Kauai Snorkeling Tours: Our Top 9

1.Na Pali Coast Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,609 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $217Our pick

Set out from Port Allen with a captain and crew on a 14-person raft. Expect a wet, bumpy ride along the Na Pali Coast, sea caves and waterfalls when conditions allow, 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling at Nu‘alolo Kai, drinks, and breakfast or lunch. Guides such as KK, Duffy, Erin, and Josh add local stories and careful water safety.

“We had such a great time. The staff was very informative and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. They took us to all the great caves, waterfalls and snorkeling.”

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2.Kauai: Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,530 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $235

Set out from Port Allen on a 4.5-hour Captain J’s raft trip along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Expect fast cruising, sea caves, waterfalls, spinner dolphins, and a weather-dependent snorkeling stop with provided gear. Crews such as CJ, Max, Andrew, Landon, and Kena are known for lively commentary and careful boat handling.

“Great experience. Captain Nohili and Max both did a wonderful job. Snorkeling was fun, Napali Coast was awesome and we even spent additional time on the return to see some whales. We were rewarded with a full breach. Do not hesitate, this is a very memorable excursion.”

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3.Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,485 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $233

Set out from Eleele at 6:45 a.m. aboard the Lucky Lady for a roughly 5.5-hour catamaran trip along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Expect towering cliffs, waterfalls, dolphins, possible whales and turtles, one snorkeling stop, a waterslide, lunch, and an open bar. Captains such as Kauai and Evan add island history and local stories.

“Prepare to be amazed by the shear beauty of the Napali coast. We had a beautiful winter day, no wind, sunny skies, and gentle seas. The morning sun shining through the wave mist as it climbed the faces of the coast line gave the view a ancient feel right out of Jurassic Park. Felt like we were in another world.”

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4.Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkel in South Poipu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 875 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $119Best value

Meet guides such as Keoni, Brett, David, or Oana at Poipu Beach for a two-hour shore snorkel limited to eight people. After a safety lesson, you enter from the beach and spend about an hour over calm reefs with provided gear, flotation help, snacks, and water. Expect fish, urchins, and possible green turtles.

“This is a really fantastic, worthwhile experience. The guide was incredibly kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made snorkeling fun and safe for everyone. He taught us about various critters and fish in the ocean and even had snacks available at the end. I got a little motion sick from being in the ocean for an hour, and he had a gingerale in the van waiting for me after. I was really impressed and so glad I chose to do a guided snorkeling tour!”

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5.Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 736 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $237

From Waimea, you’ll ride a roughly 30-foot Zodiac-style raft along the Nā Pali Coast with captains such as Brandon and Mac. Expect a fast, wet, bumpy four-hour trip with cliff views, sea caves, fruit and drinks, wildlife watching, and snorkeling only when ocean conditions are safe.

“Napali Riders are the best! This is a small family owned business and we are so happy we went with them! Brandon was our awesome and super experienced captain, and was able to get us into most of the caves. We also saw TONS of whales! He definitely prioritized safety but wanted us to be able to see and do as much as possible. The ride is bumpy but in a super fun way, and there are different parts of the boats you can choose to sit on depending on how calm/adventurous you want the ride to be. They are super knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the coast…”

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6.Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 567 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start at 8 a.m. in Hanalei, then paddle tandem kayaks from a private dock down the Hanalei River and into the bay. Guides such as Gabe and Kolo share island history, help you spot turtles, lead a 45-minute snorkel, and serve a deli lunch on the beach. Gear, dry bags, water, and juice are included.

“Wonderful, fun experience. Great kayaking down and back up calm river. Turtle encounters while kayaking and nice lunch.”

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

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

Spend about six hours aboard the 50-foot Leila catamaran, sailing from Port Allen along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Your crew, which may include captains such as Kelly, Jess, or Mike, serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear. Expect cliffs, dolphins, turtles, seasonal whales, and changing ocean conditions.

“Capt Mike and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. He found us some dolphins and stopped at a perfect place to snorkel; we even saw/swam with a turtle. Highly recommended excursion!”

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

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

Spend about eight hours aboard Holo Holo Charters’ 65-foot Kauai-made catamaran, sailing from Eleele along the Na Pali Coast toward Lehua Crater and Ni’ihau. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, island history, and a chance to see dolphins, turtles, seals, rays, and seasonal whales. Captain Nate and other crew members are often praised for attentive service.

“The boat ride to Ni’ihau was long but worth it! The snorkeling spot had crystal clear water (70 feet). A monk seal swam below us and we saw lots of fish. The Napali Coast was gorgeous. Seeing it close up from our boat was unbelievable!”

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9.Kauai: Napali Coast Sail & Snorkel Tour from Port Allen

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 1 day · from $274

Spend five hours aboard Holo Holo Charters’ custom catamaran, sailing past Kauai’s 4,000-foot Napali cliffs with an English-speaking crew. Captain Kelly and her team have earned praise for attentive service, safety, and island stories. You’ll snorkel when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, deli lunch, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

“I didn't get to snorkel due to the water conditions but still had an amazing saol. The guys were awesome the scenery was beautiful and the food was really good too”

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