Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling
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 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 CANNOT 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.
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.
Options
Kauai: Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Expedition and Snorkeling
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
887 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Family friendly
FarAway54814,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guides! Highly recommend
Amazing & Unforgettable
Holly R,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Get ready for the ride of your life! What an adventure! I was somewhat apprehensive about riding on a high speed raft while perched on the side holding onto a rope with one hand but I read so many reviews and no one stated they felt unsafe. Neither did I! So happy we did this as a family! The weather was perfect. We did the 11am tour. Because the water was calm we were able to go in every cave and even stopped to snorkel! I just floated around on a noodle that was provided so I could enjoy the beautiful clear water. We saw several pods of spinner dolphins.. We also got lucky and saw a monk seal eating an eel on the ride back. We got back to our hotel in Lihue and had planned to change clothes and go grab dinner but all 3 of us including our 18 yr old son laid down for a short nap but found ourselves so exhausted that we just slept! Didn’t feel tired while on the raft but I guess the 30 minute fast ride back to the dock in Waimea did us in. Ha! We bought the photo package and I’m glad we did. The girl was taking pics and videos the entire time. Even took family and couple pics with the gorgeous Na Pali coast behind us. Worth the money! This excursion with Na Pali Riders is a must do!
Awesome!!
kathrynhQ1999EE,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience!!! The staff was awesome and knowledgeable! We had so much fun exploring the coastline and caves with them. This was a fun adventure!
Worth it!
Kim P,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic excursion with this company! We had the perfect view of the coast, great weather and even encountered a huge pod of dolphins. The guides were great and my kids loved the high speed adventure.
Highly recommend!
Virginia S,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an incredible trip! The coastline was gorgeous and the water was crystal clear. We saw dolphins jumping all around us. And the snorkeling was fabulous with turtles and a wide array of colorful fish. The tour guides were so knowledgeable, sharing the island’s history with us. Navigating the caves was spectacular! Highly recommend this tour and company - 5 stars
Wobderful
Rafael C,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A really thrilling tour of the beautiful coast. Going into the sea caves is an experience you will never forget. The crew was very helpful in organizing everything.
Best Zodiak Raft That ur in Kauai
Wanderer655273,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best Zodiak rafting tour in Kauai! There were 7 in my family ages 16-64. We all had a blast listening to music and blazing up the NaPali coast while exploring caves and stopping to snorkel. Our captain and crew were so fun and we learned a lot about the coastline and culture of Kauai.
A must!
Adrienne N,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was incredible, knowledgeable and skilled. I would 100% recommend this. I would say this is the one thing I would make sure to do when visiting Kauai.
It’s an adventure!
Todd B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You want an experience this is a tour to take. The crew from the start is awesome and makes sure that you are safe and having a good time. The best adventure on the island.
Amazing Na Pali coast tour
Relax12525766086,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The excursion was amazing. We had a wonderful time. The guys were terrific. My only two comments are that the title of the excursion states snorkeling but the snorkeling was pretty minimal and really didn’t see much. It was not a reef. I did expect more the snorkeling, but everything else is incredible. Also, TripAdvisor charges $50 more than booking directly through the people running the excursion.
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