DRAMAMINE, y'all…read more You're choosing to do the Na'Pali coast from the North Shore, which means smaller boats, and choppier waves. I took one Dramamine, the night before. Then another, an hour before our departure. AND THE BOAT RIDE WAS GREAT. I was all smiles and adventure and breathing -in the ocean air and wind! Unlike, a few folks, who were NOT doing so well. (One or two barfed over the side, but thankfully I didn't notice. Know how your body handles boats and waves. Don't do tours like this, without proper prep. It will NOT be fun if you underestimate it.) Check-In staff was super friendly, and personal. They remembered me from my original email. Sweet. Parking was easy. Shuttles team was super friendly. The strangers we rode with, all turned out to be cool. 2 boats go out (mini-catamarans, with cover from the sun). They expertly traverse the waves, and cliffs, and the caves, giving you some amazing first-hand visuals and photos. But yeah, that boat will be a rockin', during those up-close cave moments. Spoiler: You probably won't see whales, unless you're there before May. But we DID see a cute pod of Dolphins, who cozy'd up to our boat for a while. Our boat had Casey and Spencer. They were wise beyond their years, in all things Kauai. Funny and friendly. Spencer navigated the heck out of those waves, while Casey handled the nauseous passengers with MOTHERLY CARE. Spencer was 50/50 on allowing us to snorkel, based on conditions and a previous scare, a few weeks prior. But he ultimately made the call to GET IN THE WATER. He wisely kept us on a leash (not literally), whistling at swimmers when they got too close to a reef (with waves that could wash you onto the reef). It was fun and chill. Saw a HUGE, MASSIVE KING DADDY SEA TURTLE. He did not enjoy us as much as we enjoyed him and he bounced. Followed by a JR. Turtle, who stuck around a bit longer. Tons of fish. Spencer & Casey gave us good food and hike recommendations, and everyone treated us like friends / family. Highly recommend this team if you're going out. And you already know I highly recommend some Dramamine.

I had an amazing experience doing the Na Pali Coast tour with them. Had to reschedule the tour due…read moreto some rough weather but glad we got a better slot with calmer conditions. The captains were very informative, knowledgeable and engaging. They gave great background and history about all the spots we saw. We even saw some dolphins up close. We got to sit at the bow of the boat on the way back. They gave us snorkeling gear and allowed us to go out in the water and explore. We saw some amazing sea life and coral reefs. They gave us lunch, snacks and soda after. The ride there and back was also very smooth. I would highly recommend booking a tour with them!

We had such an amazing cruise along the NaPali coast. Captain Kelly, Luke and one other crew member…read moredid an awesome job. We were greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins riding the waves of our bow. They served up a delicious breakfast and lunch. We got to snorkel up against some majestic sea cliffs and sail along remote valleys and waterfalls on a beautiful turquoise ocean . This is an adventure to experience. We will be back!

Priceless. If you love being on the water, this is the excursion for you. The crew was phenomenal…read more We never needed or wanted anything. We saw many whales, spinner dolphins, and a baby monk seal. The views & water at the Napali coast were breathtaking. Cap Kevin took us right up to the waterfall & cave where Hawaiian royalty bathed. It's also a little thrill ride at times, as Cap is masterful at getting you around to see everything and still be back on land in a timely manner. The sunset was gorgeous and the food and drink was phenomenal. This was the highlight of our trip to Kauai and we did some pretty magical things!

Amazing aloha and core memories made multiple times throughout our trip. We loved it all - amazing…read moreviews, great 4x4 trails, and the waterfall at the end was the icing on the cake.

We did a snorkeling and cave cruise. The company had to move our showtime due to tide changes but…read moreit didn't affect much. The boat was comfortable and not overcrowded. Captain was fun and we enjoyed all of the crew. Unfortunately snorkeling was not great due to swells and poor visibility but that is always possible. As far as lunch, they packed us a sandwich which was pretty tasty but not for the price you paid on this adventure. If you want something that is worth the amount spent on this tour, I would recommend going to Capt Andy's. We did their cruise a few days later and paid the same amount but they offered so much more!!

10/10 experience!!! A must do when visiting! Especially with captain Chellan and crew member Casey…read more Unforgettable!

