Na Pali Coast Boat Tours
The trusted way to experience Na Pali. Expert captains, custom boats, and over 40 years of local knowledge.
Best Na Pali Coast Boat Tours
Luxury Sailing. Raft Expeditions. Unforgettable Na Pali.
Since 1983, Capt Andy’s has taken guests on Na Pali Coast boat tours with a focus on comfort, safety, and genuine hospitality. With an experienced captain and crew, you’ll explore Hawaii’s most stunning coastline and watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles along the way. From luxury Star Class catamaras to high-adrenaline raft expeditions, every Kauai boat tour delivers an exceptional Na Pali Coast experience.
Choose Your Kauai Boat Tour
Why Choose Capt Andy's? Every aspect of your experience reflects decades of expertise, care, and dedication. Our vessels, crew, food, training, and safety standards are designed to give you the best Kauai boat tour and the best ocean adventure in Hawaii. From the moment you check in, you'll feel the difference in service and attention to detail.
"If you are PASSIONATE about your vacation, know that WE FEEL THE SAME WAY about sailing with you."
It's
Everything
The Capt Andy's experience is not just one thing; it's everything.
Unparalleled destinations. Rugged nature. Photogenic wildlife. Skilled crew. Custom vessels. Delicious food. Unrivaled hospitality. Safety first.
Every element of your Kauai tour is carefully chosen to create an unforgettable Na Pali experience.
Explore our commitment to safety, quality, fun, and everything else.
Experience Na Pali Coast
Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's most breathtaking places. Cliffs rise more than 4,000 feet above the ocean, carved by centuries of wind and rain into waterfalls, sea caves, and deep green valleys. This 17-mile coastline is hard to access, making a Na Pali Coast boat tour the best way to experience its scale and beauty.
Native Hawaiians used outrigger canoes to reach these hidden beaches and valleys. Today, experienced kayakers can make the trip on the calmest summer days. Boat tours offer a safer, more comfortable, and more complete way to experience Na Pali Coast year-round — and they remain one of the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.
How to Choose the Best Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
The best Na Pali Coast boat tour depends on the experience you want. Our custom-built 65-foot Star Class catamarans offer an upscale day on the water with comfortable seating, an onboard chef, and bathrooms — ideal for families and travelers who want a Na Pali Coast catamaran tour. Our 24-foot rigid-hull rafts are exciting and physically demanding, taking you in and out of sea caves and under waterfalls along Na Pali Coast.
Morning tours usually have clearer conditions and a better chance to see dolphins. Afternoon tours can provide warm light and better photo opportunities. Families with children ages 3-5 can choose a Kauai catamaran sailing tour; guests must be at least 6 years old for raft tours.
Catamaran vs. Raft — Which Na Pali Coast Tour Is Right for You?
Catamarans for style; rafts for adventure. Our larger Na Pali Coast catamarans offer smoother cruising, gourmet food prepared on board, and wide-open decks for photography and relaxation. Our smaller, agile rafts sit low to the water, move quickly, and can enter sea caves when conditions allow. Both deliver unforgettable views of Na Pali — choose the vessel that matches your comfort level and sense of adventure.
What to Expect on a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
A Na Pali Coast boat tour offers a front-row seat to one of Hawaii's most dramatic landscapes. Cliffs rise thousands of feet above the ocean, with waterfalls and valleys carved by time. Along the way, you may see dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and, in winter, humpback whales.
Every tour is led by an experienced captain and crew who share their knowledge of the coastline and its wildlife. On our sailing catamarans, you'll enjoy comfortable seating and quality menus prepared on board. On our rigid-hull rafts, you'll get closer to the action with unmatched agility. Whatever Kauai boat tour you choose, you'll create moments you'll remember long after your trip.
Best Time for a Na Pali Coast Boat Tour
Na Pali is beautiful year-round, but with seasonal differences.
The best time to visit is from May to September. During these months, the seas are calmer, visibility is better, and the weather is more reliable. This makes it easier to access the coastline.
April and October generally bring good weather, fewer crowds, and great overall conditions.
Winter has a higher chance of rain and rough seas, but there are still plenty of excellent days and the chance to see humpback whales.
Morning tours can have calmer waters, clearer conditions, and better chances of seeing dolphins. Afternoon tours deliver warm light and dramatic views, preferred for photography.
Kauai & Na Pali Coast Boat Tour FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about Capt Andy's and Kauai boat tours.
What is Capt Andy's cancellation policy?
We offer a full refund when you cancel within the required window for your tour and group size.
Catamaran Tours: Groups 1–9 may cancel up to 24 hours before departure; groups 10+ must cancel 72 hours in advance.
Raft Tours: Groups 1–7 may cancel up to 24 hours before departure; groups 8+ must cancel 72 hours in advance.
