This was definitely a 5 star experience and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing a Na Pali coast tour. We took this ride on August 5th. It is about a 5 hour tour. You will see waterfalls, caves that the boat actually can go in, beautiful isolated beaches/sanctuaries, dolphins, turtles and you get to snorkel at a reef with lots of reef fish to see. Aside from all the beautiful picture taking and video recording you get from this; a few words need to be said for the crew. We were luckily to have captain Abraham, and crew members Brent and Ileonani. They were all extremely professional, fun, engaging and hospitable. They all told us different bits of history and traditions of the island. This experience was definitely worth the expense. read more

See all

Na Pali Explorer was an amazing boat tour being that it was my first time experiencing something like this it was well worth it the scenic view, snorkeling, Simple but delicious lunch, the history of Kauai and it's great Mountain View's had me in awe of its vast ocean, wild life and untouched sacred land. We saw an ocean full of fish and peaceful dolphins swimming on by. I was one of the few eyes that got to witness such beauty The 3 tour guides made it fun as well, they were so sweet and accommodating making us feel comfortable and welcomed. Thank you to Kevin, John and the other sweet tour guide (I forgot his name‍) for allowing us the opportunity to see part of the beautiful island of Kauai. This was definitely a high light of my trip I will definitely do this again. If I could rate more stars I would read more

See all

We took the Napali Snorkeling tour in the morning on July 4th. What an awesome way to spend our fourth of July! The crew was on top of everything, the tour was well organized and they were super friendly. The boat is pretty steady and I never felt sick at any time. Lunch was great. This company places a huge priority on customer experience and it shows. The views we got of Napali were incredible. I'd definitely use this company again and totally recommend them to anybody else in Kauai. They have a cash discount if you pay in person as well as an online booking discount. They are cheaper than their competition and have a reimbursement policy where you get your money back if they have to cancel due to weather (other places don't!!!!). We got lucky with amazing weather and steady water. The snorkeling was pretty good (but not amazing). The website says there is a head (toilet) on board but it's inside the captains control console so nobody used it. I'd recommend treating the trip as if there is no bathroom available (but there definitely is if you need it). read more

Na Pali Explorer - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

See all

When I took a tour: Early January 2019 Who I took the tour with: my boyfriend - his first time on the island! Why I chose Na Pali: I've taken tours with them before, and it's always been a great experience :) Overall impression: This is a glowing, 5-star review for Na Pali Explorer! I was born and raised on Kauai, but my boyfriend is from New Jersey, so when he visited shortly after New Year, I knew I had to take him to see Na Pali. More details: Kevin, our tour guide, was not only professional and knowledgeable, but also fun, laid back, and really tried to accommodate the group as much as possible (in terms of seeing the most dolphins, whales, and turtles as we could while still making it to the cliffs)! GREAT experience, and even though we didn't get to snorkel much (water was really rough), we really appreciate Kevin trying to bring us to calmer waters to try to get some snorkeling time in. The crew was also great - one woman got pretty seasick and they were so understanding and kind - and they took as many photos for us as we wanted! I attached one to this review. Definitely to with Na Pali for not only a smooth, fun ride, but for lots of history and background about the coast, and island, as well! Pro-tip: Even if you don't think you're prone to seasickness, stock up on some Dramamine or essential oils...just in case! You wouldn't want a little nausea getting in the way of this amazing experience. read more

Na Pali Explorer - A photo of us in front of the beautiful cliffs :) - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

