Private Deep Water Fishing

Private Deep Water Fishing in Kauai runs through Explore Kauai Scuba. Rated 5.0 across 7 reviews. Runs 6 hours (approx.). From $1700.

Overview

This six hour private charter puts a boat and crew at your group's disposal out of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on Kauai's west side, roughly a mile past Waimea town. The crew works offshore waters where seabirds gathering on the surface often mark schools of fish, and past guests have landed tuna here, sometimes alongside sightings of whales and the occasional shark on the line. Because only your party is aboard, the day can be shaped around what your group wants, whether that is serious fishing or a steadier, more relaxed pace.

The trip is run by Explore Kauai Scuba. Snorkel gear is carried on board, along with bottled water, snacks and a restroom. One recent group reported the crew filleting their skipjack tuna into poke, a nice bonus if the fish cooperate on the day.

Note that it is not wheelchair accessible, hotel pickup is not provided, and people with back problems, pregnant travellers and those with serious heart conditions are advised against it. Seasickness is a real possibility, and reviewers who suffered from it praised the crew for adapting the trip to keep them comfortable.

What's Included

Included

Use of Snorkelling equipment
Toilets on board (Restroom on board)
Bottled water
Snacks

Not Included

Private transportation
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Meet at Kikiaola HarborCheck in at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, 8932 Kekaha Rd, Kekaha, on the west side, about a mile west of Waimea town. The stated start time is 06:00.
Head offshoreThe boat runs out from the harbor to open fishing grounds. No fixed route or stop schedule is published, so the plan depends on conditions and where the fish are.
Fish and watch wildlifeSpend the trip fishing and following bird piles, with the crew reading the water and adjusting to what your group wants. Snorkel gear, water, snacks and a restroom are on board.
Return to the harborThe activity ends back at the meeting point. The full experience runs approximately six hours from the 06:00 start.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between a good day and a rough one on this trip.

Arrive early. The listing shows a 06:00 start from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. Budget extra time, since the harbor sits well west of Waimea and there is no hotel pickup.
Prepare for seasickness. Two separate reviews describe members of the party getting seasick on this trip. The crew reportedly carries ginger chews and offers tips, and they adjusted or shortened the day when needed. Anyone prone to motion sickness should take remedies before departure, not after symptoms start.
Pack light but smart. Snacks, bottled water, snorkel gear and a restroom are provided, so the essentials are covered. Beyond that, the listing gives no packing list, so bring whatever you would normally want for a day on the water.
Private group feel. The listing confirms this is a private activity with only your group on board. Multiple reviewers said the crew asked what they wanted from the day and tailored the trip accordingly.
Wildlife is a bonus. Reviewers mention whales, seabirds and sharks appearing during the fishing, sometimes in dramatic fashion. None of it is scheduled or promised. Treat sightings as luck and the fishing itself as the core of the day.
Not for everyone. The listing states the trip is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or those with serious heart conditions. Infants must sit on laps. Most other travellers can participate.

Common issues. The 06:00 start and west side location require you to drive yourself, as there is no hotel pickup. Two reviews mention seasickness hitting members of the party hard, and one group cut the trip short because of it, though the crew handled it well. The trip requires good weather and can be cancelled for that reason, with a different date or a full refund offered. Cancellations on your side must be made at least 24 hours before start time for a refund. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Which Tour Matches Your Plans

Where does the tour start and is pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and private transportation are not included. You meet the crew at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, 8932 Kekaha Rd in Kekaha, about a mile west of Waimea town, with a 06:00 start time shown in the listing. The trip ends back at the same harbor.

How long is the fishing trip?

The experience runs approximately six hours. The listing shows a 06:00 start, so plan for a full morning on the water and an early alarm.

What is included on board?

Use of snorkel equipment, a restroom on board, bottled water and snacks are all included. The charter itself is private, so only your group participates. Transport to the harbor is not included.

Is this trip suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Infants can come but must sit on laps, and the listing says most travellers can participate. However, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, and the trip is not recommended for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Families have taken this trip, including one group whose child reeled in a catch.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. The trip also requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should we bring?

The listing does not give a packing list, but water and snacks are provided, so food and drink are covered. Two reviews describe seasickness on this trip, though the crew carries ginger chews and can adjust the day if needed. Anyone prone to motion sickness should plan remedies in advance.