We couldn't have been happier with the tour that we chose for our na Pali coast tour…read more We went with a bigger boat that could still fit in the caves, which ended up being the best choice. It had a little bit of cover, so as a ginger that burns, I sat towards the front and was able to stay mostly out of the sun the entire trip We were able to learn so much about the land, cruised next to a massive pod of dolphins and went in two caves. It was amazing. When we got to the snorkel spot they brought out some drinks and snacks. Snacks included fresh pineapple, chips and granola bars. They do have a bathroom on board for emergencies....but they let you know straight up it's not something you WANT to use if you can avoid it. My only complaint is that they didn't urge people to stay seated on the ride back. This older gentleman decided to come up and stand right next to me to jump and ride the waves? And kept slamming into me and stepping on my feet. Our bench was full so I had no room to move over. I asked him nicely to stop and he ignored me, and the guides ignored him. There are signs all over saying to stay seated when the boat is moving.

I have no words to properly describe what an absolutely magical experience it was being guests on…read moreCaptain A'a's boat with Liliana as crew. A'a and Liliana are so hospitable and knowledgeable about Kaua'i, and the best part of the tour for me was listening to their stories and the rich history of the island. Captain A'a is an impressive captain. He knows his stuff! I felt completely comfortable and confident in his abilities as he effortlessly navigated the NaPali Coast and the sea caves!! We went inside two caves, and it was an incredible experience. The boat was very comfortable with all the amenities. We were on Seiko 1 with a total of 15 guests. It was lovely! I could have stayed on the boat enjoying A'a's stories, the sunshine, the gorgeous NaPali coastline, watching the spinner dolphins dance and jump around the boat all day! I've been coming to Kaua'i for 20 years (along with Maui, Molaka'i, Oahu, and the Big Island) and have been on MANY boat tours. This tour with Makana Charters was by far THE VERY BEST. If you are considering doing a tour while on the island of Kaua'i, you absolutely MUST book with this company. Everything was perfect. We will definitely be back - you've got customers for life, Makana Charters!! Mahalo!!! Allie and Scott San Diego, CA

While vacation planning for Kauai, one of the things I wanted to do was see the Na Pali Coast. I…read morewas scared to hike as I'm not physically fit for that and helicopter rides were a no for me. So I opted for a boat tour! I chose makana charters because of how detailed they were in their information as different tours tour the coast in different areas. With this tour, included lunch and snorkeling. What I didn't want was a fancy lunch because what I'm really there for is to see the Na Pali Coast and everything else was just an extra for me. The lunch was very simple which I like especially because it can get very nauseous. I wanted to do the snorkeling part, but I also wanted my husband to do it, but he's not a confident swimmer so I stayed with him and watched people snorkel which was totally fine. We did the early morning tour and it was beautiful! The weather was perfect! Our tour guides went around us as we were enjoying the way to the coast and asked us where we were from. They also showed us the forbidden island and told us some history of the island and how certain areas locals would camp but a permit would be needed. They also tried to get into caves as deep as they can go and also showed us where Mary J Blige recorded her music video for everything. We also saw some dolphins going and come back from the coast! The coast was just as magical and beautiful!

One of the best boat trips ever taken! Captain Cole & Crew were AMAZING on every level as was the…read moreride. Being Kamaʻāina, been on plenty boats but this one is definitely not to be missed! MAHALO & A hui hou kākou

For most recreational sailors, 20-knot winds with 5-foot seas would be considered moderately rough…read moreto challenging, depending on the boat and the crew. Here's a practical classification: * Wind: 20 knots (23 mph) * Fresh breeze (Beaufort Force 5) * Whitecaps are common. * Reefing the sails is often recommended. * Experienced sailors generally enjoy these conditions. * Beginners may find them intimidating. * Seas: 5 feet * Moderate waves with regular swells. * Boats will pitch and roll noticeably. * Spray over the bow is common. * Can become uncomfortable, especially for smaller boats. Overall rating * For a 20- to 30-foot sailboat: Challenging. Suitable only for experienced sailors. * For a 35- to 45-foot cruising sailboat: Moderate to moderately rough. Manageable with proper sail handling. * For beginners or passengers: Rough and potentially uncomfortable. If you're asking about a sailing excursion in Kauaʻi I'd classify 20 knots and 5-foot seas as: * Marginal to poor for a leisurely sightseeing sail. * Acceptable for experienced crews on larger, well-equipped catamarans. * Not ideal if your goal is a smooth, relaxing cruise or if you have balance issues or are prone to seasickness. Given what I know about your mobility and balance, I would recommend waiting for conditions closer to: * Wind: 10-15 knots or less * Seas: 2-4 feet Those conditions are generally much more comfortable and enjoyable for most passengers. This a money making joke. I tried to get a refund because I walk with a cain. There response tuff luck I should not have booked.