We did the morning boat and snorkel ride on July 26th and it was definitely the HIGHLIGHT of our entire Hawaii vacation. The views were out of this world, and the boat ride was very fun! Captain Kevin was humorous, personable, and very very informative. He provided great insight into the history of the Na Pali coast and different islands and locations we came across. Without him, our trip wouldn't have been the same! He took us into waterfalls and caves, which was an incredible experience. His crew was also super kind, and we had great conversations with them. It is extremely clear how passionate Na Pali explorer is about making this an unforgettable experience for visitors. The snorkeling was amazing as well, we got to snorkel with the beautiful Na Pali coast mountain range behind us. However, I would say that the boat ride was what I will never forget. It was such a fun and extraordinary experience. We saw dolphins up close and sea turtles! It was Unbelievable!! The ocean was so blue and the water was so clear. In general- it was a somewhat smooth ride. My sister, who has gotten seasick in the past, was fine and did not feel sick once. However there were little children on the boat that did get sick and vomit. I would be careful if I was prone to seasickness. The ride back to the harbor was definitely more bumpy, but honestly that made it exciting LOL. It was a super cool experience zooming through the waves across the beautiful blue ocean. This tour is a MUST do for anyone that visits Kauai. And it should definitely be booked through this amazing company! read more

See all

We had so much fun today. Kevin was an amaze Captain. He was so friendly and hospitable. Aka and Bo were so fun and showed us a great time. They were all so welcoming and great hosts. They really took the time to get to know everyone which I thought was pretty cool. The boat ride was so beautiful. It was like a dream. Crystal blue water, waterfalls and the mountains. We saw dancing dolphins multiple times. The music was blasting and we got to know everyone on the boat and we were a mini fam by the end. I would pack your own lunch but their were plenty of juice, water and soda. We live on the Island and will def be back for the night cruise. I highly recommend. read more

Na Pali Explorer - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

See all

This trip is BANANAS!! First off, the boat ride is definitely not for the faint of heart but it is part of the fun! Get the ride in the smaller zodiac inflatable boats (just like the ones the navy seals use). These give you the ride of your life and allow you to go into the one of a kind sea caves. The nature-scapes are amazing. Plus you get to snorkel and interact with the sea animals up close. Be prepared to get wet! read more

Na Pali Explorer - When coral reefs attack! But the snorkeling is worth it. Besides battle scars increase your street cred. - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

We did a boat tour on the smaller Explorer 1 boat and I cannot say enough good things about this experience! This was the highlight of an already amazing trip for us. Captain A'a and his first mate/daughter, Hi'ilei, are skilled and so knowledgeable about the island of Kauai and its history. We took a 45 minute ride to the Na Pali coast where Capt. stopped periodically to take us into sea caves, show us beaches and waterfalls and give us history of this side of the island. Spinner dolphins accompanied us and were really showing off for a while. We also stopped to check out two different sea turtles that were just hanging out. We went way farther than usual thanks to the beautiful weather and excellent water conditions. In fact, Capt. kept us out about an hour longer than the booking promised, which was such a treat! We stopped at a great little beach and historical former fishing village. Here we enjoyed a picnic lunch and free snorkel time! On the way back, Capt. made the ride fun and we were flying over the waves. I could not stop myself from giggling and squealing with delight! This was truly an incredible experience in every way shape and form. Book this tour TODAY! Make sure to ask for the smaller boat, as you get a more intimate experience, and bonus with Captain A'a and Hi'ilei! read more

See all

Absolute BLAST! Thank you to our awesome crew for a fabulous time. Highly recommend! Swimwear and sunscreen is a must. Dramamine worked fine for my friend who has motion sickness. Be sure to being waterproof photo/video device because the scenery is . Food and drinks are provided but if you're picky bring your own stuff, they provide waterproof bags to keep your things dry. read more

See all

We booked this trip at the last minute for our family of four. My two boys, aged 17 and 9 were not too keen, but by the end middle of the trip, they couldn't stop raving about it. First, Capt. Mads and her crew made sure we all had a fabulous time. They were lively and entertaining, providing the right balance between education and party time. Second, the Napali coast is gorgeous. If you've seen it from Waimea canyon, I recommend seeing it from the water. We saw dolphins, turtles and the missile silos. We snorkeled in a nice calm area by a reef and the sea life didn't disappoint. Reef fish and turtles made an appearance. We felt safe the entire time. This is from someone who thinks a shark is going to show up anytime! The capt also expertly took us into the caves. Some were narrow enough you can touch the walls. Capt. Mads has some mad skills! We were provided a nice lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. Then, time to head back where the fun boat ride started. By then, the water was rougher and we were splashing into the waves. We had a blast and the kids loved it!!! I would highly recommend taking the Napali coast tour and taking it through Napali Explorers. My kids are asking when we can go again read more

