Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the wild side of Kauai with a family-owned and veteran-operated tour company known for its safety, expertise, and personalized adventures. Journey along the legendary Na Pali Coast aboard a 30-foot Zodiac raft designed for speed and agility, letting you get up close to hidden caves, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
The knowledgeable captains share stories of Hawaiian history and legends as you explore this pristine coastline. Between thrilling moments on the open ocean, refresh with tropical fruit, Hawaiian chips, and cold beverages. With a focus on safety and adventure, this tour delivers a one-of-a-kind ocean experience you will never forget.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The morning tour (6:30 AM or 7:00 AM) is our most recommended tour due to calmer ocean conditions and more wildlife sightings.
Raft tours will include seeing and possibly entering sea caves and snorkeling, but only if the ocean conditions are safe enough to do so. Your tour’s Captain will make this decision. (We do not snorkel in the sea caves.)
We recommend booking early in your vacation in case of a weather cancellation, you have more time left in your vacation to rebook.
Our tour departs from the west side of Kauai— We meet in Waimea at the Na Pali Riders office. Check in is 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
When ocean conditions are not favorable for a Na Pali Coast tour or the minimum passenger count for the safety and stability of our vessel is not met, you will be offered the following: The option to rebook for a different date and time. The option for a full refund.
You can not attend if you are pregnant
WARNING: The Zodiac© raft makes for a wild and rough ride. Due to the nature of the Nā Pali Ocean Raft Tour, you must be in good physical condition to attend this tour. We cannot accommodate pregnant women, anyone with back or neck problems, medical conditions or recent surgeries.
Non-swimmers are prohibited from snorkeling.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure on Kauai’s famous Na Pali Coast. Your tour begins aboard a 30-foot Zodiac raft built for discovery and excitement. Feel the thrill as your captain navigates the rugged coastline where emerald cliffs rise dramatically from the sea and hidden valleys unfold before your eyes. Keep watch for playful Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins, and from December to April, the majestic Hawaiian Humpback whales. When ocean conditions allow, you’ll venture into sea caves and snorkel in a pristine bay teeming with tropical fish, coral, and sea turtles. Throughout the journey, enjoy snacks, cold drinks, and captivating stories about the natural and cultural history of this incredible island. This fast-paced rafting experience isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s as close to whitewater rafting as you can get on the ocean. Expect a thrilling, splash-filled ride through the Na Pali wilderness, offering views and moments that only a Zodiac raft can deliver.
What‘s Included
Guided Zodiac raft tour along the Na Pali Coast
Dolphin Watching & Whale Watching (Dec-April)
Snorkeling Equipment (Mask, Snorkel and Fins)
Snorkeling (conditions permitting)
Seasonal fruit
Dry bag to store your items you bring on board
Lifejackets - They are optional and are provided upon check-in
Parking at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor ($20.00 + tax valid for 8 hours paid at the Harbor)
Optional Photo Package that contains 150-500 photos and videos of your tour!
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Towel
Gratuities
Options
Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling on Kauai
Reviews
733 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What you’ll do & see is...
Kelly M,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00What you’ll do & see is truly subjective to conditions. We went in January, high swells in the water, weren’t able to enter caves, could not snorkel. Also keep in mind this is a small craft. I’ve been on catamarans and other larger boats without issues with seasickness. The size of this craft with the water conditions did me in, even haven taken medicine. Staff was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the area.
Unique Experience and Amazing Views of the Na’Pali Coast
Lisa T,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to see the Na’Pali Coast close up. We can’t say enough good things about Captain Brandon & Peyton. We felt safe throughout and Brandon was able to navigate through caves for the most unique experience! He is very skilled and his naval experience is evident. Peyton made sure everyone was comfortable and their needs were met. The views were incredible and we loved hearing the history and stories. We were fortunate enough to stop for some snorkeling and whale spottings on our way back. This is a rougher ride than the larger boats, but definitely worth it for the experience!
Best NA Poil boat trip in Kauai
dawngrayymailcom,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is funist boat ride ever they were informative and grest smal family business they acomate your every wish going to tell all my freinds and family
Cap Mak and Peyton are the best!
B9018AFscottt,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Cap Mak and Peyton pumped up the energy while always engaging the passengers. Amazing sights topped off with multiple whale and dolphin sightings. A lifetime memory!
Amazing trip with a great team
Hannah D,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip out with captain Mac and Peyton! It was cool to support a small family business, and the vibes were great. Got great views of the coast, felt super safe the entire time, saw a zillion whales. Would absolutely book with Napali Riders again.
If you are short the...
Christina O,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are short the middle seats will be the most comfortable. This family business really showed the Ohana! Highly recommend!
An unforgettable adventure!!
Melissa R,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely amazing experience from start to finish! There was so much adventure packed into one trip, it truly exceeded our expectations. We traveled as a large group of 10, ranging in age from 12 to 65, and every single person loved it. The experience felt incredibly safe while still being fast-paced and thrilling. The scenery was jaw-droppingly beautiful—photos don’t even do it justice. The most unexpected part of the trip was seeing ocean animals! Dolphins swam next to the boat and one even did a flip in front of us! There were also many whales. This is the kind of experience that creates lifelong memories, and I would recommend it without hesitation to families, groups, and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
The best experience on the island!
71LJ,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible ride with Captain Mack and Tom. Mack was AMAZING, had a killer playlist, and clearly loves what she does. We got lucky with weather and were able to see more than we could have imagined. We’ll be back to Kauai and we will take this tour every single time!
Awesome Experience!
Susan B,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a fun boat ride! The ride is bumpy, but so worth it. Going into the caves was amazing and the view of the coast is spectacular! Captain Brandon was great, very experienced and knowledgeable. We did not get to snorkel, but did have a chance to swim in the ocean. A really fun day, I would definitely recommend!
AWESOME Experience
Christine T,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00AWESOME EXPERIENCE! Kevin and Kathy were friendly and informative! We felt safe! I would do it again! Beautiful scenery! Very fun!
From US$237.50
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