11 Snorkeling Tours on Kauaʻi, Compared

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

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

Join Kauai Sea Tours for a six-hour raft trip from Port Allen. A 14-person boat carries you along the Na Pali Coast, into sea caves, beneath waterfalls, and to Nu‘alolo Kai for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling. Captains such as KK, Sky, Duffie, and Josh share island stories while the crew serves breakfast or lunch, drinks, and snacks.

“The Captain was awesome (KK), she shared history and interesting facts about the island. She made sure we saw turtles, whales and dolphins. Such an amazing way to see the Napali Coast. The snorkeling was amazing, so so many fish and turtles. It was a great day. Great adventure. Highly recommend.”

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2.Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure

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

From Port Allen, you’ll spend about 4.5 hours on a 37-foot Naiad Super Raft with a captain and crew such as Andrew, CJ, Max, or Kannon. Expect fast open-water travel, Na Pali cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls, snacks, and a weather-dependent snorkel stop. The ride can be bumpy, so motion-sickness medicine is wise.

“Captain NoNu and Max were fantastic, Great views and music and experience! Make sure you have seasickness medicine or scopolamine patch just in case”

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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

Board the Lucky Lady at 6:45 a.m. for a roughly six-hour cruise along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. Captain Kauai, Captain Evan, and the crew may share island stories as you pass waterfalls and sea cliffs, then snorkel, swim, use the waterslide, and enjoy lunch with an open bar. Ocean conditions control the route and snorkel time.

“Great crew - these people need a raise. They are on top of everything - so helpful and making sure everyone is safe and taken care of throughout the cruise. Only thing missing is a fresh water shower after the snorkel. :-) Other than that, it was perfect!”

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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 at Poipu Beach for a two-hour guided shore snorkel with a group of no more than eight. Guides such as Keoni, Brett, David, and Oana provide a safety lesson, point out fish and sea turtles, and tow a floating raft for extra support. Gear, flotation, snacks, and water are included.

“It was so fun. The guide Ona explained everything and was very helpful. She even offered a ride to us when we thought we couldn't get an Uber.”

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5.Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling

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

This four-hour Na Pali Riders trip takes you from Waimea along Kauai’s west coast in a 30-foot Zodiac raft. Captains such as Brandon, Brenden, and Mack share island history while guiding you past cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Snorkeling and cave entry depend entirely on ocean conditions, so expect adventure rather than a guaranteed checklist.

“This is funist boat ride ever they were informative and grest smal family business they acomate your every wish going to tell all my freinds and family”

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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, where you may spot green sea turtles before snorkeling for 45 minutes. Guides such as Gabe and Kolo share Hawaiian history, reef facts, photos, and island stories. Lunch, gear, dry bags, and water are included.

“This was SO amazing! A beautiful kayak in the stunning bay and then the best snorkeling we did the entire trip, we save 4 or 5 turtles all over and an octopus! Food was delicious and the guides were super fun. Would love this adventure with the option to paddle board vs kayak just personal preference! One of the best adventures we did!”

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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 six hours along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. You’ll receive breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, instruction, and drinks while the crew points out dolphins, turtles, whales, valleys, and waterfalls. Captains such as Kelly, Jess, and Mike are praised for calm guidance, though sea conditions can change the route and snorkeling stop.

“Staff is wonderful with new snorkelers, great snorkeling sight. There wasn't any wind so we didn't get to sail. Great day”

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

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

Start at 6 a.m. aboard Holo Holo Charters’ 65-foot Kauai-built catamaran. Captain Nate, Captain Jess, and other crew members have led praised outings, though the crew may vary. Expect breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling, Na Pali Coast views, and a chance to reach remote Ni’ihau and Lehua Crater, weather permitting.

“They should have never left the dock. They knew the tradewinds were there, the water was so choppy. The next morning was even worse, I have never been so sore from a boat ride. Especially a boat of that size”

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

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

Take a three-hour Zodiac cruise from Poipu with a captain and snorkel guide, stopping at two calm-water reefs. Expect Spouting Horn, Queen Emma’s residence, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, snacks, and supplied gear. The ride can be lively, so tell the crew your comfort level and sit toward the back if your lower back is sensitive.

“This is a fun adventure for those who are comfortable on a fast boat. We got a thrill ride through the south coast, stopping at a few places where Dave and Ona educated us about the history of Hawaiian places we visited. We really enjoyed the snorkeling and felt safe the whole time. We saw turtles, and lots of fish. The rocking boat ride was skippered by an expert captain Drew, who made it fun and exciting. We lived this adventure!”

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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

You’ll cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard the Lucky Lady, a catamaran with a waterslide, restrooms, showers, snorkel gear, dinner, and drinks. The crew shares island history and coastal lore while you look for dolphins, turtles, seasonal humpback whales, waterfalls, and a sunset. Routes and snorkeling depend on ocean conditions.

“Great crew and boat. Crew took the time to get to know us and talk about their lives and how Hawaii has impacted them. Made it more personal and fun.”

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11.‘Imiloa Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour

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

Sail Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard the 40-foot Imiloa Express, a fast catamaran carrying up to 36 people. Your local crew points out sea caves, waterfalls, dolphins, and island legends, then stops for 30 to 45 minutes of swimming or snorkeling when conditions allow. Meals, soft drinks, gear, and post-snorkel drinks are included.

“This was an awesome tour! So happy we did it! The crew was great! Very attentive and informative with great music! The snorkeling was fun and the Na’pali coast is breathtaking! If you go to Kauai this is a must!”

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