Kauai · SNORKELING
20 reviewed
Kauai’s reef is best read by season: south shore glass in summer, north shore in winter. This list ranks the best snorkeling tours — boat trips to the Nā Pali walls versus guided shore entries at Poipu, gear and lessons included or not, and how each one handles beginners — with what every trip costs.
Small-group Na Pali raft and snorkel from Kauai Sea Tours: sea-cave thrills, reef snorkeling, and dolphins and turtles, plus meal included.
“Absolutely fantastic adventure. Josh and Erin couldn’t have been better. I would emphasize it’s not for people with bad backs or who get sea sick, but if you want a wild ride that is a blast this is for you.”
Cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on the Lucky Lady with snorkel gear, waterslide, open bar, and a relaxed morning lunch.
“Fantastic adventure! We lucked out with perfect weather. Captain and Crew were informative, accommodating, and very friendly. Great food. We were able to snorkel, see wildlife, and enjoy amazing views of the breathtaking coast. We saw turtles, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, whales, and more. Highly recommend. We will do this tour again.”
Small-group Poipu shore snorkel with certified guide, gear, snacks, and water. Look for turtles, fish, and monk seals on calm reefs.
“Great guide. We felt very safe and looked after. Swam with many turtles, schools of fish. Happy that is was a two hour experience ( not a 5 hour+ commitment.”
Zodiac raft snorkeling on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast: dolphins, possible humpback whales, sea caves, and wet, fast adventure when conditions allow.
“AWESOME EXPERIENCE! Kevin and Kathy were friendly and informative! We felt safe! I would do it again! Beautiful scenery! Very fun!”
Kayak the Hanalei River, snorkel Hanalei Bay for turtles and fish, then enjoy beach lunch. 5-hour family-friendly Kauai tour.
“Absolutely breath taking and incredible and great service. They were so kind and the food was delicious”
Sail Kauai’s Na Pali coast on a roomy catamaran with guided snorkeling, breakfast and lunch, and seasonal humpback whale chances.
“This was an expertly captained and crewed and visually stunning boat trip, absolutely fabulous! We loved the captain and crew’s talks about the area as well as whale watching and scenery.”
Sail Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, snorkel Lehua Crater and remote Niihau waters, and get full-day meals plus serious marine wildlife time.
“Captain Nate and his crew were absolutely amazing. The all day excursion seemed to fly by with beautiful scenery everywhere. Just spectacular. We watched the sun rise, saw humpback wales breaching, snokled for a bit and then on to more beautiful views. They kept us well fed and plenty of refreshments. All of the crew were friendly and informative. Can't wait to go back and do it all again next time!”
Small-group Kauai South Shore Zodiac snorkel with calm-water reefs, sea turtles, snacks, and guides who explain wildlife and history.
“We had a terrific time from the beginning intro and safety review, the actual snorkel experience managed by professionals who had our safety and having a successful trip at all times! Both Captain Rich and seaman David were terrific, knowledgeable and true professionals in all phases of our experience highly recommend this company and specifically these 2 fellas to guarantee your safe and fun snorkel trip!”
Sail the Na Pali Coast at sunset on the Lucky Lady. Snorkel with gear and instruction, enjoy dinner and open bar, and spot whales in season.
“Dawn did a great job of taking care of my friend who wasn’t feeling so well. Michael was very helpful with snorkeling and the captain Amber was amazing as well. They were all so friendly, full of great information and wonderful energy! Would definitely go back and recommend to my friends. Great food, beautiful sunset. Highlight of our time in Kauai”
Paddle the Hanalei River, snorkel Bay Reef Lagoon, and eat a beach lunch on Kauai’s north shore for a calm, scenic half day.
“Our guide, Harrison, was awesome! So fun and knowledgeable about Kauai. A perfect half day adventure.”
Napali Coast small-boat tour from Kikiaola Harbor with sea caves, waterfalls, snorkeling, and lunch. Limited to 18.
“Captain Gregg was extremely knowledgeable and we felt like we were in great hands at sea. It was wonderful to learn about the island and history of the land as we traveled up the coast of Napali. We saw so many spinner dolphins and the water was gorgeous. Saw turtles and lots of fish at the snorkel spot. Was a great way to experience the northern side of the island and would highly recommend.”
A fast, bumpy Zodiac raft along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast with sea caves, possible snorkeling, and frequent dolphin sightings, led by USCG vets.
“Great experience, amazing views of the Napali coast. Crew and Captain were very nice. I highly recommend 👍”
5-hour Na Pali Zodiac snorkeling and sea-cave tour from Waimea with a small group, deli lunch, and guided marine-life spotting.
“Justin and Ona made this experience my favorite part of my trip to Kaua’i!! I will be coming back next year for sure!”
Sail Kauai’s Napali Coast on a catamaran with snorkeling gear and instruction, then enjoy breakfast, lunch, and drinks onboard.
“Best Adventure. All the crew were very informative, polite, genuine, will be back in 3 years with granddaughter’s graduation. Mahala”
Glide on Kauai sea scooters to snorkel Poipu, Anahola, and Anini reefs. Self-guided with safety help and a Kauai map.
“Worse excursion that our group had ever tried to do. The water was so rough that we couldn’t even try to snorkel. The area we were sent to snorkel was so rocky you couldn’t even get into water safely. We called and were told unless the life guards said it was too rough we were basically out of luck. We were only told one place to go and at this beach we saw a guy get pulled under the water and they had to have an ambulance come and administer first aid. No way were we going to get into the water as we did not feel safe. We had…”