Only the 48-foot, 35-passenger Explorer II was available for the 4.5 hr Na Pali snorkel expedition. Bummer because not as wet & wild as a zodiac - a little tame for my taste. Continental breakfast = small slices of (store bought?) banana bread & coffee in the office where you check-in. FYI - there is a drive-thru coffee place next door. Deli lunch = assorted 1/2 sandwiches (basic turkey, roast beef or veggie), chips & 1 Kauai Cookie. Assortment of non-alcoholic beverages = bottled water & soda. No POG or juices. :( The website mentioned "Guided and narrated by marine naturalists and Hawaiian cultural specialists willing to share their knowledge and stories" but we had the boat captain & teenager who joined a few weeks ago. They did provide narration & some information on the sites. They were friendly & provided nice service. We spotted a couple humpbacks on the way out. Disappointed we didn't see the entire Na Pali coast - only went halfway & turned around. Stopped in an area teeming with spinner dolphins frolicking. That was the highlight! Wish we were able to snorkel with them. The snorkel spot had decent visibility but not many fish. 2 honu made an appearance after I exited the water. :( At least we got to see them. Of course this isn't Disneyland - wildlife cannot be switched on & off to ensure an appearance. read more

After exploring the island by land and air, we had to tackle the sea as well. This was an awesome experience that we highly recommend, but check the weather ahead of time to see if it will be good for you. Remember, the winter season (through mid-May) is known for rough and choppy water which can dramatically alter your experience. We chose Na Pali Explorer because they had good review, a nice price, and they use the smaller inflatable "Zodiac" boats which can get closer to the action and explore some sea caves along the coast. The staff were all VERY friendly and helpful, and the booking process was painless. We also got our local discount for working on the island. The only real hitch in the whole thing is that you have to meet up in Waimea at the office to check in and for a safety briefing, then drive almost to Kekaha to the Kikoloa boat harbor. Then, you have to drive back to Waimea to return your "dry bag," but this shouldn't be an issue for most who are staying in hotels on the other wide of Waimea anyway. As it would happen, we were not actually able to go all the way to our turn around point, explore any caves, or snorkel due to the overly rough ocean, but they did find a calm spot for lunch and an open water swim around the boat which was really awesome. They do provide snorkel equipment, but you can bring your own if you have it for sanitary reasons... Even with this setback, we still had an awesome time. Remember, you cannot blame the company for the weather or the presence/absence of sea life. They do what they can to provide you with a great experience. The boat crew (Captain Andy [not to be confused with the Captain Andy of "Captain Andy's boat tours], Nick, and EJ) were awesome. They were very knowledgeable of the area and any sea life we encountered. They were also very friendly and not afraid to talk with anyone on board, "talk story," or tell jokes. On a side note, YOU WILL GET WET. Don't complain if you aren't prepared. They do sell a lot of things you might want or need at the office like water proof cameras or sunglasses straps, and they provide a "dry bag" for towels or whatever else you want to bring and supply water, soda, and food on board. read more

Na Pali Explorer - Open water swimming off the Na Pali Coast - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

