5 Best Nā Pali Coast Boat Tours

If you’re looking for the best Kauai boat tours to explore the Na Pali Coast’s breathtaking cliffs, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters, then keep reading! From sunset cruises to adrenaline pumping zodiac boat rides, we’ve rounded up the top tours for an unforgettable adventure.

This post contains affiliate links for some of our recommended tours. If you book through one of our links we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps fund our blog. Thank you for your support!

How to See the Nā Pali Coast

While the rugged Nā Pali Coast is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, it is not accessible by car. The only way to see it is by hiking, taking a helicopter tour, or cruising by boat. While hiking is challenging and helicopter tours are costly, a boat cruise offers the most affordable and convenient way to see this breathtaking coastline, making it a favorite among visitors. During our time on Kauai, we were lucky enough to check out a sunset cruise and snorkeling excursions. Here are our recommendations!

>>>See our 42 Awesome Things to Do in Kauai!

Our Favorite Nā Pali Coast Tours

Nā Pali Coast Sunset Cruise

Kauai’s sunsets and views of the Nā Pali Coastline are truly breathtaking, and there’s no better way to experience them than on a sunset boat tour complete with dinner and drinks.

5 Best Kauai Boat Tours on the Na Pali Coast

This 4-5 hour catamaran tour begins in the afternoon, offering a delicious meal and refreshing drinks as you sail. You’ll arrive at the Nā Pali Coastline by late afternoon, perfect for capturing stunning photos. The return trip at sunset provides a serene and scenic end to the journey. We sailed with Holo Holo Charters from Port Allen and highly recommend them!

Did you know? The Nā Pali Coast is ranked among the top 10 most photographed natural wonders in the world!

>>>BOOK A NA PALI COAST SUNSET CRUISE HERE!

>>>Directions to Port Allen

Nā Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling tours along the Nā Pali Coast offer the chance to encounter sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and vibrant marine life in their natural habitat. With snorkeling gear, food, and drinks included, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the adventure!

Tours from Hanalei Bay, available May through October, feature smaller boats for a more intimate experience, while larger catamarans operate year-round from Port Allen. Makana Charters departs from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor, closer to the Nā Pali Coast, and offers both 12-person and 36-person boats for a personalized or group-friendly journey.

>>>BOOK A NA PALI COAST SNORKELING TOUR!

>>>Directions to Na Pali Coast Tours in Hanalei Bay

>>>Directions to Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor

Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Tour

The Nā Pali Coast Raft Adventure features a “zodiac” style inflatable raft, perfect for getting closer to the stunning sea cliffs and exploring sea caves. The ride will be a bit bumpier than larger boats, so those who are prone to motion sickness should take it into consideration. Like the Nā Pali Coast Sail and Snorkel tour, this adventure also includes multiple snorkeling stops along the way.

>>>BOOK A NA PALI COAST RAFT TOUR HERE!

Nā Pali Coast Whale Watching Tour

The whale watching tour will take you out to see the humpback whales on a 2-hour venture off the south shore. With food, drinks, and cocktails provided, it’s a relaxing experience and the shortest tour available, making it easy to fit into your schedule with multiple departure times throughout the day.

One thing to note about the whale watching tour is that the primary aim is to spot whales, not to tour the Na Pali coast. While you may see many of the same views as the other tours, you may not if the boat captain thinks the whales are elsewhere.

>>>BOOK A NA PALI COAST WHALE WATCHING TOUR

Nā Pali Coast and Niihau Full Day Tour

This is the most extensive tour available and departs from Port Allen. This full-day tour combines the Na Pali coastline and the forbidden island of Niihau into one package. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and visit sea caves (weather permitting). The duration is about 7 hours and includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear.

>>>BOOK A NA PALI COAST-NIIHAU TOUR HERE!

The Type of Boats Used for Nā Pali Coast Tours

The Catamaran

The most commonly used boat is the large catamaran, perfect for those who prefer a relaxing and more stable sail. Food and drinks are commonly served on these boats, with the sunset cruises including a meal and wine for the most relaxing journey. Many tour operators use catamarans for morning snorkeling adventures and evening dinner cruises, making them a versatile option for exploring the coast.

The Zodiac Boat

For the more adventurous, raft or “zodiac” style inflatable boats offer an exciting way to get up close to jagged cliffs, hidden beaches, and even venture into sea caves. These tours often include snorkeling in some of the world’s most stunning waters. Keep in mind, though, that these smaller boats provide a bumpier ride compared to the smooth, stable experience of a catamaran.

