Exploring Napali Coast: Boat Tour Adventures

The Napali Coast is a stunning 17-mile stretch of coastline on the north-west side of Kauai, Hawaii. With its towering cliffs, pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the island. The best way to experience the Napali Coast is by boat, and there are a variety of boat tour activities to choose from. From snorkelling and sightseeing to sunset dinner cruises and rafting adventures, there is something for everyone. So, whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking to relax and take in the breathtaking views, a Napali Coast boat tour is the perfect way to explore this picturesque coastline.

Snorkelling and sightseeing

One of the most popular options for snorkelling and sightseeing is the Napali Coast Snorkel Tour offered by Captain Andy's. This tour includes exploring sea caves and waterfalls, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life, and learning about the local wildlife and marine ecology from experienced captains and crew. Captain Andy's offers a range of tour options, including the Star Snorkel BBQ Sail, which is often rated as the best overall Napali Coast boat tour. This cruise includes snorkelling, a BBQ lunch, and drinks on board a 65-foot Star Yacht.

Blue Dolphin Charters also offers a highly recommended snorkelling and sightseeing tour, the Niihau & Napali Coast Snorkel. This tour combines snorkelling with a chance to explore the forbidden island of Niihau, just off the Napali Coast. In addition to snorkelling, participants can enjoy boogie boarding, using pool noodles, and a slide on the boat. Blue Dolphin Charters provides breakfast and a deli-style lunch, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, Makana Charters and Tours offers a small-group tour on the Makana, a 32-foot catamaran. This tour includes exploring sea caves, snorkelling at Nualolo Kai beach, and a delicious lunch. The company is owned and operated by a native Hawaiian family, providing a unique perspective on the history and culture of the Napali Coast.

Finally, for thrill-seekers, the Napali Coast Tours company offers an exciting catamaran tour departing from Hanalei Bay. This tour promises lots of speed and adventure, with opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales, as well as take in jaw-dropping views of the coastline and its waterfalls and sea caves.

Catamaran vs Zodiac tours

When it comes to exploring the breathtaking Napali Coast, two popular options are catamaran and Zodiac raft tours. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose between these unique experiences:

Catamaran Tours:

• Catamarans offer a smoother and more comfortable sailing experience, perfect for those seeking a relaxed cruise.
• These boats are larger and often feature amenities such as restrooms, shaded areas, and walking spaces.
• Catamarans are ideal for those who want to enjoy the views, take photos, and savour delicious meals without the thrill of high speeds.
• They are a great choice for spotting marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, especially during day tours.
• Catamarans may not be able to access certain areas, such as sea caves, due to their larger size.
• Some catamaran tours offer the opportunity to snorkel and explore the underwater world.
• They often include meals, drinks, and informative narration about the history and wildlife of the Napali Coast.

Zodiac Raft Tours:

• Zodiac rafts are smaller, faster, and more agile, allowing access to areas that larger boats cannot reach, such as sea caves and hidden coves.
• These tours are perfect for thrill-seekers who want an adventurous and exciting experience.
• The open-air design of Zodiac rafts provides a fun and engaging ride, similar to a jet ski, with the wind in your face.
• Sea sickness is less common on Zodiac rafts due to their speed and manoeuvrability.
• Zodiac rafts are ideal for exploring the entire Napali Coast, getting up close to nature, and even landing on remote beaches.
• However, they do not offer the same level of comfort as catamarans, and you should expect to get wet.
• Zodiac rafts are perfect for those who want a more intimate and personalised experience with a smaller group.

Both types of tours offer unique and memorable experiences. Catamarans provide comfort, luxury, and the opportunity to spot marine life, while Zodiac rafts offer thrilling adventures, exploring hidden gems along the Napali Coast. Choose the one that best suits your preferences for an unforgettable journey on Hawaii's breathtaking coastline.

Boat tours with landings on the Napali Coast

The Napali Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Hawaii, known for its rugged beauty, towering green cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and crystal blue waters. The best way to experience the full scope of this stunning coastline is by boat. Boat tours are the most rewarding, easiest, and best way to experience the Napali Coast, as much of the coastline is unreachable by land.