The company themselves were fine; my main complaint was I didn't like the boat... though I'm sure if you like a rough/wild ride, the other zodiac boats would be the same... I'll blame this on my wife for booking the boat that was "more of an adventure" and not the "more tame" experience of the larger boat (despite my telling her that I did not want to be on a zodiac. Though I'm not sure this boat is technically a zodiac, it is in that style---they call it a "rigid hull inflatable boat". We were on the 14-person "zodiac style" boat, the Na Pali Explorer I. You have to hang on the entire time, lest you get thrown from the boat. It is *not* relaxing; it affords few chances for pictures, b/c you're so worried about hanging on and/or getting soaked and you're unable to get out a camera. Moreover, there is no shade on the boat, so you will (probably) get a little sunburn (make sure to re-apply sunscreen after you stop for 'lunch'). Lunch was fine, but not that exciting; really just some meat on rice (pretty typical for Hawaiian/Japanese(?) lunches). Came with soft drinks or bottled water. Also, we ate 'lunch' at like 10:30am, before we snorkeled. The snorkeling was decent, but unfortunately I got cold and had to quit a little sooner than I would have liked. The snorkel gear they provided was good and there were loads of other boats stopped at the same snorkel place. The trip also included a brief tour of an historic village that is being restored --- which was at the beach where we had lunch and snorkeled. You may want sandals or boat shoes for the trip, since you'll have to brace yourself and run your foot under a rope the entire ride. You will almost certainly get soaked by waves crashing over the boat. When you get back from the trip, you are coated with dried, crusted salt. Bring a change of clothes and a towel; you'll want to rinse off when you get back to shore. The captain we had was very chatty... told lots of stories. My wife said he seemed a little 'over-confident' and/or was compensating.... The day we were out (in July) was relatively calm; 3-6 foot swells; I can't imagine doing that boat ride in 8-20 foot swells... but the water does get a lot rougher in the winter months... so think twice about booking a tour then. No one on the boat we were on got sea sick; I didn't feel bad at all. But I guess 1) the sea wasn't too rough; and 2) you're out in the fresh air, away from engine exhaust, and if you're looking towards the front of the boat... you should be fine. On our tour we went into a couple sea caves; they were ok, but not terribly spectacular (in my opinion). We didn't do nearly all of the coast.... as it takes so long to get out around from port. Plus, once you do get up to the northern bit, it seems the weather up there is liable to be much stormier than what you left (that was our case, at any rate); so we turned around sort of early, b/c we were getting rained on. We did see a number of dolphins the day we went, but no whales. (maybe they come in a different season..?) We also saw a turtle or two swimming around our boat. Also, at least for us, I would say the view on the way back was better than on the way out b/c there was more fog/clouds over the coast and mountains in the morning, but by afternoon it had mostly burned off. While I thought the coast was pretty, I also felt rather unable to appreciate it, given the fact that I was hanging on for dear life. If you like roller-coasters and 4-hr long wet raft rides, this boat is for you. If you prefer to take in the natural beauty of a place in peace, find a calmer ride. read more

Wow! What an experience. Captain A'A and crew made this tour so much more. Not to say the views of the north coast weren't absolutely breathtaking, or that the caves we were able to pull into won't stick in your mind for all time, constantly evoking that same sense of wonder... Because they were, and they do. The real take home I got from this tour was the absolutely ridiculous wealth of knowledge Captain A'A had about Hawaiian culture, lore, way of thinking and sense of ohana. This guy has a multi cultural history, many many experiences, and is still 1000% Hawaii. Great boat ride, great sights, great company and great sandwiches too if I do say so myself. This is the Kauai Boat tour you need, no questions asked. read more

We opted to do this tour as the size of the boat would allow us to go in and out of caves on the coast. Everything was great! On the way out we saw some spinning dolphins which were super cool. Both of the captains were very knowledgeable about the area and gave us lots of interesting facts. We ended up snorkeling on a reef where the water was calm and it was so beautiful! The caves were amazing, and we were even able to go under a waterfall. Of all the tours I did in Hawaii, this was the BEST LUNCH we had. The bread was amazing! Overall great trip definitely recommend. read more

Na Pali Explorer - View from the boat - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

