Kauai Snorkeling: South Shore Zodiac with Turtles & Dolphins

A couple of reef stops with extended time in the water, morning or afternoon slot

A three-hour snorkel activity on Kauai's south shore aboard a USCG-style Zodiac boat, guided by local marine naturalists who point out dolphins and landmarks while you visit two prime reef sites. You'll use provided snorkeling gear to encounter tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and coral formations in clear water. Snacks and beverages are included between stops. Suitable for all experience levels, though you must be comfortable in the water and meet basic fitness requirements.

The experience

The boat leaves from the south shore and runs three hours total. You'll spend roughly two of those hours in the water across two separate snorkel sites, with the Zodiac captain pointing out Spouting Horn blowhole and other local landmarks during the cruise between them. The 25-foot inflatable boat moves fast enough to cover more coastline than larger vessels, and the smaller size means you're not competing with dozens of other snorkelers for space at the reef.

At each stop, you gear up with provided snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel), and enter the water with the guide. The reefs here hold yellow tang, butterfly fish, and the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the reef triggerfish with the long Hawaiian name), plus a real chance to spot Hawaiian green sea turtles gliding through the coral. The guides are experienced marine naturalists who know where to look and what you're seeing. Between the two snorkel sessions, you'll get snacks and beverages on the boat to recover before heading to the second site.

This works for first-time snorkelers and experienced ones alike: instruction and safety support are built in. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in the water and have at least moderate fitness. The boat motion and the physical demands of getting in and out of the water matter here. Children from age 5 are welcome, and guides speak English and Spanish.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• snacks and beverages between the two reef stops.
• guided tour aboard the Zodiac with an experienced local marine naturalist.
• instruction and safety support in the water.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 08:00 and 11:00, from US$ 161.43 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 13 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:00

GroupUp to 131 private ›

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

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

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Z Tourz

Is this one for you?The three-hour window leaves room for a meal before or after, or a second activity later in the day. It's not a full-day commitment. Book this if you want to see Kauai's reefs and marine life without spending your whole morning or afternoon on the water, and if you're comfortable in the ocean but don't need a leisurely, shallow-water experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 kind of marine life will I actually see while snorkeling off Kauai's south shore?

The reefs here hold tropical fish including yellow tang and butterfly fish, plus Hawaiian green sea turtles that glide through the coral. Dolphins are often spotted from the boat during the cruise between snorkel sites, though sightings are not guaranteed. The guides know the reef and will point out what's there on the day you go.

How much time do I spend actually in the water snorkeling?

You'll spend roughly two hours in the water across the two snorkel stops during the three-hour trip. The rest of the time covers the boat ride, gearing up and down, and a snack break between sites.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling gear is provided: mask, fins, and snorkel. You bring a swimsuit and a towel. The boat supplies everything else you need to get in the water.

What's the Zodiac boat like, and how many people will be on it?

It's a 25-foot USCG-style inflatable Zodiac, which is smaller and faster than traditional tour boats. The experience is described as small-group, so you won't be packed in with a large crowd, though the exact group size varies by departure.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to do this?

No, the tour is suitable for all skill levels, and instruction and safety support are included. You do need to be comfortable in the water and have at least moderate physical fitness. You won't be taught to swim, but you don't need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it.