Best Kauai Boat Tours
Kauai is not nicknamed the Garden Isle for nothing the Hawaiian Island easily passes for one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
If you are an avid reader of travel blogs and magazines, youve probably come across a feature on Kauai a few times.
Youll find Kauai on many a travelers bucket list when it comes to the usual activities resorts, beaches, and hikes. Feel free to add boating to that list as well.
Because whats not to like about sailing in calm emerald seas against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and heart-stopping sunsets?
Not much we would guess.
Here are 15 best Kauai boat tours we think you would love.
Holo Holo Charters Has Been Named The #1 Best Boat Tour In The Us By The Usa Today 10best Readers Choice Awards Contest
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THE BEST BOAT TOUR:
Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available.
Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island.
Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry.
Being the best company to be a part of and work for.
Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community.
Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? True story! Every other tour boat operating on Kauai was ordered and delivered from a faraway factory in a faraway land, but were proud to say that our companys boats were designed by our companys founder, specifically to tackle the unique and challenging ocean conditions Kauai faces as the westernmost island of the most remote island chain in the world. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel.
Friends, winning the title of #1 Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) were succeeding in realizing those ideals.
Na Pali Sightseeing Sunset Dinner Cruise
Soak up the breathtaking Na Pali Coast scenery on this sunset dinner cruise in Kauai.
Your tour will begin at Port Allen where youll meet your captain and crew in the afternoon.
Board a luxury catamaran measuring 20 meters long.
Move freely on the spacious boat spreading out on the open-air sundeck.
During the trip, youll be floating by emerald valleys and jagged peaks of the spectacular coastline.
Be on the lookout for local marine animals swimming by such as whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
At sunset, you can enjoy a 3-course dinner made from fresh Hawaiian produce.
Top it all off with unlimited wine, beer, mai tais and soft drinks.
Watch as the sunset casts a golden glow over the island cliffs and clear waters of the Pacific.
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Kauai Sea Tours Napali Coast Snorkel Tour Raft Adventure
Get up close to everything from marine wildlife to coastal formations on the Kauai Sea Tours Napali Coast Snorkel Tour Raft Adventure. The raft vessel is designed to navigate into places where larger boats cant travel, so this tour takes you into hidden sea caves and under a thrilling waterfall shower. This tour also includes time spent snorkeling under the waves. The company, which provides daily trips out of Port Allen, also offers a raft adventure to Nualolo Kai Beach, an isolated location that only a few Kauai boat tours are permitted to visit. Kids as young as age 3 are welcome on this raft tour along the Napali Coast.
Napali Coast Sunset Cruise
Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. The waters of Niihau and Lehua are considered to be some of the best in Hawaii with over 100-feet of visibility and unique lava formations with rare endemic sea life you wont find anywhere else. Experience ancient Hawaii from the water by power or sail during a Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise and experience majestic waterfalls, hidden sea caves, towering cliffs, and lush valleys.
Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Voyage with us today on one of our Kauai boat tours and see why we were voted in the top 10 Best Boat Tour in the US for three years in a row .
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Your Guide To Vacationing In Kauai
When planning any vacation, it is important to know the details about where you are going so that you are well-prepared. Figuring things out last minute, or when you actually arrive, can mean disaster for your trip and thats the last thing you need. Here is some valuable information about Kauai that may make planning your vacation easier.
Niihau And Na Pali Coast Super Snorkel Cruise
Uncover the dramatic landscapes of Na Pali Coast and Niihau on this sail and snorkel adventure.
The best way to take in this breathtaking rugged shore of Kauai is from the waters.
Your tour will begin in the morning at Port Allen Marina where youll meet your friendly captain and crew.
Get onboard the 20 meter catamaran, relax and get ready for an adventure.
Take a cruise in your catamaran along the towering cliffs and remote beaches.
Splash into the crystal clear waters and snorkel among native marine life.
These amazing coral garden reefs lie just off the mysterious shore of Niihau.
Listen to the friendly crew narrate myths and the history of Hawaii.
Therell be a sumptuous buffet lunch waiting on board as well.
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Over 1000 Reviews On Tripadvisor
This tour was the ideal experience for exploring the North Shore of Kauai. Captain Steve and his son were so knowledgeable about everything, from the names of the waterfalls to the legends the cliffs and valleys hold. Ive only done a tour like this once before, and it was on a zodiac boat, which was bumpy and not as enjoyable. This boat was the ideal size to handle the waves, as well as fit into sea caves along the Napoli Coast. Captain Steve was an excellent driver, and we never felt unsafe, even inside caves with big waves. I would highly recommend this family-owned and operated company for your next boat tour.