We had an excellent trip up the Napali Coast with Captain Kevin and his crew. We didn't feel that COVID restrictions had any impact on our experience and felt safe and very well taken care of. We not only saw the coast but some dolphins and a few whales. Snorkeling was great but the real star of the show was the scenery along the way. Captain Kevin and his crew were attentive and extremely engaging. We appreciated their personal stories, Hawaiian history and great music. And the lunch was better than expected. The trip exceeded our expectations. read more

See all

Not that big of a deal. Boat Captain clearly doesn't enjoy his job and it showed. Snorkel equipment was sub-par. The only excitement was due to seasonal rough water. read more

Captain A'A and Captain Dave know Kauai. It was an awesome experience from beginning to end. We saw Spinner dolphins on the way out and Bottle-Nose dolphins on the way back. The Bottle-Nose dolphins were protecting two babies-very cool. The beauty of the coast and the skills of the captains made for one memorable excursion. I highly recommend A'A and Dave!! read more

Can't say enough great things about our Na Pali experience! Kevin was our captain and his crew did an amazing job ensuring everyone was having a great time. Saw two schools of dolphins and sea turtles. The captain slowed the boat down so everyone could see them. The only thing I would do differently next time is to bring a lightweight jacket for my daughter. The day was slightly overcast and she got cold on the way back. My last Na Pali tour was on a catamaran which I enjoyed. However, I will definitely be booking on the Na Pali Explorer in the future!! read more

Na Pali Explorer - Snorkel Tour! - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

See all

My favorite activity in Kauai! We did the last tour out of Hanalei last year. We had great weather, so the views of the Na Pali coast were breathtaking! Riding the zodiac boat was an experience itself, and definitely not for the faint of heart. This is the only company that has a license to land on the coast, and typically this is where you would stop for lunch then go for a swim. We had a different experience, however. Due to increasing swells, we had to evacuate off the island. We eventually decided, as a group, to eat our lunch out in the open water. This was followed by our own spontaneous diving competition out in the middle of the ocean, which was a blast! Captain Jason and Nancy showed us a great time! Lunch is provided: sandwiches, chips, and soda. Dry bags are also given to passengers to keep your stuff safe. Wear your swimsuits, cause you will get wet on the boat. And wear sunscreen! Leave the hats at home, because you will lose them. This is definitely a must when in Kauai, and we would love to do it again in the future! read more

Na Pali Explorer - At the Hanalei entrance - Boat Tours Near Me - Kekaha, Hawaii

See all

We did a tour with Kevin, Drake and Brandon on 1/29/18 - it was myself, my husband and our 5 year old daughter. The staff was fantastic - they were knowledgeable, safety conscious and the boat was in great condition. We had the only child on board and they were very helpful in making sure she could see what was going on while staying safe. Right off the bat, we saw several whales and a pod of spinner dolphins. On the way to the snorkel spot, we were lucky enough to see several Manta rays along with a handful of sea turtles. We were told they see Manta rays maybe 1 out of every 300 tours! Brandon, one of the guides, dove down to the bottom of where we were snorkeling and found a bunch of beautiful sea shells for my daughter. She's been guarding them as her treasure since they were placed in her hand! My only wish was that we had more time to explore with this crew - when we go back to Kauai, we will absolutely book another excursion with them! read more

This tour was awesome. We saw dolphins sea turtles and even a monk seal. Abraham, Brent and Brooke were a great crew. They even let my daughter drive the boat at one point. Very knowledgeable and connected with the passengers. Highly recommend ! read more

These guys are great. They do tours along the Na Pali coadtline. They were incredible with my mother who has some health issues and needs a little more attention. The captain, A.A. and crew member, John, for our tour were knowledgeable and good with the boat and snorkeling equipment. We went on the zodiac. A bit of a wild ride, but worth it. We had a wide range of ages on our tour, from a preteen to someone in her 70s. A couple sea caves, under a small waterfall, dolphins all around the boat, incredible views of the Napali coastline, topped off with a beach landing for the lunch they provided and snorkeling. They also have a tamer tour, if you really don't want to be on a Zodiac. They have a dry storage box for your items during the wet moments. Best items to bring: lightweight camera with video capability, underwater camera, towel, water resistant sunscreen. read more

See all

This was an amazing unforgettable experience with Abe, Brent, and Janessa. Breathtaking views. Incredible. Highly recommend!

