch are served alongside soft drinks and later both beer and wine – the perfect finale to your day on the water.
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Makana Catamaran NaPali Coast Tours
Looking for a customized experience without the sky-high cost of a private tour? This is it!
With four different vessels to choose from, Makana Catamaran Tours has options ranging in size from 32-49’. As you might be able to imagine, the tours themselves also vary in size based on how large the boat is. Want a small group? Choose the Makana which can only accommodate up to 12 guests. Looking for a super spacious catamaran with a smooth ride? The NaPali Kai III is perfect for you.
Tours aboard the Amelia K, Makana’s 42’ catamaran, are a bit unique from the rest. These excursions depart from Port Allen (instead of Kikiaola), have restrooms on board, and its length ranges from 4.5 to 5 hours. This tour tends to be a bit more crowded than the rest, so keep that in mind!
This is one of the very few snorkeling tours that allow those who are pregnant (as long are you are healthy enough to do so)! Be sure to book your tour aboard the NaPali Kai III for this option.
NaPali Coast Rafting Tour
Take off on an exhilarating ride aboard Kauai Sea Rider’s 25’ rigid hull zodiac. You’ll explore sea caves (weather permitting), tons of wildlife, and the stunning NaPali Coast as the backdrop to it all. This tour leaves from the closest harbor to the NaPali Coast itself, making the trip out to your snorkeling destination quick and easy.
Both the Navy and Coast Guard use these zodiacs due to their agility on the water. This kind of tour is an exciting experience and you’ll sit close to the water as you make your way along the coastline. Keep in mind that you’ll be trading luxury and comfort for adventure as there is no shade or bathrooms on this vessel.
This is a fun and exhilarating experience but isn’t for those under 7 or who are pregnant. This cozy tour of up to 14 people is about five hours in length from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. A deli-style lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
Best Kauai Snorkeling Tours from Poipu (South Shore)
Kauai Z Tours – South Shore Snorkeling
This 3-hour snorkeling tour off Kauai’s southern coast departs just a few minutes north of downtown Poipu. Its location, along with low time commitment, make this option great if you have a busy schedule without a ton of time to devote to an all-day snorkeling tour. Maneuverability is the name of the game for this excursion as you jet around in a zodiac to reach the snorkeling spot.
The Sheraton Caverns dive site, also known as Honu Hale, is your final destination and one of the best areas off the southern coast to explore underwater. This area is awesome for spotting eels among the rocks, as well as colorful reef fish, but the true star? Sea turtles (honu)! Several other fun spots are included like the Spouting Horn and serene Kipu Kai Cove.
Four different tours depart every day of the week, winter or summer. This tour is only suitable for proficient swimmers and those aged 5 and older. Light snacks and drinks are included.
Kauai Z Tours – Shore snorkeling
Kauai Z Tours also offers a shore snorkeling experience, a wonderful option if you’re prone to seasickness or have little ones in tow. Also leaving from Poipu, this tour includes a dedicated 45-60 minutes of unfettered snorkeling in one of two destinations, depending on the conditions, and is great for both experienced snorkelers and novices.
You might be wondering, why would I pay to go on a shore snorkeling tour when I could probably do it for free? We love shore snorkeling excursions because they’re usually less expensive than a full-blown boat tour but still offer a great experience. This is also a good base and introduction to snorkeling if you’re a beginner. If you want to do a longer or more intensive snorkeling session but need a refresher – this is for you!
This tour is only suitable for children 4 years of age and older.
Kauai Snorkeling Tour FAQs
Which side of Kauai is the best for snorkeling?
The best snorkeling on Kauai depends almost entirely on the season. The north shore has some of the most beautiful spots for snorkeling on the island – but it is only safe and accessible in summer. Winter brings difficult snorkeling conditions to Kauai’s north shore. The only place to snorkel during this time is on the leeward side of the island, as waves and currents are far too strong elsewhere. Poipu is your best bet if you’re hoping for a winter snorkeling session on Kauai.
Are snorkeling tours on Kauai worth it?
We used to find ourselves squarely on one side of this debate: snorkeling tours were not worth the money. However, as we’ve done more of them (and gone on great tours), we’ve come to really appreciate that a good snorkeling tour is definitely worth the time and money for a number of reasons:
- You can snorkel in hard-to-access areas: Some tours will take you to spots that are easily accessible from the shore. But others treat you to spots that would be challenging (or impossible) to reach without a boat, like Ni’ihau and Honu Hale.
- Access to a naturalist: You’re there to snorkel and have fun, but there’s also something to be said about actually learning more about Hawaii, the ocean, and sea life while you’re on your tour. The best boats come with fantastic naturalists who can educate you on what you’re seeing and answer your questions.
- A crew dedicated to keeping you safe: Snorkeling is a fun activity but there are times when it isn’t so safe. When you head out on a quality boat tour, you have a crew that is dedicated to making sure their passengers stay out of danger. That means providing you with good gear, having people in the water to help anyone in distress, and making sure to take you to safe places.
- Excellent gear: We own our own snorkeling gear but we almost always leave that at home and use what our tour provides. Why? The quality of the equipment is great, they take away any hassle of cleaning it, and we get to try out new brands.
- Easy and all-inclusive: Beach days require some planning — bringing the gear, finding a spot, and packing enough food and water. A snorkeling tour requires a lot less planning. They take care of the food and drink for you. Just bring your towel and your favorite reef-friendly sunscreen!
- Better reef and environmental protection: Protecting the reef and the sea life in Hawaii is very important. When you travel on a guided snorkeling tour, there is little chance that you’ll find yourself stepping on and damaging coral or violating any of the animal protection laws that are in place.
While there are a lot of benefits of snorkeling with a tour, that’s not to say that you should skip snorkeling from the shore. Still, we think that doing one good, quality snorkeling tour on Kauai is worth it for just about everyone.
What can you expect on a Kauai snorkeling tour?
Each snorkeling tour on Kauai is just a little different from the next. Here’s what you can expect from practically all of them.
- A knowledgeable guide or naturalist. All of Kauai’s snorkeling tours are led by a team who knows Kauai and its snorkeling spots like the back of their hand. Not only will they take you to the very best locations but they’ll also give you tips on how to snorkel, what to look for, wildlife, and safety measures. Some even give a little history or geography lesson along the way and help point out dolphin, seal, and turtle sightings.
- Snorkeling gear. Every tour comes with the necessary gear you’ll need for snorkeling including masks, snorkels, and fins. There’s no need to pack your equipment or go out and buy it! Wetsuits aren’t typically included but Kauai’s water is warm enough to swim in no matter the season.
- Drinks and snacks. Most snorkeling tours on Kauai include drinks, like juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks. Longer tours typically include one to two meals. If you’re hoping for a cocktail or two on your snorkeling excursion, some of them include beer and wine after you’re finished swimming for the day.
Looking for more to do on Kauai?
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