To be honest, we accidentally booked this tour instead of one the the competitors that we had done beforeand we are so glad we did! Captain Steve and his mate Dave were fantastic, super informative and fun, and they took us into coves and caves that wed missed before. The lunch was surprisingly good! This is one tour you dont want to miss, the Napali coast is beyond stunning from this viewpoint, and the snorkeling was great as well. It was definitely a highlight of our trip.
Wonderful staff, left on time, organized, beautiful views of the coast and sea caves along the way, great snorkeling location where you get to see all kinds of sea life and well worth the price to be able to leave right from Hanalei Bay.
Tate To Tate By Thames Clippers
This route on the Thames Clippers service is the “RB2 Tate to Tate”. It takes visitors between the two Tate Museums: the free Tate Modern at Bankside Pier and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier.
Boats run every 30 minutes. It is a 20-minute ride and is within the Central Zone so this is a one-zone ticket.
The boats have both outdoor and indoor seating. As this is not a sightseeing boat there is not live commentary.
It is, however, a great way to get out onto the water and move quickly between museums and their surrounding neighborhoods.
You can purchase tickets in advance online from the Tate Shop website, or before you board a boat from a self-serve kiosk on the pier.
You can also use your Oyster card, if you have one, upon boarding the boat.
When you purchase, look for the RB2 service, a central zone ticket price.
Prices
- Adult: One Way – £9.10 | Return – £15.50
- Child 5 to 15: One Way – £4.55 | Return – £9.10
- Children under 5 travel for free
- Adult TfL Travelcard: One Way – £6.10 | Return – £12.20
- Child 5-15 TfL Travelcard: One Way – £3.05 | Return – £6.10
- London Freedom Pass: One Way – £4.55 | Return – £9.10
Schedule
For a complete timetable the RB2 route that stops at both Tates, click here for schedules. Look for times for Bankside and Millbank .
Reviews
The Tate Boat service has been given a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor. Although it is not a full five stars, the reality is that they havent actually received any negative ratings.
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Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel And Sail
Discover the wild beauty of Na Palis spectacular coast on this snorkel and sail cruise.
Your tour will begin in the morning at Port Allen where you will meet your captain and crew aboard a 15 meter catamaran.
From the waters, youll get to witness this Eighth Natural Wonder of the World as it was meant to be appreciated.
Spread out and move freely on board the deck of your catamaran.
Enjoy great perspectives of the remote beaches, sparkling waterfalls and towering sea cliffs.
During the trip, go snorkelling to explore the vibrant underwater world.
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch made from fresh local produce while listen to the captain and crew narrate fascinating legends.
Their recreations of the past will make this adventure all the more unforgettable.
Kauai Sea Kayaking Tour Of Na Pali Coast
Discover Kauai and its breathtaking Na Pali coastline on this guided sea kayaking adventure.
Paddle out to the southwestern shore of Na Pali to explore remote beaches and open sea caves.
Make a stopover at Milolii for some snorkelling, swimming and beach combing.
You will also enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on the beach.
When you get back to Polihale, you can refresh with a shower.
Therell be a van waiting to transport you back to the marina.
This all-inclusive day-trip is guaranteed to make the most of your Hawaii vacation.
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Advice For Napali Coast Boat Tour
I highly recommend booking a Na Pali Coast sunset dinner cruise with Captain Andys. Just make sure you have a few backup dates during your stay in Kauai where you could reschedule your boat tour in case of cancellation. It was one of the highlights of my holiday and I would have been upset to miss out.
In regards to seasickness, we all took a Bonine motion sickness tablet an hour before our boat tour. As a result, no one in my group of 5 felt seasick. Although, we were extremely lucky to have relatively calm seas on our Na Pali sunset boat cruise. The weather was so bad in the first few days of our trip causing our initial Captain Andys Napali sunset dinner cruise to be cancelled.
Luckily, Capt Andys allows you to reschedule free of charge and book on another Na Pali catamaran ride or raft excursion with them.
Two Napali Coast Boat Tours: North Shore Vs South Shore
I did two Napali Coast Boat Tours during my time in Kauai. One when I was there solo and then again when my friends came. No, it didnt get old and yes, I would do one every day given the option. Both times I had gorgeous weather and am told the water was calm for an outingthough let me be clear that Hawaii boat captain calm might not mean the same as your calm. The two were decisions were based solely on location because I stayed 3 nights on the South shore and 4 on the North.