Rating: 4/5 Date(s) visited: twice before. Staff: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Price: 3/5 Parking: 3/5 If you want a memorable boat ride, this is it. I'll be back for more fun. Thanks Na Pali Explorer! Staff: Friendly. Service: Great time with hilarious Boat Captains. Price: Reasonable. Parking: Not a problem. read more

Amazing! The best thing we did on our 12 day trip to Hawaii. The crew was wonderful, funny, and helpful. It was pretty empty that day too so we had plenty of room to move around. I loved snorkeling there as well and we got some 1:1 time with a turtle! The best day ever. read more

Definitely check them out if you're into snorkeling and checking out Na Pali coast that's only accessible by boat or plane/helicopter. Our captain was no-nonsense, knowledgeable, experienced, and speaks Hawaiian Pidgin. From time to time, he was also cracking jokes. Captain Andy reminded me of my uncle, someone who isn't phased by big-city material possessions, and yet enjoys the simple things in life. I like that. Checked in at their office (across the street from Shrimp Station). Got debriefed from a friendly female staff member. Ate a few pieces of sweet pastry. Drove up the road about 1/4 mile away to meet with Captain Andy and Darryll. The ride was...UNFORGETTABLE...the whole time, I was grinning ear to ear because it gave me such an adrenaline rush. If you've had back or neck problems, they will seat you close to the back, so you're in good hands. I sat closer to the bow of the boat because I enjoy the feeling of my butt catching some air time! WOW! We saw spinning dolphins, as well as sea turtles while on the boat. From time to time, we would stop and get some informative narration. Nice. There were only 12 people total on the boat, including the captain the the crew member. Fairwinds from Maui was good, but wasn't informative at all. We were given about an hour to snorkel, and that was fantastic! Then, each person had 2 half sandwiches, choosing from: vegetarian, roast beef, turkey, and ham. There was water or soda for beverage. You also get a bag of chips. After lunch, we went for a brief hike through a bunch of noni trees. Then it was another heart-pumping ride back to the port. LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! Would have liked more time snorkeling, but I got more than I expected from this unforgettable experience. Note: Please don't try to tell them how to do their jobs...they are professionals and know what they're doing. THANKS FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE! read more

My husband and I absolutely LOVED our trip on the Na Pali Explorer! Captain Emilio and First-Mate EJ were first-class all the way. They were friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, and totally HILARIOUS! Quite the entertainers. :) Our trip up and down the coast was incredibly beautiful. You can't put that majestic scenery into words. I loved how they stopped and told us stories and history along the way. I learned so much about ancient Hawaiian life. And if you want adventure, going into the sea caves was thrilling! We actually went INSIDE the Queens Bath cave and it took our breath away! It was one of those experiences we will remember for our lifetime. We couldn't believe it was happening. We even came across a few pods of Spinner dolphins during the trip. Such amazing creatures. I was in heaven. We could not have been happier with our choice in snorkel tour/Na Pali coast adventures. I am SO happy we didn't pick one of the overcrowded catamaran tours... the zodiac was fast, fun, and truly an adventure!!! Oh, and lunch was a Hawaiian-style Bento box... mmmmmmm delicious!!!!! read more

This was an excellent tour if your interested in seeing the Na Pali Coast. Shaun was our Captain and he was excellent, providing interesting information and with a great sense of humor. He is an excellent boatman with a wealth of ocean experience. A local boy born and raised on Kauai. We saw Bottle nose and spinner dolphins and turtles. There was snorkeling and we also toured an ancient Hawaiian Village. An experience we will never forget. Lunch was also included. Our kids both girls 12 an 16 had a blast. Thank you Na Pali Explorers on a trip worth remembering. The Garcia and Williams ohana. read more

