Tropical island adventures include plenty of time on the water, and your trip to Kauai is no exception. You’ve snorkeled with some sea turtles, taken a dip in the best pool in the U.S. and swam in the crashing surf along a sandy beach. Next up: a boat tour that gets you out on the water for spectacular views and close-up marine wildlife encounters. To get you started, here are nine of the best boat tours in Kauai:
Top 9 Boat Tours in Kauai
Holo Holo Charters Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail
Visit secluded sea caves, wind your way along the Napali coastline and spot gorgeous waterfalls tumbling from 4,000-foot cliffs on this sailing adventure. Known as one of the top three boat tours on Kauai, the Holo Holo Charters Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail tour departs from Port Allen and takes you on a 50-foot sailing catamaran along Kauai’s coast to find the perfect snorkeling spot, where you can enter the water via the vessel’s onboard waterslide. After the snorkeling session, the catamaran spends some time sailing by wind power alone, eschewing the engines to give you a classic sailing experience. This trip is suitable for children age 5 and up. They are also the only Kauai boat tour that offers daily trips to Hawaii’s forbidden island and Napali coast.
Captain Andy’s Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail
A four-hour trip along the Napali Coast on a 55-foot catamaran delivers gorgeous views of the afternoon sun, dusk and twilight as sunset paints the sky in golden, pink and purple tones throughout your boat ride. Captain Andy’s Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail includes a full dinner onboard, and you’re likely to spot plenty of sea life. With daily departures from Port Allen and suitability for kids age 3 and up, this tour is great for families.
Blue Dolphin Charters Niihau and NaPali Coast Snorkeling Tour
If your family is just as fascinated by what’s under the water as what you can see from deck, the Blue Dolphin Charters Niihau and NaPali Coast Snorkeling Tour offers plenty of access to underwater fun. The 7.5 hour tour takes you to the forbidden island of Niihau, where you can swim or snorkel offshore in water that has up to 150 feet of visibility. A tropical continental breakfast and deli-style lunch come included to help fuel your under-the-waves adventures. Boat trips on Blue Dolphin Charters set sail from Port Allen and accommodate kids as young as age 5. Mai tais and other drinks are available onboard for guests over age 21.
Kauai Sea Tours Napali Coast Snorkel Tour Raft Adventure
Get up close to everything from marine wildlife to coastal formations on the Kauai Sea Tours Napali Coast Snorkel Tour Raft Adventure. The raft vessel is designed to navigate into places where larger boats can’t travel, so this tour takes you into hidden sea caves and under a thrilling waterfall shower. This tour also includes time spent snorkeling under the waves. The company, which provides daily trips out of Port Allen, also offers a raft adventure to Nu’alolo Kai Beach, an isolated location that only a few Kauai boat tours are permitted to visit. Kids as young as age 3 are welcome on this raft tour along the Napali Coast.
Catamaran Kahanu Kauai Whale Watching Tour
From March through December is prime whale watching in Kauai season, and there’s no better way to spot these gentle offshore giants than from a catamaran cruise. The two-hour Catamaran Kahanu Kauai Whale Watching Tour takes you out on the water, where you can see humpback whales breach and frolic off the coast. You’re also likely to spot dolphins and sea turtles during your journey. The Catamaran tour leaves from Port Allen, and snacks are available during your trip along the Napali Coast. Kids age 5 and up are welcome onboard.
Makana Charters and Tours
Get an intimate view of the Napali Coast on the Makana Charters and Tours 12 Passenger Catamaran Tour. You spend 5 hours on the water, including time snorkeling in the pristine waters off Kauai’s Napali Coast. Because the tour is limited to 12 guests age 9 and up, you get a less crowded, more personal experience. All Makana Charters boat tours leave from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on the west side of the island, so you spend more time exploring and less time traveling from the home port to your destination.
Kauai Sea Tours Lucky Lady Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour
Enjoy the beauty of a tropical sunset and a casual buffet dinner aboard a luxury catamaran on the 4-hour Kauai Sea Tours Lucky Lady Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour, suitable for couples and families with kids age 3 and up. The captain provides information on Hawaiian history and culture while you drink and dine as dusk arrives. After departing from Port Allen to head up the Napali Coast, you may even spot some spinner dolphins and sea turtles during the cruise.
Na Pali Pirates Rafting Tour
Designed for Kauai visitors who like their adventures wet and wild, the Na Pali Pirates Rafting Tour takes you in a 14-guest Zodiac boat all along the Napali Coast, stops for snorkeling in pristine Pacific waters and delves deep into mysterious sea caves that larger boats can’t reach. You might even dip underneath a waterfall. This tour leaves from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and is suitable for kids age 3 and up for an exciting family adventure.
Kauai Sea Tours Imiloa Whale Watching Cocktail Tour
If your idea of a good time involves drinks on deck while enjoying gorgeous views of local wildlife, the Kauai Sea Tours Imiloa Whale Watching Cocktail Tour, available from December through March, may be the Kauai boat trip for you. The luxurious 40-foot express catamaran departs from Port Allen and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. Kids age 3 and up can count how many dolphins they spot from the deck as parents enjoy a cocktail during the ride. Complimentary beer, wine and snacks keep you relaxed during your journey.
From exploring the dramatic cliffs off Kauai’s Napali Coast to snorkeling near a forbidden island, Kauai boat tours satisfy your need for adventure. Start planning your trip by booking a Kauai beach villa at Koloa Landing Resort.