Kauai Na Pali Coast Boat Tour with Snorkeling: Includes lunch and equipment

Sea caves, waterfalls and a snorkel stop on the same afternoon.

A five-hour boat tour of Kauai's Na Pali Coast with snorkeling equipment and lunch included. The boat departs from the southwest side of the island, follows the coastal cliffs, enters sea caves and passes through waterfalls when conditions allow, then anchors at a safe snorkel site. Small shared groups of up to 20 guests travel with a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Napali Coast boat tour and snorkeling

• Depart from southwest Kauai
• Follow coastal route to Napali Coast
• View sea caves and waterfalls
• Snorkel at safe location
• Enjoy deli lunch onboard
• Return to harbor

The experience

The boat leaves from the southwest harbor and runs a coastal route toward the southern entrance of Na Pali Coast State Park. Along the way, the captain shares the island's history and culture while the boat traces the contours of the cliffs. If conditions permit, the vessel enters the sea caves carved into the coast and passes through refreshing waterfalls: moments most visitors see only from the shore or a helicopter. The whole coastal run takes about three hours.

After touring the cliffs, the captain picks a protected anchorage for snorkeling. You get snorkel gear and time in the water, then return to the boat for a deli lunch. The return journey to the harbor takes the remaining time, wrapping up the full five-hour loop. The boat carries a maximum of 20 guests, so the group stays small enough that the guide can talk without shouting and you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder on deck.

The vessel was custom-built for Kauai's ocean conditions. The operator has been running these tours for over 39 years and designed the boat specifically for this coastline. Children from age 6 are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• deli lunch.
• live English-speaking guide.
• coastal tour with sea cave and waterfall viewing (conditions permitting).

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Napali Navigators

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the Na Pali Coast from the water without renting a boat yourself, and you're comfortable with ocean swells and a small shared group. It's built for anyone from age 6 up who can handle a few hours on the water and wants snorkeling, lunch and the cliffs all in one morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can the boat actually enter the sea caves on the Na Pali Coast?

Yes, the captain will enter the sea caves when conditions permit. Ocean swells, wind and weather determine whether entry is safe on any given day, so it's not guaranteed, but the tour is built around the possibility and the captain makes the call in real time.

What's the snorkeling like on this tour?

You snorkel at a location the captain chooses for safety and conditions on the day of your tour. Snorkel gear is provided, and you'll have time in the water after the coastal tour and before lunch.

How long is the boat ride and what should I expect physically?

The tour runs five hours total, with roughly three hours on the water viewing the coast and two hours for snorkeling and lunch. The boat is designed for Kauai's conditions, but ocean swells are normal and the ride can be rough. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, lunch is included: a deli lunch served on the boat after snorkeling. Specific menu details aren't listed, so contact the operator if you have dietary restrictions.

How many people go on this tour?

The boat holds a maximum of 20 guests, so you're in a small shared group rather than a large tour.

What language is the guide in?

The guide speaks English and shares information about the island's history and culture throughout the tour.