Departure Points for Nā Pali Coast Boat Tours

Most tours depart from the south side of Kauai, either at Port Allen or Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. A handful of tours launch from Hanalei on the north shore but only operate from April or May through October due to unsafe winter surf. Starting from Hanalei offers the advantage of reaching Nā Pali Coast views almost immediately, as it’s much closer to the coastline. However, keep in mind that the waters can be rougher in this area.

Choosing the Ideal Time to Visit the Napali Coast

The “best” time to tour the Nā Pali Coast largely depends on what you’re looking for. Kauai’s rainy season runs from November through March, which can bring clouds that obscure sunsets or coastline views. However, those low-hanging clouds create dramatic, misty scenes that photographers will love—we captured the photo below in early March with clouds hovering over the coast!

If whale watching is on your list, plan your visit between November and May, when humpback whales migrate 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer waters. Snorkeling during whale season might even give you the chance to hear their underwater songs, as we did!

Our Recommended Boat Tour Companies on Kauai

We do receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book using the links above in our recommended tours. However, we also want to provide an extensive list of tour operators in case you want to explore your options further.

Blue Dolphin Charters

Blue Dolphin operates out of Port Allen. It has large catamarans and Zodiac tour offerings.

Captain Andy’s

Captain Andy’s also offers large catamaran and Zodiac tours. It operates its Zodiac boat tours from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and all other tours from Port Allen.

Holo Holo Charters

Holo Holo Charters has several catamaran boats that offer sunset cruises, snorkel tours, and Napali + Niihau day tours. It operates from Port Allen

Kauai Sea Tours

Kauai Sea Tours operates a 60-foot catamaran called the Lucky Lady. It also holds a rare permit from the state of Hawaii to land at Nualolo Kai for a picnic and historical tour.

Go Blue Adventure Tours

Go Blue Adventure Tours operates out of Kikialoa Small Boat Harbor. It offers various small catamaran and zodiac boat tours.

Na Pali Riders

Na Pali Riders was founded by former Coast Guard veterans and is the only tour to cruise the entire Na Pali Coast up to Ke’e Beach. They only offer Zodiac boat tours so expect a more adventurous boat ride!

FAQ’s

What can I expect when exploring the Na Pali Coast by boat?

When exploring the Nā Pali coast by boat, you can expect to see majestic sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and sea life like dolphins and sea turtles. You will also learn about the area’s history and culture from your tour guide.

Where do the Nā Pali Coast boat tours depart from?

The most common departure points are Port Allen and Hanalei Bay.

What should I prepare for my Nā Pali Coast boat tour?

Bring sun protection, comfortable clothing, your camera, and some way to secure the camera to your body in case you were to drop it over the side of the boat!

What are some tips for choosing my Nā Pali Coast boat tour?

Before choosing your Na Pali coast boat tour, consider what you want from the experience. If you want adventure, go for a raft tour. If you want a more relaxed experience, a catamaran tour might be better. Also, consider the departure points and what’s included in the tour price, such as food and drink.

Alternatives Besides a Kauai Boat Tour

The Nā Pali Coast on Foot

If a boat tour isn’t your style, there are other ways to explore the stunning Nā Pali Coast. From Kauai’s north shore, visit Ke’e Beach, which marks the start of the 17-mile Nā Pali Coastline. It’s a perfect spot to take in views of the dramatic cliffs plunging into the ocean and is also a spectacular location to catch the sunset.

Ke’e Beach is also the starting point for the Kalalau Trail, the ultimate hiking gateway into the Nā Pali Coast. Even a short hike—just one mile in—offers elevated views of the breathtaking coastline and a chance to visit Hanakapiai Beach. Read more about our hike along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Falls!

Nā Pali Coast Helicopter Tours

A helicopter tour can give you views of the Na Pali Coast that you couldn’t capture any other way! For a more thrilling adventure, you can choose a “doors off” helicopter tour where you will be exposed to the open air while being safely secured inside the helicopter. Either way, helicopter tours are a top choice for photographers since every seat will have a window view free from obstruction.

>>>BOOK A HELICOPTER TOUR HERE!

Travel Tip: If you opt for a helicopter tour, wear dark clothing to avoid reflections on the glass that can appear in your photos.