This was the highlight of our Kauai vacation! Worth every dollar. Rough swells and high winds made the trip exciting and wet. The views are unbeatable! Saw dolphins, flying fish and even a couple of whales! Napali coastline is incredible and capt. Jimmy tells interesting story's the whole trip. Great crew great buffet great time all around. read more

Outstanding adventure! Aloha Kevin! Great crew members, so detailed and friendly to make sure all passengers are having a great time. Oreo cookies are the bonus! Beautiful trip. Highly recommend to all~~~ read more

An incredible once in a lifetime experience. We got to see the inside of the sea caves, boat through some, boat around waterfalls, and see seals, dolphins and sea turtles up close. We also snorkeled off the boat onto a reef swimming with fish and a sea turtle. Our tour guide Nate was so much fun and clearly an incredibly experienced tour guide. The seas could get pretty bumpy so keep that in mind when signing up. read more

Kevin and his crew were amazing. Very attentive and helpful. I get motion sickness so they showed me where to sit and kept checking on me throughout the tour. The best part was I didn't get sea sick at all. We are from Oahu and it's nice to support local businesses. Thank you guys!!!! read more

My family and I took part in the best tour in Hawaii. We did the na poli coast tour and snorkeling yesterday with Captain Kevin and his two mates. They took 38 of us out in the 47 foot boat. The boat is comfortable and cuts through the water. The Captain and his crew were absolutely great and accommodating. Then, the scenery. Words don't do it justice. Spinner dolphins, turtles that are a foot or two away from you, caves, the cliffs. Oh, and the mountains and the incredible waters. Then, some snorkeling. Lunch served by the great crew. And a very fun ride back. It was a glorious morning! My late teens were impressed enough to call it the best part of the trip! We actually agreed. read more

We last went on the Na Pali trip 15 years ago. We loved it then with our kids and loved it again with our friends!! Captain Kevin is awesome with his historical facts and his skippering abilities tracking dolphins and whales. Jenessa was a wonderful host by taking care of everyone's needs and making us all welcome!! I recommend this tour to everyone! The Garcias read more

This review is on the sportfishing only. Every time I visit Hawaii I absolutely have to do the sport fishing. I used a local planner who set me up with this outfit, and couldnt wait I was so excited! I arrived at the dock ontime, and no one was around the "Happy Times". A few minutes later the deckhand showed up and we got started putting things together for our outting. A few minutes later the captain showed up in his AMG Benz. I had a feeling at this point something wasnt right. As I inspected the boat further inside, it was a disaster. Crap laying all over the place, things out of place and fixtures destroyed by the salt. It was not kept up at all. The equipment on the other hand was very good. The website talks about the bunks and how nice this boat is. Mechanically its fine, but its a piece of crap otherwise unlike any other boat I have been on. Someone who takes care of their boat is a reflection of their love for this sport and their outfit. We got pretty far out, and no bites. I knew I was going to be in for a long day. I got the feeling the captain wasnt all to sure where to go, and the deck hand knew more about fishing than he did. The captain was going very fast a lot of the time, and even when we had "stuff" happen he never really slowed down or circled around to see what was up. We had some very positive bites but I was disappointed we never circled around to 'fish' that area. Instead we just kept going. Eventually it kind of turned into a tour. Captain talking about the island, locations, showing me cliffs, and houses, private beaches.... which is all nice and dandy, but when your paying over $1000 to fish, thats what I want. Eventually we were in some shallow waters, and I caught a fairly large bluefin trevally. Now we were cooking I thought... but atlas it was all the excitement I got to have. I understand fishing is a crapshoot when you go out, sometimes good days, sometimes bad days. I felt that it could have been a great day had the captain been more concerned about fishing, rather than telling me about his AMG Benz, and then the site seeing tour. I was rather disappointed in the sportfishing outfit with the poor kept boat, and somewhat inexperience of the captain when it came to fishing. I wouldnt recommend their sportfishing outfit to anyone, and I definately wouldnt be using them again when I return. Next time Ill find someone myself rather than using a local and use the internet to research it out. I thought using a local would be the best way but unfortunately their main bread and butter is the sighting seeing, not sportfishing. read more