I had Kauai Island Experience set me up with a north shore beach villa and all the activities for…read moremy family and I. We ended up saving hundreds of dollars as the staff has connections to some of the best properties on the island. We also ended up going stand-up paddling up rivers and liked it so much we had private surf lessons for the whole family. The best part is that the staff knows the island, they're safe/professional and they don't overcharge. Kauai Island Experience was able to hook us up with adventures not in any guide book. We referred our friends as well and they felt the same. Mike and the highly trained professionals will surely make your trip unforgettable. I'd also recommend going out on a fishing trip. I caught my first marlin and it was incredible. The best part was that their chefs cooked up the catch island style and we ate like kings for the rest of the trip. Can't wait to go back to my friends at Kauai Island Experience next year~ Mahalo!!

Mike is wonderful. He is maybe the kindest, warmest guy on the island…read more We did a canoe sail to scatter my Mother's ashes in Hanalei Bay and he could not have been more understanding, appropriately compassionate, fun (he even made it fun at times!), he did a great job taking social cues and gave my siblings and I just the experience we wanted. Del (I think) his shipmate was also lovely. We wanted to use them again for other activities that he offers but ran out of time, we were there for a wedding, turns out those things are kind of consuming. I would use him again for lessons, tours or anything of that nature when we come back. Thank you, Mike for giving us a little history, making us laugh and giving us such a wonderful goodbye to our Mother...bless you.

Captain Trevor Cabel is the best. Our sailing tour was exciting and a highlight of our recent trip…read moreto Kaua'i

Loved the experience! Trevor is a true Hawaiian waterman and handles the Hawaiian style canoe he…read morebuilt like it's nothing. Smooth easy sailing, beautiful skies, majestic green mountains from the ocean view and complete enjoyment. I highly recommend!

If you're looking for the ultimate Nā Pali Coast experience, I can't recommend Napali Navigators…read moreenough. We took their Nā Pali Coast Tour and Snorkel Excursion, and it was hands down the best excursion I've ever been on. Captain Greg was an exceptionally skilled captain who made us feel safe and confident throughout the trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared fascinating information about Hawaiian culture, the geology of the Nā Pali Coast, the marine life, and so much more. His passion for Hawaii was evident and made the experience even more meaningful. Captain Greg went above and beyond to make sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. He made a special effort to locate a pod of spinner dolphins and expertly positioned the boat so every passenger had an amazing view. It was truly incredible to watch them in their natural habitat. The Nā Pali Coast itself is breathtaking beyond words. Towering emerald-green mountains, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear turquoise water, and dramatic sea cliffs create scenery that simply has to be seen to be believed. The entire crew was friendly, professional, attentive, and highly skilled. From start to finish, everything was well organized, and they made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. This tour exceeded every expectation I had. If you're visiting Kauai, this is an absolute must-do. It was truly the highlight of our trip and the best excursion I've ever experienced. Thank you, Captain Greg and the entire Napali Navigators crew, for an unforgettable day!

What a great experience! Captain Greg and Caleb were very professional and experienced sailors…read more Water got a little choppy but never felt like they weren't in control. Very knowledgeable of the sites and where the turtles and dolphins were. Saw some baby dolphins on this trip. The cave was amazing and the scenery along the Napali Coast is surreal. Soft drinks, water, and some Subway sandwiches were provided. Snorkeling was amazing as well. Great job guys!!

Without a doubt, the best experience I've had on the island. It was a blast from start to finish…read more If you're more into adventure and thrill, this is the ticket. They take you into caves and aren't afraid to squeeze in. What we didn't expect, getting MAJA island stories and information while the captain/DJ plays some great music and choreographed movie scores to go with the vibes. We met hundreds of SPINNA dolphins and during the one hour snorkel stop, we were escorted by a beautiful Honu across the reef. The wife and I talk about this trip all the time. The jokes and good conversations are something to remember from the staff as well.

Easily One of the Best Experiences of My Life - 10/10 Would Do Again…read more If you're debating whether or not to book with Nā Pali Pirates, just do it. Hands down one of the coolest things I've ever done. Captain Dom was the perfect mix of chill, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious--dude knew exactly how to handle the boat, even when we got up close and personal with some pretty intense waves near the cliffs and caves. And Chaz? Absolute legend. Kept the vibes light with some solid (and delightfully cheesy) jokes, plus he snapped a ton of pics so we could actually enjoy the moment without worrying about our phones. But the real highlights? Getting insanely close to the cliffs and feeling the sheer power of the ocean, then just floating out in the middle of nowhere, taking it all in. Oh, and did I mention we saw THREE whale breaches and a bunch of dolphins? Unreal. If you're on the fence, take this as your sign to book it. Zero regrets, just pure adventure.