Na Pali Riders is the place to go when you want to enjoy Napali Coast adventures to remember. Their 30-foot rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac raft makes for a wild ride, allowing you to enjoy your oceanside explorations to the fullest. All you have to do is sign up online, and then get ready to explore sea caves, go snorkeling, and so much more. Their tours go out twice a day, although their morning trips are best if you want to enjoy the calmest conditions. In the afternoon, the trade winds pick up, resulting in an even bumpier ride.
No matter what trip you want to go on, simply book your spot through their website as soon as you know you’ll be on the island. Since their raft only accommodates 28 passengers per trip, their tours fill up fast, especially at the height of the tourist season. Fortunately, you can reserve your spot months in advance if you’d like. When booking your adventure, you’ll need to choose between their regular raft adventure or a private charter.
On their basic raft adventure, you’ll join many like-minded explorers on a four-hour tour of the Napali Coast. You’ll depart from the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor on West Side Kauai, so you can make it to the coast as quickly as possible. Then, you’ll go down the entire 17-mile coastline to see all the wonders along the shores. Depending on the conditions, you’ll enter sea caves, seek out dolphin pods, and even go whale watching in the winter.
Every trip features about 45 minutes of snorkeling, too, so you can get down into the water to see all the marine life beneath the surface. After that, you’ll get to enjoy a light snack and refreshing beverage while simply enjoying the views. As you gaze in awe at the beauty all around, your captain will point out spinner dolphins, sea turtles, monk seals, and other beautiful creatures that appear.
Want to go out on this adventure with just your friends and family? Book their private charter instead. Their private tours start at a single low rate for the first six passengers, and then you just have to pay an extra charge for each additional person you want to bring. You can bring up to 27 people total on your tour.
In addition to having the boat all to yourself, you get to give input on what you see and do. Although the captain will still match your activities to the conditions, you can request to spend the majority of the time exploring sea caves, snorkeling, or searching for dolphin sightings. As with their group tour, you’ll get to enjoy light snacks and drinks on your explorations, ensuring you’re always fueled up for more fun.
Want the inside scoop on all their tours and more? Grab their publication, “Na Pali Coast Magazine” for free at the Lihue Airport when you arrive. If you miss the chance to grab it there, you can often find it at local newsstands as well. Or you can go to their website to read the digital version instead.
Insider Tips:
-You’ll need to provide your own transportation to the office for check-in and to the harbor after that. Leave early enough to make it to their office at least 45 minutes early.
-Only strong swimmers are allowed to enter the water and snorkel around.
-Skip the trip if you are pregnant, recently had surgery, or have any serious medical conditions, including chronic back and neck pain.
-Although they always have life vests on board, they only provide them upon request or as the situation warrants it.