Nā Pali Coast Boat Tours on Kauaʻi

• A Nā Pali Coast boat tour is a half-day commitment (full-day if you add Niʻihau), and prices start around $190 per person.
• Winter is high-surf season on the north shore, where the Nā Pali Coast is located. Avoid booking between October and April if possible. Tours during these months may get canceled for high surf or unsafe weather.
• Take the motion-sickness medicine, even if you think you don't need it. Out of the four times I've been on a boat in Kauaʻi, I only got seasick once — the one time I skipped it. On the tour that takes you to Niʻihau, you have to go through a choppy channel. The catamaran tour I took slapped up and down on the water as we crossed it. That's when the people who didn't take medicine started throwing up. You can be them, or you can be the one with a beer in your hand enjoying the wild ride.

A half-day Nā Pali catamaran runs about $209 to $295. A full-day trip with Niʻihau runs about $295 to $380. A half-day Zodiac raft runs about $199 to $295. Total trip time varies from four to seven hours depending on the tour.

Should I book a Zodiac or a catamaran?

Catamarans are more comfortable. There are places on the boat to find shade, most tour operators provide lunch or snacks, there are restrooms on board and more room to spread out. However, the Zodiac rafts are the tours that usually go into the sea-caves, where the catamarans can't fit. They also go faster and provide a more thrilling ride. If comfort matters more, I'd book a catamaran tour with Capt Andy's, Holo Holo or Blue Dolphin. If you want more of an adventure, book a raft tour with Captain J's or Blue Ocean Adventure.

North shore or west side?

It depends on the season and where you're staying. Hanalei-based operators depart from the north shore and can get to the Nā Pali coast in about 20 minutes. But most north shore tours run May through September only, as the harbor closes during winter due to high surf. West side operators from Port Allen and Kikiaola run year-round. These take 60- to 90-minutes each way to get to Nā Pali. If you are visiting during winter, book a tour based on the west side. If you are traveling to Kauaʻi during summer, book whatever is closest to your hotel.

Snorkel or sunset boat tour?

Snorkel trips run in the morning, when the ocean is calmer and visibility is better. Sunset sails run evenings at a slower pace and offer food and drinks. I’ve always chosen the morning snorkel because I like getting in the water, but if you don’t have any interest in snorkeling I think the sunset tour would be lovely.

Should I add Niʻihau to my tour?

Niʻihau, or the Forbidden Isle, is closed to visitors — only indigenous people live there. Most people have never seen it. If you are curious, a Kauaʻi boat tour is one of the only ways to catch a glimpse up close, and there is a remote reef snorkel there you can't access anywhere else. A full-day Nā Pali-plus-Niʻihau combo adds about $100 to the ticket price and several hours to your day. If you have the time and the money, it's worth it. Definitely take motion sickness medicine on this tour. Boats have to cross the channel and this part gets rough, even if the ocean is calm that day.

Best Time of Year & Weather Cancellations

If you book a tour from May through September, you’ll have calmer water and a better chance of not having your trip cancelled due to weather. All tours, on both north shore and west side, will be operating then, giving you more options to choose from. Tours booked October through April have a higher chance of cancellation, especially for Zodiacs. That being said, Whale season is December through April, which means if you take a boat tour during those months you may get to see humpback whales. My advice is to book your tour for the first or second day of your trip, so if it gets cancelled you can reschedule it before you leave.

Passenger Requirements

Most tours include the following requirements:

• Must be at least 4-years-old.
• Cannot be pregnant, had recent surgery or have serious health concerns.
• Guests must be prepared to get wet. You will get splashed on, possibly rained on and will likely also be under direct sunlight.
• For snorkel trips, passengers must be able to wade in waist deep water and climb a vertical dive ladder to board and disembark the vessel unassisted.

*Please note: Every listing below reflects each operator's current product lineup, vessel and pricing as published on the operator's own site in August 2026. Confirm current pricing and schedule directly with the operator before you book, since rates and offerings shift.

Capt Andy's Kauai

Capt Andy's is the most popular boat tour company on the west side. Operating since 1983, Capt Andy's operates both 65-foot Star Class catamarans and 24-foot rigid-hull rafts out of Kikiaola. Sailing tours depart from Port Allen and raft tours depart from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha — both are about a 30-minute drive from Līhuʻe Airport and 75 to 90 minutes from the North Shore. Cancellations get a full refund up to 24 hours ahead for parties under 10 or up to 72 hours ahead for larger groups. If Capt Andy's has to cancel due to weather, they will offer you a reschedule or refund your money.

• Star Snorkel BBQ Sail: 5.5 hours with lunch (grilled fresh on board), snorkeling and wildlife watching. From $285 per adult. All ages.
• Star Dinner Sunset Sail: 4.5 hours with dinner and open bar, no snorkeling. From $250 per adult. All ages.
• 6-hour Na Pali Raft Day Expedition: lands at Nualoʻo Beach. From $295 per adult. There are also shorter raft options. Must be at least 6-years-old to ride.