For both companies, I opted for the raft tour over the catamaran. While sipping cocktails at sunset would probably be an amazing experience here, were always going to pick the more active option. The raft tours are more engaging, you are much closer to the water and potential wildlife, and, when the weather is rougher, Im told they are much more exciting.
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London Eye River Cruise
Whether youre planning to visit the London Eye or you just want a tour around the Thames which focuses on the giant Ferris wheel, this river cruise is a great alternative to other services.
Although the London Eye River Cruise is not as long as other boat tours in the area, it can actually be a lot more affordable.
This circular loop will take you past locations such as Big Ben, St. Pauls Cathedral, The Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. If you purchase your tickets online, you can save 10% on your fare.
TIP: This cruise is also part of the London Explorer Pass, which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.
Ticket Prices:
- £13 for Adults / £12 when you book online
- £10 for Children / £9 when you book online
- Children under 3 ride for free
Before purchasing tickets, note that this cruise is included in the London Explorer Pass, which could save you between 20-50% off of the retail price.
Tour Hours
- Daily Cruises from 10:45 to 19:45 pm
- Cruise departs *10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, *17.45, *18.45, *19.45
Note: *Opening times may vary depending on seasonality. Be sure to check their schedule.
Reviews
This river cruise company has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor. Although there is a small contingent of passengers who had negative experiences, most reviews are very positive.
The majority of people who take this cruise find it enjoyable. Its fair to assume that the few complaints may just be random outliers.
Kauai Boat Tours To The Napali Coast & Niihau
Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales . It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. Were obsessed and we believe that its the best thing to do on Kauai and no visit to Kauai is complete without experiencing the island from the water.
Our four Kauai-built boats are perfectly designed to take you and your family on an experience of a lifetime in the utmost safety, comfort, and style, to remote locations around the Napali Coast, Niihau, and Lehua Crater. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea!
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Interesting Facts About Kauai
The highest point on the Kauai island is Kawaikini Peak and the whole island is only 552 square miles. This makes it a relatively small island. Its state bird is the Nene and the island color is purple. The state flower that represents Kauai is the Mokihana which can be found abundantly in the tropical forests that cover most of the island.
Kauai Boat Tours To The Napali Coast
When we say raft boat tours what we really mean is rigid-hull inflatable boat tours. Our two Hawaii-built RHIBs, Adventurer II and Adventurer III are not to be confused with Zodiac-type rubber rafts theyre much sturdier and much more safe and comfortable in the water. Their channeled fiberglass hulls cut through waves with efficiency and their twin 225 horsepower outboard motors allow for top speeds of up to 30 knots.
Our seats face forward, so you wont be sitting sideways on a tube craning your neck all day. The RHIBs have dive ladders for easy entry in and exit from the water, and we have freshwater showers so you can rinse after snorkeling. Salty hair, dont care? Only if you choose!
We even have enclosed toilets, which is a big deal when you need one.
The RHIBs are ideal for Napali boat tours because theyre big enough to offer creature comforts, yet small enough to get right under the waterfalls and into the sea caves .
Our knowledgeable and helpful Captains and Crew will talk story all along the coast, pointing out interesting geological features and telling local legends. When Captain chooses the best snorkeling spot for the day, well set you up with everything you needmasks, snorkels, fins, flotation devices, helpful advice, etc. After snorkeling, well enjoy lunch and bask in the glory of the Napali Coast before we head back to beautiful Hanalei Bay.
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The Best Kauai Boat Tours And Fishing Charters
If you want to explore every last inch of the magnificence of Kauai, then you definitely need to get out on the water and local boat tour companies are here to help. By signing up for a tour, you can cruise along the beautiful waterways to enjoy the scenery, spot all the sea life, and learn about the island. Prefer to try your hand at catching the big one? Sign up for a fishing charter instead. Either way, youll want to set your sights on the following nine best Kauai boat tours and fishing charters.
Catamaran Kahanu Kauai Whale Watching Tour
From March through December is prime whale watching season, and theres no better way to spot these gentle offshore giants than from a catamaran cruise. The two-hour Catamaran Kahanu Kauai Whale Watching Tour takes you out on the water, where you can see humpback whales breach and frolic off the coast. Youre also likely to spot dolphins and sea turtles during your journey. The tour leaves from Port Allen, and snacks are available during your trip along the Napali Coast. Kids age 5 and up are welcome onboard.
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