Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling on Kauai
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
695 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whales and dolphins and caves- Oh My!!
Joseph P,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a great time. We saw whales first. Likely 3 of them. We saw tail slaps and pectoral fin waves. It was incredible. We also saw bottle nose AND spinner dolphins. Captain Croix and Mac brought the energy and fun. It was a great ride. We loved the views The coast is so beautiful. We were able to snorkel as well- as weather was ok at that time. We did get some rain, but went through it. It was a great experience. We are not far from retirement age- most patrons were younger. It was something we felt was so well worth it
Memorable tour
Dong L,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Fun ride (left me sore arm)， great view of the coast, cove and a huge pod of dolphin! The staffs are friendly and fun.
Exciting Ride
Beverly M,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The ladies that took us out were fun, energetic and knowledgeable. Good narration of our sourndings as well. Be prepared to hold on as it is a wild and fun ride. We saw so many spinning dolphins, it was magical.
A wonderful adventure
Judy R,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is awesome Iloved seeing the dolphins and the crew was terrific. All the guests were great and our captain was very friendly and confident
Epic times!!
Erika J,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a sunny day at sea! The water was kind of rough but the views were epic!! This is an intense ride and you might get motion sick. Take motion sickness medicine! You can't beat the views on this tour and my son even witnessed a whale breach!! Saw a few whale water puffs too!! We swam in the open ocean!!! Our tour guides Peyton and Mikayla were Amazing!!! My arms and back are sore but i would definitely go again for those views and memories!!! So blessed!
Fun & Adventurous
natalie m,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting adventurous tour! A blast to ride through the waves to music and get so close to the Nāpali coast line. Got close to the caves, didn’t go all the way in due to swells. Saw a whole pod of spinner dolphins and about 8 whales. Was a great experience and would highly recommend. My partner and I both agreed we would book this trip again. Was also nice to have a female captain and crew. 😊
Love this Hawaiian roller-coaster experience!
Coastal259281,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved everything about our entire experience. Well run, efficient, fun, informative, and personal. The day we went out the water was churned-up where snorkeling usually takes place so instead we went out swimming in the deep blue ocean. Very cool. Because of the bigger waves we couldn't go in some of the caves so they made sure we saw a few others down the coast that are not part of the standard plan. We also saw spinner dolphins and humpback wales! The captain was knowledgeable and safe but was still fun and created an energized feeling on the boat. One woman on the tour was quite sea sick and they took great care of her without negatively impacting the tour. The picture package is worth it as you get all of the photos and they are really good. This is a local family run business; support local!
Amazing!
Michelle R,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best excursions we've done! Saw many waterfalls, whales, swam in the Ocean and the ride was amazing out to the Na Pali Coast. A must do ... unless it's super wavy and you get motion sickness then not recommended
Baby whales!
Robyn H,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is on fast rubber raft, this means it can get extremely bumpy. Mac is a great captain, she was able to show us the beautiful coast line. We were lucky enough to spot a baby whale!
Highly Recommend!
Explorer30074966468,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff was very nice and the captain was wicked good with controlling the boat. Best boat control I've ever seen. Backing into the sea caves with strong November rollers coming through was awesome. The ride is definitely tough on the body, but completely worth being a little sore for anybody who is in good physical shape. There are parts of the boat (middle and back) that offer a smoother ride. Plus we got arms length away from spinner dolphins! Once in a lifetime trip!
From US$237.50
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