Zodiac Snorkel, South Island

Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure runs through Z Tourz. Rated 4.8 across 433 reviews. Runs 3 hours (approx.). From $161.43.

Overview

Z Tourz runs a roughly three hour Zodiac and snorkel trip out of Poipu on Kauai's south side, launching from 3417 Poipu Rd in Koloa. You ride a rigid inflatable boat along the coast, with reviewers praising the crews' storytelling about the island's history as you go.

The water portion is the core of the trip. Reviewers again and again report turtles in numbers, plenty of reef fish, and fairly regular dolphin sightings, with an octopus turning up occasionally. Snorkel gear is provided, guides give safety briefings, and reviewers frequently mention how helpful the crew is in the water.

The group is capped at 13 travellers and snacks are included, while gratuities and hotel transport are not. One reviewer described the captain's driving as roller coaster style after asking the boat's comfort level beforehand. This suits confident swimmers who are comfortable in the water, including families with kids, but it is off limits to pregnant travellers and anyone over 300lbs, and it is a poor fit for back problems or mobility limitations.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at PoipuCheck in at 3417 Poipu Rd, Koloa. No hotel transport is provided, so arrange your own way there.
2. Zodiac boat rideThe tour centers on a guided Zodiac boat outing. Reviews mention coastal views and commentary on island history from the crew.
3. Snorkel stopSnorkeling is the heart of the trip. Turtles, dolphins and reef fish are commonly reported by reviewers.
4. Return to dockThe trip ends back at the meeting point on Poipu Rd, roughly three hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make this trip smoother, based on the listing and on what travellers report back.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, and the operator stresses that it cannot provide transport. Arrange a rental car or ride before arriving on the island.
• Water comfort. Participants must be comfortable in the water; the crew will not teach swimming. Snorkel gear is included, and one reviewer said the equipment works well even for complete beginners.
• What to wear. One reviewer's advice was to wear a bathing suit and bring a smile. The tour runs roughly three hours, so plan for time both on the boat and in the water.
• Seasickness. The listing warns against booking with severe motion sickness, and one reviewer did get ill while the boat was coasting. If you are prone to it, take precautions before departure.
• Boat ride pace. One reviewer compared the captain's driving to a roller coaster ride, noting he asked comfort levels beforehand. The listing advises against the tour for travellers with back problems.
• Group feel. The trip is capped at 13 travellers and the listing bills it as a small group experience. Reviewers often mention a fun, personal atmosphere on board.

Common issues. The operator's policies are strict: no pregnancies at any stage, a hard 300lbs weight limit, and no travellers with recent surgeries, back problems, serious medical conditions, or mobility limitations, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. The experience needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers, so it can be cancelled, in which case you are offered a different date or a full refund. No refunds are given for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time, for any reason. Confirmation can also take up to 48 hours and depends on availability. One reviewer reported getting seasick mid trip, though the crew handled it well.

Which Tour Matches Your Plans