11 Snorkeling in Kauai to Build a Day Around

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

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

You’ll ride a fast, bouncy 14-person raft from Port Allen with a licensed captain and water-safety-trained crew. Expect sea caves, waterfalls, coastal history, snorkeling at Nu’alolo Kai, food, drinks, and possible dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales. Crews may include captains such as KK, Duffy, Sky, or Jason.

“This was definitely a contender for the highlight of our trip. Beautiful view of the coast. KK was a kick a** captain, navigating the sea expertly and so knowledgeable about the area. The crew member, Hailey was an absolute blast to be with. Both of them had such fun personalities and they worked so well together. Would definitely do again.”

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2.Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure

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

Ride a 37-foot Naiad Super Raft from Port Allen along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Expect sea caves, waterfalls, dolphins, possible whales, and a snorkeling stop when conditions allow. Captains such as Andrew, CJ, Landon, and Nohili have earned praise for lively commentary and careful boat handling. The ride can be bouncy, so plan for ocean motion.

“Absolutely the best experience, the ride was fun, the NaPali coast was so breath taking it didn’t feel real. The caves, waterfalls, green. We had CJ and Matt and were personally greeted by Captain J himself. The customer service was phenomenal. Slight advice, skip whale watching. We paid for whale watching a different day but during our 70 mile ocean drive to the coast we saw no less than 10 whales! So worth it!! Snorkeling was epic!”

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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

Cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard the Lucky Lady, a catamaran capped at 49 people. Captain Kauai or Captain Evan may share island history as you pass cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, and valleys, then snorkel, swim, use the waterslide, and enjoy lunch with drinks. Expect changing ocean conditions and possible rerouting.

“Boat was very smooth and comfortable. Captain Evan is a walking encyclopedia for Kauai culture and history! Micah, Ryder and Lauren spoiled everyone! The crew made the trip even better!”

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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 your certified guide at Poipu Beach for a two-hour shore snorkel limited to eight people. You’ll receive gear, a safety lesson, and up to an hour in the water with guides such as Keoni, Brett, Oana, or David. Expect tropical fish, sea urchins, and possible green turtles, with a floating raft available for support.

“Our guide was knowledgeable and extremely helpful! We really enjoyed this adventure! We got to see so many extremely colorful fish and even a few turtles!”

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5.Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling

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

Join Na Pali Riders in Waimea for a four-hour Zodiac trip along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Captains such as Brendan, Brandon, and Mack guide you past cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Snorkeling or a deep-water swim may be offered when conditions are safe. Expect spray, tight seating, and a very bumpy ride.

“Family owned, you can tell they care. Best excursion for the best price. You get wet sitting in the back!”

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6.Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel Tour

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

Paddle from a private dock down the Hanalei River and into Hanalei Bay, with guides such as Gabe and Kolo sharing island history, plants, and reef life. You’ll look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, snorkel for 45 minutes, then eat a deli lunch on the beach. Gear, instruction, water, and dry bags are provided.

“Our guide was great and knowledgeable about the area. Kayaking was fun to get out to the bay and the snorkeling was great. Saw so many different specifies of fish , including a sea turtle , manta ray , and an eel . The check in area had a local coffee shop , some shopping , bathrooms and changing area. It was a great experience”

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

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

Board the 50-foot Leila catamaran at Port Allen for about five hours along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Captain Kelly, Captain Jess, Captain Mike, and their crews may point out dolphins, turtles, and winter whales before a reef snorkel stop. Breakfast, lunch, gear, drinks, shaded seating, restrooms, and flotation aids are included.

“Aloha, The 3-person crew were awesome!!! Their synergy made the experience fun, relaxing, and totally enjoyable. They were extremely attentive and engaging, always asking if we needed anything, offering to take our pictures on our phones or cameras, and great and easy conversations. The hot breakfast, cold lunch, and snacks were all yummy and done very well. The captain was extremely knowledgeable and explained intriguing facts and details about the boat, Coast Guard regulations, and the history of the island. He was confident and competent which allowed us to relax and enjoy the trip, even in the 8' swells we knowingly encountered going around the northwest side of the island.…”

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

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

You’ll board Holo Holo Charters’ 65-foot Kauai-built catamaran in Eleele at 6 a.m. for an eight-hour day toward the Na Pali Coast, Lehua Crater, and Ni’ihau. Captain Nate, Captain Christian, Captain Jess, and other rotating crew members have earned praise for attentive service. Expect breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling instruction, island stories, and a route shaped by the weather.

“This was an awesome tour. It started right at sunrise with a good breakfast and coffee. During the cruise along the island shore, we saw dolphins and sea turtles. The cliffs along the cost were amazing. Lunch and drinks were provided. Captain Jess and her crew were amazing and gave five star service to the passengers. I highly recommend this tour.”

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

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

Ride a 25-foot Zodiac from Poipu along Kauai’s south shore, passing Spouting Horn and historic sites while watching for dolphins. You’ll snorkel at two reef sites with provided gear, snacks, and close safety support. Crews such as Drew, Ona, Brett, Anna, and Rich are known for lively guidance and strong local knowledge.

“I cannot recommend this adventure enough!! Easily in the Top 3 things I did visiting Kaua’i. We saw some beautiful fish, but by far the favorites were the multiple sea turtles we encountered. Getting there was also half the fun! Riding the zodiac definitely added some extra excitement! Captain Drew, Shane, and Anna were an exceptional team to tour with! They made everyone feel safe & included. Definitely plan on going again if I’m lucky enough to return to beautiful Kaua’i!”

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10.Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 318 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $233

Sail the Na Pali Coast aboard the Lucky Lady for about five and a half hours. You’ll get snorkel gear and instruction, dinner, an open bar, sunset views, and a chance to see whales, dolphins, turtles, and sea caves when conditions allow. Captains such as Kauai and Amber add local history and stories along the way.

“Amber and the crew were AMAZING. can’t recommend this cruise enough. Not only did we snorkel, we stopped for dolphins. Service was unmatched and it was a perfect day. Amber shared great stories and Easter eggs of the Na Pali coast well! 10/10 great cruise and a highlight of our trip to Kauai. If you’re debating about going - definitely do it! Also definitely bring Dramamine if you get seasick.”

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11.‘Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 313 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $211

Ride Kauai Sea Tours’ 40-foot Imiloa Express catamaran along the Na Pali Coast for about 4.5 hours. Your crew, including captains and guides such as Josh, Paul, Kai, and Aaron on different departures, shares island stories, looks for dolphins, and leads a 30 to 45 minute snorkel stop when conditions allow. Breakfast or lunch, soft drinks, and post-snorkel beer, wine, and mai tais are included.

“Fun day. Great crew. Learned about Hawaii. Would recommend. The waves can be rough, but that would be expected no matter which company takes you out.”

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