Kauai Na Pali Coast: Catamaran Snorkel & Sail Tour

Five Hours on the Water: Na Pali's Cliffs, Reefs, and What You Actually See

You board a 50-foot catamaran at Port Allen and spend five hours sailing the Na Pali Coast, stopping to snorkel at a calm reef with all gear and instruction included. Breakfast and lunch are served onboard, along with water, juice, beer, wine, and soft drinks. The captain and crew point out dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales as you pass the cliffs and sea caves. You return to the dock by early afternoon with time left in your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Na Pali Coast catamaran adventure

• Check in at Port Allen
• Board the Leila catamaran
• Cruise past cliffs, valleys, waterfalls
• Spot dolphins, sea turtles, whales
• Snorkel at calm reef
• Enjoy hot breakfast and fresh lunch
• Drink complimentary beverages
• Use amenities and relax onboard

The experience

You're standing at Port Allen thinking this might be too touristy, too crowded, too much like everyone else's Hawaii trip. Then you board the Leila (a 50-foot catamaran that doesn't feel cramped even though there are other people on it), and the crew is already pointing out where the dolphins usually show up. The boat leaves the dock and within minutes you're looking up at cliffs so tall and green they don't quite feel real. The captain knows the coast like someone who's been sailing it for years, and he cuts the engine at a calm reef where the water is clear enough that you can see the fish before you're even in.

Snorkeling here is straightforward. The crew hands you gear that fits, shows you how to use it if you need that, and lets you go at your own pace: some people stay in for twenty minutes, some for an hour. The fish are there. Sea turtles sometimes are. In winter, humpback whales pass close enough that you hear them underwater, which is the kind of thing that stays with you. Between water time, there's breakfast (eggs, pastries, fruit, coffee) and later a lunch with bread, deli, pasta, and drinks that keep coming. The boat has shade, restrooms, fresh water showers, and enough seating that you're not fighting for a spot. Everything you need is on the boat. You bring sunscreen, a towel, and a camera if you want one.

The whole thing runs five hours from check-in to the end, which means you're back by early afternoon. Weather and ocean conditions can change the route or the snorkeling spot, and the crew will tell you what's possible that day. If you've never snorkeled before, this is a reasonable place to start. The water is warm, the visibility is good, and someone is there if you have a question. If you're already comfortable in the water, you get to see a reef that most people don't drive to on their own.

What’s included

Your day includes five-hour sailing and snorkeling on a 50-foot catamaran, all snorkel gear and flotation devices with instruction, a hot breakfast with eggs, pastries, and fresh fruit, a fresh lunch with bread, deli meats, cheeses, and pasta salad, complimentary beverages throughout (water, island juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and seltzers after snorkeling), onboard restrooms and fresh water showers, and an experienced captain and crew who point out dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whales as you pass the Na Pali cliffs and sea caves.

Information

Lasts 6h, runs every day at 06:45, from US$ 292.48 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:45Another time? ›

GroupUp to 41 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Holo Holo Charters, Inc.

Is this one for you?This tour works if you want to see the Na Pali Coast and snorkel without renting a boat or arranging your own transport and gear. Everything is handled, and the fixed five-hour schedule leaves you the rest of your day free.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

582 verified traveler reviews

5 ★512

4 ★35

3 ★18

2 ★6

1 ★11

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 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.

What's included in the Na Pali snorkel tour?

The five-hour tour includes the catamaran cruise, all snorkel gear and flotation devices, breakfast, lunch, beverages (water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, seltzers), snorkel instruction, and use of onboard restrooms and fresh water showers.

Can you see humpback whales on this tour?

Humpback whales pass through Kauai waters during winter months (roughly December to April). They're not guaranteed, but sightings are possible during that season.

What if you've never snorkeled before?

The crew provides instruction and flotation devices for all skill levels. Snorkel gear is fitted to you, and you can go at your own pace in the water.

How long is the tour?

The full tour is five hours from check-in at Port Allen to return.

What should you bring?

Bring your own towel, reef-friendly sunscreen (spray sunscreen is not allowed), a light jacket, and a camera if you want one. A reusable water bottle is encouraged. Everything else (snorkel gear, breakfast, lunch, drinks) is provided.

Can the route or snorkeling spot change?

Yes. Routes, destinations, and snorkeling stops are subject to change based on weather and ocean conditions. The crew will let you know what's possible on the day of your tour.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate.

Do you need to be a strong swimmer?

Non-swimmers are not permitted in the water. You should be comfortable in the ocean and able to swim.

What happens if the tour is cancelled?

Cancelled tours are fully refundable or can be rescheduled. Cancellations within 24 hours of check-in are subject to a 100% charge.

Are shoes allowed on the boat?

All tours are barefoot. Shoes must be removed before boarding, except in cases of orthopedic or diabetic need at the captain's discretion.