Best for: Comfortable catamaran rides and exciting raft trips from a dependable, well-reviewed operator.

Skip if: You want a small boat with less people aboard — Capt Andy's runs a large operation with multiple daily departures — or if you want to go into sea caves.

Holoholo Charters

Holoholo runs catamarans out of Port Allen, and is the tour most requested for the Niʻihau combo day. I have taken their tour twice, once with Niʻihau, once without and both tours have been the highlight of our trip. The crew is super fun. Departs Port Allen, about 30 minutes from Līhuʻe Airport and 75 to 90 minutes from Princeville.

• Na Pali Snorkel Sail: 5 hours. Includes lunch and beverages (including beer). From $260 per adult.
• Na Pali Sunset Tour: 3.5 hours. Includes buffet dinner, dessert and open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. From $245 per adult.
• Niʻihau & Nā Pali Super Tour: 7 hours. Includes lunch, and beverages (including beer), snorkeling at Lehua Crater off Niʻihau before heading back along the Na Pali cliffs. From $325 per adult.

Best for: Snorkelers who want the Niʻihau add-on and travelers who want a slightly larger catamaran with all the amenities.

Skip if: You're prone to motion sickness — the Niʻihau channel crossing is choppy even in summer. Although, I took motion sickness medicine and was fine.

Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours

Summer tours depart from Hanalei Bay. 32-foot catamarans take up to 18 passengers. Since you are boarding from the coast, you will need to get into the water up to your shins to board.

• Nā Pali Snorkel Adventure: 4 hours. Includes snorkeling, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and sea cave exploration — ocean permitting. From $250 per adult. Book Now

Best for: Summer tours departing from Hanalei Bay.

Skip if: You want to book your tour departing from the north shore during winter months.

Captain J's Offshore Adventures

Captain J's runs two 37-foot Naiad "Super Rafts" out of Port Allen. These are built with forward-facing seats, shaded bench seating and, unlike most rafts, a full onboard restroom. Every tour includes a roughly 1-hour snorkel stop, snorkel gear, snacks and cold drinks. When conditions allow, tours take you into a sea cave where you can see a private beach. Private charters can accommodate up to 28 passengers.

• Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure: 4.5 hours. Includes snacks and drinks. From $235 per adult. Book Now

Best for: Visitors looking for adventure and the sea cave experience, but also want a bathroom on board.

Skip if: You get seasick easily — reviewers describe this as a “fast, wet, thrilling ride.”

Makana Charters

Makana runs four catamarans from 32- to 47-feet that carry 12 to 36 passengers depending on the boat. All tours depart from Port Allen and run about 4.5- to 5-hours with a deli lunch and snorkel stop. Minimum age varies by boat, with some accepting kids as young as three.

• Nā Pali Boat Tour on the Amelia K: 5 hours. Includes lunch, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, snorkeling or whale watching, depending on the season. Youʻll also go into a sea cave where you can get a view of Waimea Canyon. From $227 per adult. Book Now

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want a full catamaran experience with snorkeling.

Skip if: You want the largest, most amenity-heavy boat — Makana's vessels run smaller than Capt Andy's or Holo Holo's.

Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours operates 40-, 60- and 65-foot catamarans and Zodiac rafts out of Port Allen. Catamarans have a waterslide on board. Minimum age for raft tours is seven.

• Deluxe Na Pali Snorkel Cruise aboard Lucky Lady: 5.5 hours. Includes snorkeling, lunch, beverages including beer, wine, Mai Tais, and soft drinks. From $234 per adult. Book Now
• Luxury Na Pali Snorkel Experience aboard Lady Kailani: 5 hours. Includes pastries, fruit, lunch and open bar. From $261 per adult. Book Now
• Luxury Na Pali Sunset Experience aboard Lady Kailani: 4.5 hours. Includes dinner, walk-up bar and table service. From $261 per adult. Book Now
• Na Pali Raft Snorkel Adventure: 5.5 hours. Includes snorkeling, lunch and drinks. Advertised as “physically demanding.” From $218 per adult. Book Now

Best for: Travelers who want to book a raft tour departing from Port Allen.

Skip the raft if: You want a more relaxing ride.

Na Pali Experience

Na Pali Experience offers six daily departure times, morning and afternoon. Its smaller boats get you up close to the cliffs and inside sea caves, although still maintain a smooth ride. Departs from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on the west side.

• Nā Pali Coast Tour: 4.5 hours. Includes snacks and beverages. From $219 per adult. Book Now
• Na Pali Coast Private Charter: 4.5 hours. For groups up to 18 people. Ages 4 and up. $3,500. Book Now

Best for: Families with young children and visitors looking for a smoother ride.

Skip if: You’re looking for a tour that provides lunch, this is snacks and beverages only.