Fabulous adventure at sea! We chose the larger boat due to high surf warnings all week. Our group ranged in ages 9-70. All on board had a fantastic day. Our captains were amazing- extremely knowledgeable, funny, and very personable! They stopped for multiple dolphin pods so we could see them spin and flip. The captain easily and safely maneuvered the large boat in and out of sea caves even with the large swells. This is definitely a repeat excursion, and we will ONLY go with Na Pali Explorer! read more

See all

Have been out with them a number of times over the past 25 years. A stellar experience. Fantastic crews! Mary hope you continue to share the magic! Mahalo read more

I had a great time with Na Pali Explorer. They took us on their boat out across the North Coast of Kauai and it was amazing. It's only one boat and a crew of 3-4, but they are experienced and do a great job. Showed us the amazing caves of the North Coast, dolphins playing around, and the breathtaking cliffs, trails, and beaches along the way. They're a knowledgeable folk and very friendly :) And the boat driver is very experienced and skilled - he maneuvered us into a tight cave with a rock turnaround not once but TWICE! They do this once every day so they've developed quite a great knowledge about everything. The ride is rough, so make sure you can handle some moderate surf and bumpy riding in a boat. After the ride, they gave us snorkeling equipment and flippers to explore the reef near the coast in a relatively calm area. Then they took us back. I got quite seasick after snorkeling but the crew got us back and i was able to recover quite well. If you want to see the North Coast of Kauai, these are the people to go to! Make sure to wear swimwear, bring a towel, and flipflops. You'll get wet!! read more

My wife and I went on the Beach Landing Excursion, which was well worth the money. In fact, I'd say this day trip was the most bang for our buck out of all our honeymoon activities. We started at 7am, departing with 12 other people in the "Explorer 1," a rigid hull inflatable raft powered by two 140-horsepower outboard engines, and helmed by Captain A'a (Ah-ah). He and his first mate Brandon were excellent guides. The boat trip alone would have been close to worth the price of admission. It was exciting and engaging. You WILL leave sore, but satisfied! There's nothing quite like sitting at the front of a boat which is flying through the air after hitting a large swell at high speeds. That said, neither me nor my wife, nor any of the other passengers (so far as I could tell) ever felt endangered. Captain A'a keeps things exciting, but does his job well. The guided coastline tour was excellent. Again, Brandon and Captain A'a really know their stuff. We got history lessons, as well as tips on where to go to see the best sunsets and stargazing. Along the way, we encountered loads of wildlife, from dolphins, to spotted rays, to a variety of sea birds. Our excursion was treated to trips INSIDE several sea caves, which again, Captain A'a navigated expertly. We made landfall at an old fishing village with a rich history, and Brandon guided is through the daily life if the Na Pali village, as well as some of their social customs and even a bit of local geology! Finally, we were treated to snorkeling in the lagoon located at the base of the village. It is protected from the sea by a reef, and is deceptively deep and rich with sea life. My wife and I encountered large schools of fish, and a somewhat rare Trumpetfish, which was totally cool (but not guaranteed lol). We booked our trip the day before with our hotel concierge at the Courtyard Kaua'i at Coconut Beach, but there is also a website. If you want guaranteed fun and a real sense of adventure, book the Beach Landing Excursion on the rigid hull raft (preferably with Captain A'a, who is genuinely funny and so knowledgeable). You won't regret it (but again, you will be sore)! read more