Is Capt Andy's worth it?
Guests choose us for our experienced captains, custom-built vessels, and the most reliable access to Na Pali Coast. With more than 40 years on the water, we focus on comfort, safety, and delivering an unforgettable day at sea — one of the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii.
What tours does Capt Andy's offer?
Our Kauai adventures include luxury catamaran sailing, snorkeling, sunset sails, whale-watching, sea caves, and zodiac raft expeditions along Na Pali Coast.
What type of boats does Capt Andy's use?
Our fleet includes 65-foot Star Class Yachts — custom-built sailing catamarans designed for comfort and stability — and 24-foot rigid-hull rafts engineered for maneuverability and access to sea caves when conditions allow.
What is the best Na Pali Coast tour?
It depends on the experience you're after. Sailing offers a luxury Na Pali Coast catamaran adventure with comfortable seating and room to relax. Rafting takes you in and out of sea caves, under waterfalls, and closer to the coastline's most dramatic features. The crew's favorite is the Nu'alolo Na Pali Beach landing.
Is a Na Pali Coast boat tour worth it?
Yes. Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's most iconic places and one of the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii. You can reach Na Pali Coast State Park only by the challenging Kalalau Trail or by boat. However you choose to visit, it's a must-do, bucket-list adventure.
What part of Na Pali Coast do you tour?
We travel along Na Pali Coast as far as conditions permit. Generally, our turnaround point is the caves at Ho'olulu.
What is the best Kauai boat tour?
It depends on the experience you want. For adventure and great snorkeling, our Na Pali Raft Beach Expedition is a crew favorite. For a more relaxed day on the water, the Star Snorkel BBQ Sail is an excellent Kauai catamaran choice. If you prefer to stay dry, the Star Dinner Sunset Sail is one of our most popular Na Pali Coast tours.
Is a Kauai boat tour worth it?
Absolutely. Boat tours along Na Pali Coast are some of the best excursions in Kauai. Many of the island's most dramatic cliffs, valleys, and sea caves can only be seen from the ocean, and a Kauai boat tour gives you the closest, most complete view of the island's natural beauty. Most visitors call it the highlight of their entire Kauai vacation.
Will I get seasick on a Kauai boat tour?
Most guests feel comfortable on our large, stable sailing catamarans. If you're sensitive to motion, we recommend taking a preventative remedy before boarding. Choose a seat at the rear of the vessel.
What should I bring?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a light jacket, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera or phone case. For snorkel tours, bring a swimsuit and a towel. You should wear your swimsuit on all raft tours.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes, on select snorkel tours. We provide premium gear, flotation devices, and friendly instructions.
Are tours suitable for children?
Catamaran tours are great for families. Children 3 and up are welcome. Raft tours are more adventurous and recommended for older kids (6+) and active adults.
What happens if the weather is rough?
Kauai's natural beauty comes with unique ocean conditions that sometimes prevent us from exploring Na Pali Coast. Our captains always prioritize safety and select the best route for the day.
When Na Pali conditions are unsafe, we explore a beautiful, private, and secluded stretch of Kauai's south shore instead. Kipu Kai and Lāwa'i Kai offer exceptional snorkeling and dramatic scenery. These coastlines are featured in films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Descendants, and Hook. Wherever we go, we promise an unforgettable adventure on the water.
Our Captains thoroughly evaluate ocean and weather conditions before each tour. If they find the ocean or weather is dangerous and cancel the tour, we will reach out to you right away. You can choose a full refund or the chance to reschedule.
Will we see dolphins or whales?
Dolphins are common year-round. Humpback whales appear from December through April.
Where do tours depart from?
Sailing tours depart from Port Allen on Kauai's southwest shore. Raft tours depart from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha. Both are convenient starting points for Na Pali Coast tours from the Port Allen / Kekaha area.
Your Na Pali Adventure Starts Here
Join us on a Na Pali Coast boat tour along Hawaii's most iconic shoreline. Our crew is dedicated to creating an extraordinary, personalized experience for every guest. Choose the vessel that matches your style of adventure — a luxury Na Pali Coast catamaran or a high-energy raft expedition. No matter which Kauai boat tour you pick, your comfort, safety, and enjoyment come first. Whether you're searching for the best Kauai boat tours, planning Kauai adventures, or simply mapping out the best things to do in Kauai, Hawaii, Capt Andy's has you covered.
Begin your journey with Capt Andy's.
Create memories that last a lifetime.
Content reviewed by the Capt Andy's Team For over 40 years, our crew has shared their knowledge of Na Pali, Kauai's marine environment, and safe ocean practices. Every page on our site is informed by decades of real-world experience on the water.