Snorkel Cruise, Lunch Included

Kauai: Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour With Lunch runs through Napali Navigators, LLC. Rated 5.0 across 23 reviews. Runs 5 hours. From $215.

Overview

This five-hour cruise with Napali Navigators starts from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on Kauai's west side and works its way along the coast from Waimea toward Polihale, following the longest stretch of beach in Hawaii. From there the boat turns north toward the sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast State Park, which rise over four thousand feet. Reviewers regularly report close dolphin sightings on this run.

The middle of the day is spent in the water. The captain picks the safest spot given the conditions, and passengers swim and snorkel with gear carried on board. Several travellers described the snorkeling as a highlight, with good fish and reef life, though visibility depends on recent weather and one group found murky water after several rough days.

Lunch is included, along with water, juice and soft drinks, dry bags and snorkel equipment. Towels, sunscreen and hotel transport are not, so you drive yourself to the harbor. Reviews again and again single out the captain's knowledge of the island's history and coastline.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at the harborArrive at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near mile marker 24 on Highway 50, at Waimea, for check-in at 8:45 AM.
2. Cruise the west coastDepart and cruise down the coast from Waimea toward Polihale, traveling along the longest beach in Hawaii. The full boat cruise runs 5 hours.
3. View the Na Pali cliffsHead north to the sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast State Park on Kauai's northwest coast, which reach 4,125 feet.
4. Snorkel and swim stopThe captain selects the safest place to stop for lunch and swimming. Snorkel gear is on board and this stop is optional.
5. Return to Kikiaola HarborThe boat arrives back at Kikiaola Harbor at approximately 2:15 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day go more smoothly, from what to pack to what the conditions can do to the itinerary.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so you need your own transport to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near mile marker 24 on Highway 50. Check-in is at 8:45 AM and the boat returns around 2:15 PM.
• Bring your own. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so bring your own, and the listing asks for biodegradable sunscreen. Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear and a camera are all on the suggested packing list. A signed waiver is also required.
• Motion sickness. The listing explicitly lists motion sickness prevention among things to bring. This is an open-ocean coastal cruise, so take that suggestion seriously if you are prone to seasickness.
• Food and drink. A deli lunch is provided along with water, juice and soft drinks throughout the trip. Reviews are mixed on the meal itself, with one traveller praising a tasty wrap and another describing soggy sandwiches.
• The captain matters. Many reviewers mention the captain and crew by role, praising their local knowledge of Kauai history and the coastline. Several said the commentary and boat handling, including passes by sea caves, were a big part of what made the trip.
• Wildlife and weather. Dolphins appear in many reviews, and one group spotted a whale at a distance. Snorkeling quality depends on recent conditions, and one reviewer reported murky water after several rough days, so keep expectations flexible.

Common issues. Weather drives a lot on this tour. One reviewer reported no good snorkeling spots after several days of rough conditions and murky water, and the captain decides where and whether to stop. The lunch drew complaints from one traveller who found the sandwiches poor for the ticket price, while others were happy with the food. One reviewer described the boat as small but with everything you needed. No hotel pickup is provided, and towels and sunscreen are excluded, so you carry those yourself.

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