The 9 Best Boat Tours in Kauai

1.NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,240 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $214Our pick

Set out from Eleele aboard the Amelia K or a sister catamaran with Makana Charters. Captain Mike, Shawn, Charlie, Ethan, or Ky may share island history and marine-life facts as you cruise the NaPali Coast, enter sea caves, snorkel in summer, or watch whales in winter. Lunch, drinks, and gear are included.

“Amazing experience. Definitely recommended. We saw lots of dolphins, some whales along with seeing the beautiful Nepali coast. The crew is very friendly and talented. They ensure your safety and comfort at all times.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,168 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Cruise 17 miles of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard a power catamaran with a captain such as Nate, Jess, or Glenn, depending on the day. Expect cliff views, caves, possible whales and dolphins, a Hawaiian dinner, drinks, island stories, and a sunset return to Port Allen.

“This was a great tour to the Napali Coast. Prior to boarding the Catamaran, the captain came out and spoke about what to expect. She knew the seas were rough once we got out of the bay and warned everyone who might experience motion sickness. She gave you the option to reschedule or cancel if you felt you would get sick. Love when companies put clients ahead of profits! Once onboard, the crew were amazing and made sure everyone was comfortable. Plenty of beverage options from alcoholic drinks to non-alcoholic. They were prepared for anyone who might get motion sick. We even got to see the first whale of the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Kauai’s Na Pali Coast Snorkel and Sail Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 541 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $292

From Port Allen, you’ll spend about six hours aboard the 50-foot Leila catamaran, sailing along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast and Polihale. Captain Kelly, Captain Mike, Captain Jess, and their crews share island stories, serve breakfast and lunch, and guide all levels at a calm reef when conditions allow.

“Amazing experience! The views, the food, the captain and the crew could not have been any better. What an incredible day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Kauai Waimea Canyon, Wailua River Boat and Fern Grotto Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 533 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $278

Spend a full day exploring Kauai without renting a car. Your guide drives you to Waimea Canyon, Opaekaa Falls, Spouting Horn, Old Koloa Town, and Kauai Coffee, then joins the Wailua River boat ride to Fern Grotto. Guides such as John, Sabrina, Sally, and Chris are known for lively local stories.

“John was a wonderful tour guide He ensured that we could see as much as possible for one day. The fern garden and canyon are amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 524 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

You’ll cruise from Port Allen Marina along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on the 50-foot Leila, with dinner, mai tais, beer, wine, and a Champagne toast. Captains and crew share island stories, watch for dolphins, turtles, and winter whales, and adjust the route when ocean conditions turn rough.

“The dinner was better than expected and the crew was really nice and make it much more fun! Definitely not very fun if you get sea sick easily”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Ni’ihau and Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 428 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $361

Board Holo Holo Charters’ 65-foot catamaran in Eleele for an eight-hour trip toward Niihau, Lehua Crater, and the Na Pali Coast. Captain Nate and other crew members may share island stories while you snorkel, watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and drinks.

“Captain Nate and his crew were absolutely amazing. The all day excursion seemed to fly by with beautiful scenery everywhere. Just spectacular. We watched the sun rise, saw humpback wales breaching, snokled for a bit and then on to more beautiful views. They kept us well fed and plenty of refreshments. All of the crew were friendly and informative. Can't wait to go back and do it all again next time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Na Pali Coast Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $274

Set out from Kikiaʻola Small Boat Harbor on a 4.5-hour power catamaran ride along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. With up to 18 passengers, the trip includes sea caves, possible swimming or snorkeling, Hawaiian fruit, drinks, and crew commentary from guides such as Captain Jane, Jake, RJ, and Corbin.

“Captain Drew and Jillian were knowledgeable, accommodating, and made this a once in a lifetime experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kauai’s Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 394 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $161

Join a captain and snorkel guide on a 25-foot Zodiac from Poipu for a three-hour south-shore outing. You’ll visit Spouting Horn, look for dolphins, and snorkel two calm-water sites with supplied gear, snacks, and help for all experience levels.

“The Zodiac boat was a blast. If you have any type of lower back issues, definitely sit towards the back of the boat. The snorkeling locations were great. Saw some turtles at the first location as well as some spinner dolphins. The second location we saw a larger variety of fish including a barracuda. The crew was great and very accommodating.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109Best value

Spend about two hours with Captain Stevie and Becca on a relaxed catamaran from Nawiliwili Harbor. Cruise the Huleia River past Menehune Fish Pond and film locations, then head toward Kalapaki Bay for sunset, drinks, snacks, local stories, and possible wildlife sightings.

“We had the best time I cannot remember the guy’s name, but the one who drove the boat he was amazing. He made it really informative for us and again I don’t do names. Well the gal who was the bartender and did everything else. She was also amazing. It was one of the best things to do there. I highly recommend it.”

Check availability →Read our full review