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
730 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best day in the NaPali coast!
Molly K,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you’re even thinking about doing a NaPali Riders tour… stop thinking and just book it. Captain Mack and Cassie made this one of the most epic experiences I’ve had on Kauai. From the second we left the harbor, I knew we were in good hands. Captain Mack is the real deal. Confident, calm, and totally in control of that boat. Her throttle work when the winds kicked up? Impressive! She knew exactly when to ease us through the swells and exactly when to punch it and give us that “hold on to your hat and scream-laugh” thrill ride. I never once felt unsafe, just exhilarated. We got up close and personal with dolphins and even whales. It was unreal. And the Na Pali coast? I don’t care how many photos you’ve seen… nothing prepares you for those cliffs rising straight out of the sea, the sea caves, the colors, the drama of it all. It’s breathtaking! Cassie and Captain Mack both brought the best island energy… laid back but sharp, fun but professional. Total “aloha spirit” vibes. They were knowledgeable, answered every question and made sure everyone felt included and taken care of. I feel like I got every penny’s worth and then some. Can’t wait to go back. 🤙🌊 Mahalo, NaPali Riders.
Best adventure
Loretta B,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent captain and guide. Catered to our needs and made this a great trip. If you like adventure this is a must trip.
Amazing experience!
Olivia Z,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Napali 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 and the different communities and history there.
Great
Patrick Z,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Family owned, you can tell they care. Best excursion for the best price. You get wet sitting in the back!
Best excursion ever !
Greg L,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw whales, caves, dolphins and epic views of the coast. Captain Mack and Cassie were excellent. Would do it again
The captains were...
Sadie B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The captains were amazing!! They totally made the trip. It was a great ride and time despite chilly weather.
Don’t skip !!
The Aginny,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew and captain. You are up close and personal with the Napali coast ! From the first moment, to the last, the crew is there to engage you and keep you excited for the trip. One note, morning trips can be cold. Bring a hoodie or jacket that can get a little wet.
Nepali coast
Q4442CBjenniferm,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The staff were great!! Since it was the winter we did not get to snorkel but it was the right decision based on our captain’s recommendation for d as safety. They did offer some swimming adventure instead. Would love to book d as gain in the summer season.
Great Experience!
Matt K,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mac and Kassie did an incredible job and showed everyone a great time! Their knowledge about the ocean, island and boat really showed. If you’re doing the afternoon tour and have never experienced rough water, highly recommend taking Dramamine, it’ll be a lifesaver.
My wife and I are both in...
Matthew M,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I are both in our late 50s and neither of us had any concerns before, after or during the tour. We chose the 7 am tour. Be mindful to be at the office by 615 am. It was a nice adventure and extremely scenic. You'll get much closer to the cliffs and waterfalls than you would in a helicopter. Throughout the four hour tour we saw at least 50 Dolphins (probably closer to 100) cruising next to our boat less than 10 yards away and a dozen whales further in the distance. The Captain and Cassie (crew member) made us feel comfortable and showed us a great time. My opinion, this is the best way to see the Napali Coast. If you're thinking about this tour, just do it, it's definitely worth the money.
From US$237.50
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Na Pali Riders