Kauai Na Pali Snorkel Cruise: Catamaran with waterslide

Snorkel and slide on a catamaran built for the full Na Pali experience

This is a 5.5-hour Na Pali Coast snorkel cruise aboard a catamaran with a Coast Guard-licensed captain, departing from Kauai. You snorkel for 30–45 minutes in the sea caves and waters off the coastline, ride the onboard waterslide, and eat fresh sandwiches you assemble yourself alongside beer, wine, Mai Tais and soft drinks. All snorkel gear, instruction and safety briefing are included, along with fresh-water showers and breakfast treats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Nā Pali Coast by snorkel cruise

• Board deluxe snorkel cruise
• Cruise along Nā Pali Coast
• Hear history and legends
• Snorkel for 30-45 minutes
• Enjoy build-your-own sandwiches
• Drink juice, soda, beer, and Mai Tais
• View sea cliffs and hidden caves

The Experience

The boat leaves with a full-service crew trained in water safety and CPR, and the captain navigates the coastline to show you the sea cliffs and hidden caves that make the Na Pali State Park one of Hawaii's most photographed stretches. Snorkel time runs 30–45 minutes depending on conditions, and you get expert instruction before you enter the water. The catamaran carries a waterslide, which is where the day gets its rhythm — you snorkel, you slide, you dry off on deck.

Food and drink are built into the day: the open bar runs to beer, wine and Mai Tais for guests 21 and up, plus soft drinks and juice for everyone. Breakfast treats come out early, and at midday you build your own sandwich from the fixings the crew sets out, with chips, cookies and pasta salad on the side. Fresh-water showers let you rinse off the salt before the ride back.

The boat reroutes to the south coast if ocean conditions demand it, so the exact route shifts with the water. Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — this is a barefoot tour unless a medical condition requires footwear, and you will get wet. The crew will ask about any back, neck or joint issues when you board, since the vessel moves and you'll need to hold on and move about it freely.

What’s included

• Guided Na Pali Coast catamaran cruise with a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain.
• snorkel equipment and expert instruction.
• 30–45 minutes of snorkel time (conditions permitting).
• onboard waterslide.
• open bar with beer, wine, Mai Tais (21+), soft drinks and juice.
• breakfast treats and build-your-own sandwiches with chips, cookies and pasta salad.
• fresh-water showers.
• safety briefing from a CPR and First Aid–trained crew.
• restrooms onboard.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kauai Sea Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel the Na Pali sea caves and cliffs without arranging a separate boat, guide or gear — the catamaran, the waterslide, the food and the instruction all move together, so the day stays simple and you stay fed and safe.

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Top questions

What is the Na Pali Coast like when you get there to snorkel?

The Na Pali Coast is a stretch of sea cliffs and hidden sea caves along Kauai's north shore. You snorkel in the waters off this coastline for 30–45 minutes, depending on ocean conditions, and the captain shares the history and legends of the cliffs while you're on the boat.

How long is the whole tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 5.5 hours total. The specific departure time is not listed in the tour details, so you'll confirm that when you book.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

All snorkel equipment is included, and the crew gives you a safety briefing and expert instruction before you enter the water.

Can I bring my kids on this cruise?

Children are welcome from age 3 and up, as long as they're accompanied by an adult. The tour does require moderate physical fitness and the ability to move about the vessel and hold on, since ocean conditions can be rough.

What happens if the weather or ocean conditions are bad?

Routes and destinations depend on ocean conditions, and the tour may reroute to the south coast if necessary. The captain and crew prioritize safety and will adjust the itinerary based on what the water is doing on the day you go.

Is there food and drink included, or do I need to bring my own?

Breakfast treats, build-your-own sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and cookies are all included. The open bar serves beer, wine and Mai Tais for guests 21 and up, plus soft drinks and juice for everyone.