There are a variety of boat tours with landings on the Napali Coast, offered by different companies, that provide an unforgettable journey through paradise. Here are some options to consider:

Blue Ocean Adventure Tours – Napali Beach Landing Adventure

This 6-hour raft tour takes you along the Napali Coast, past waterfalls and through sea caves, with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The cruise includes snorkelling at the secluded Nualolo Kai beach, a buffet lunch, and a nature stroll through an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Reviewers praise the crew for creating a safe, fun, and memorable experience. This tour is a great option for those looking for a combination of land and sea exploration.

Capt. Andy's Sailing Adventures – Na Pali Raft Cave Expedition

Capt. Andy's offers a 6-hour raft expedition that explores sea caves and waterfalls, with landings on remote beaches to tour ancient Hawaiian fishing villages. They have been providing friendly and experienced services since 1983. This tour is perfect for those seeking a combination of adventure and cultural exploration.

Na Pali Coast Tours – Na Pali Snorkel Adventure

This tour company offers intimate snorkelling adventures and scenic coastal journeys. Their custom-built vessels allow access to hidden sea caves, remote beaches, and pristine snorkelling spots that larger boats cannot reach. Their experienced crew ensures an unforgettable journey, providing opportunities for adventure, marine life encounters, and stunning photo ops.

Na Pali Experience – Rafting Adventures

Na Pali Experience offers high-speed, wet, and wild rafting adventures, perfect for thrill-seekers. Their smaller boats allow access to various sea caves and provide a more intimate experience with the stunning views of the Kauai coast. They also offer a deluxe power catamaran option, providing a luxurious and invigorating experience.

These are just a few examples of the many boat tour options with landings on the Napali Coast. Each company offers unique features, amenities, and experiences, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your interests and preferences.

Boat tours with dinner

Capt Andy's Sailing Adventures offers a 4-4.5 hour Star Dinner Sunset Sail along the Na Pali Coast for $245 per person. You'll be accompanied by an experienced captain and crew as you explore Hawaii's stunning coastline, taking in majestic views and wildlife. The company has been operating since 1983 and is rated as the best Na Pali Coast boat tour by its customers.

Blue Dolphin Charters offers a 4-hour NaPali Coast Sunset Dinner cruise for $210 per adult and $190 per child. You'll get to experience the beauty of the NaPali coastline and one of the most majestic sunsets in the world. Blue Dolphin Charters is a family-owned and operated business that has been operating on the NaPali Coast of Kauai for forty years.

Holo Holo Charters offers a 3.5-hour Napali Sunset Dinner Tour for $210 per adult and $190 per child. You'll be treated to views of a sunset, rocky cliffs, sea caves and local sea life while gliding along the Napali Coast. The tour includes a hot dinner, as well as mai tais, beer and wine. Tourgoers describe the crew as exceptional and the views as fabulous. Holo Holo Charters also offers snorkeling cruises and a day-long tour that sails by the neighbouring island of Niihau.

Catamaran Kahanu offers a 2-hour Kauai Whale Watching Tour for $120 per person. While this cruise does not include dinner, it is a great option for those looking to go whale watching in Hawaii. You will have the chance to spot humpback whales, as well as other wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles. Tourgoers report seeing lots of whales and dolphins and describe the crew as passionate and knowledgeable. Catamaran Kahanu also offers a boat tour around the Na Pali Coast.

Boat tours with whale watching

Capt. Andy's Sailing Adventures offers a range of boat tours along the Napali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii, including a whale-watching tour. This tour, which lasts for two hours and costs $99, offers guests the chance to experience Hawaiian humpback whales up close from a 24' rigid-hull raft. The tour is only available between December and April and does not include snorkelling.

Kauai Sea Tours also offers a whale-watching tour called the Whale Watch Discovery Raft Tour. This tour takes guests on a journey to find humpback whales along Kauai's southern shores. The tour is available from December to March and costs $120.

Captain J's Kauai Offshore Adventures offers a whale-watching tour that departs from Port Allen Boat Harbor on the south-west side of Kauai. The tour takes place on a comfortable, state-of-the-art super-raft and is available between December 15 and March 31.

The Napali Coast is a 17-mile stretch of coastline that is known for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs. Boat tours are the best way to experience the full scope and scale of the coastline, which is largely inaccessible by land.

Frequently asked questions