North Shore Charters

North Shore Charters – Go Sightseeing, Snorkeling, and Fishing Off the Napali Coast
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

If you want to explore the Napali Coast, just sign up for a tour with North Shore Charters. They take all their guests out onto the water in their 32-foot catamaran for sightseeing, snorkeling, and fishing adventures. You can even build an adventure to remember all your own by signing up for their private charters.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

Want to go sightseeing, snorkeling, and fishing off the Napali Coast? Just book your trip with North Shore Charters. Their group tours go out twice a day, allowing you to decide if you want to hit the water in the morning or spend the afternoon boating around. Plus, they offer private charters that allow you to choose your own adventure.

All their tours go out on their custom-built 32-foot powered catamaran. Their boat is powerful enough to cut through the waves with ease while providing a comfortable ride. But it’s small enough to glide through many of the sea caves, taking your explorations to the next level. Due to its relatively small size, the boat can only accommodate up to 16 passengers plus the captain and crew.

Since there are limited spots on the boat, you will need to schedule your trip well in advance to secure a seat. Thankfully, they make that easy through the online booking system on their website. You just have to select your ideal departure date and time, and then let them know how many people will come along for the ride.

After signing up, you’ll just need to get geared up for the ride. Wear light layers, bring a rain jacket, and put on reef-safe SPF 50+ sunblock before heading out the door. You might also want to bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sunhat, and extra sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera!

The crew will provide a delicious cold lunch plus soft drinks and bottled water throughout the trip. They also bring all the snorkeling gear you’ll need, although you’ll likely want to bring a towel. Dry bags are provided for your keys, wallet, phone, and other personal items. But it’s best to leave any extra valuables in your hotel safe before leaving for your trip.

On the day of your trip, you will meet the team at their Kilauea office to check-in. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early, so you have time for transport to the loading zone. After you check-in, the tour team will shuttle you over to Anini Beach where the boat awaits. Then, you’ll load up and head out on your chosen adventures. 

Their adventures include:

Sightseeing
Sightseeing along the Napali Coast always makes for an amazing time. The rugged, emerald cliffsides are a true sight to behold all on their own, while the waterfalls elevate their beauty even more. Gorgeous beaches all around perfectly complement the dazzling blue waters, too. If you go in the afternoon, you might even catch glimpse of the sunset as it lights up the sky in a rainbow of hues.   

Snorkeling
Want to see all the ocean wonders living along the coast of Kauai? You just have to put on a mask and snorkel, and then get down into the water. While kicking around, you’ll get to see beautiful coral reefs filled with tropical fish, eels, and other interesting marine life. Sea turtles, monk seals, and dolphins often make their appearance as well.

Fishing
Whenever you want to hit the water in hopes of reeling in the big one, sign up for a fishing charter. An abundance of fascinating (and tasty!) fish swim around the Napali Coast. You just have to drop your line in the water, and then hope you’ll come home with much more than big fish tales.

Are you celebrating a special event anytime soon? If so, ask about their private charters. On these tours, they’ll take you out to celebrate your birthday, anniversary, or other special occasions in style. You get to choose just where you go and what you’ll do when you get there. You can go snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing, or all three. Just say the word and the crew will make it happen.

Insider Tips:
-You must give 48 hours’ notice when canceling your group charter reservations. For private charters, you need to cancel at least 96 hours before your scheduled trip.
-Even when done on time, all canceled reservations come with a 5% cancellation fee.
-The captain reserves the right to cancel your trip for any reason, including adverse weather conditions. If they cancel, you will get a chance to reschedule or a full refund.
-They do not allow any alcohol or tobacco on their tours.