A Kauai Snorkel Tour Along the Remote Na Pali Coast
Makana Charters runs Kauai snorkeling tours along the remote Na Pali Coast on small-group power catamarans. Our 4.5 to 5 hour Kauai snorkel tours include sea cave entry, dolphin watching, and snorkeling at Nu’alolo Kai, a protected reef only reachable by boat. Snorkel with green sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and spinner dolphins alongside our local Kauai crew.
Every Kauai snorkeling tour delivers the same Na Pali Coast experience:
Experience the Na Pali Coast, sea caves, and marine wildlife on a Kauai snorkel tour led by our local crew.
Na Pali Kai III is the boat for photographers and families. Its 360° walk-around deck — the only one in our fleet — lets you move freely for unobstructed shots of the cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves from every angle. After snorkeling, rinse off at the open-air freshwater shower, with a spacious onboard restroom for the trip. Ideal for larger families and groups traveling together. Welcomes children ages 4 and up. For additional information, please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $199 Children: $169The Seiko is a 34′ power catamaran built for a small-group Na Pali Coast tour. Coast Guard certified for 20, we hold each trip to 16 so there’s always room to move around, snorkel, and take in the sea caves without the crowd — up to 18 for private charters. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $219 Children: $189Leialoha is the newest boat in our fleet — a 36′ power catamaran that seats up to 18 on a regular small-group departure, so a slightly larger family or friend group can ride together. Comfortable seating, an onboard restroom, and open views the whole way as you snorkel the reef and explore the sea caves. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
1 Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adult: $219 Childdren: $189With just 12 guests aboard, the Makana is the most intimate way to see the Na Pali Coast. This 32′ custom-built catamaran was designed for room to spread out — every seat has space and a clear view as you snorkel the reef and glide past the sea caves. The smallest group on the water. Ages 9 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $219 Children: $189At 47′ and seating up to 36, the Amelia K is our largest and most luxurious catamaran — plush seating throughout and a smooth, stable ride that makes for the most comfortable day on the coast. She carries two onboard restrooms and an open-air freshwater shower for after you snorkel the reef and drift past the sea caves. Welcomes children ages 4 and up. For additional information please visit our FAQ.
Amenities Included:
2 Marine Facility (onboard restroom) Deli Lunch Snacks & Mixed Soft Drinks Snorkel Gear Snorkeling Easy Access BoardingPricing: (tax not included in price):
Adults: $199 Children: $169
Discover the ultimate way to experience Kauai’s iconic coast with our private Na Pali Coast boat tour. Tailored just for you, these intimate adventures let you explore hidden sea caves, pristine waters, and breathtaking cliffs at your own pace, creating memories that are truly yours to treasure.
Step into the world of Makana Charters through our gallery, where every photo captures a moment from a Na Pali Coast boat tour. From sea cave entries and snorkel stops to dolphin pods and the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, get a glimpse of the Kauai boat tour adventure waiting for you.
With over 10,000 five-star reviews, Makana Charters delivers Kauai snorkeling tours along the Na Pali Coast, stunning views, top-tier service, and the kind of memories guests come back to.
Thanks Makana Charters!
The best snorkel tour in Kauai combines clear tropical waters, abundant marine life, and access to remote Na Pali Coast reefs that can’t be reached by land. Makana Charters’ Kauai snorkeling tours run on small-group power catamarans and stop at protected reef sites along the Na Pali Coast where guests regularly see green sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and spinner dolphins.

Crystal-clear Na Pali Coast reef waters on a Makana Charters small-group Kauai snorkeling tour, sea turtles, reef fish, and spinner dolphins await
The best snorkeling on Kauai is along the Na Pali Coast at protected reef sites like Nu’alolo Kai, a sheltered reef only accessible by boat. The water is calm, visibility is exceptional, and the marine life is significantly more abundant than at shore-access snorkel spots, making this the top choice for both beginners and experienced snorkelers on a Kauai snorkel tour.
Every Kauai snorkeling tour includes a 4.5 to 5 hour Na Pali Coast boat tour, all snorkel gear and flotation devices, a deli lunch with snacks and mixed soft drinks, sea cave entry, dolphin sightings when conditions allow, an onboard restroom, and a freshwater rinse shower after snorkeling.

All snorkel gear, flotation devices, deli lunch, and soft drinks are included on every Makana Charters Na Pali Coast snorkeling tour
Kauai snorkeling tours run year-round, but the calmest seas and best snorkeling visibility along the Na Pali Coast typically occur from April through October. Winter tours still offer excellent marine life viewing and the added chance to see humpback whales between December and April.

Na Pali Coast snorkeling at its finest, calm protected coves with peak visibility from April through October, with humpback whale sightings possible December through April
Most Kauai snorkeling tours along the Na Pali Coast see Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful tropical reef fish like yellow tangs, parrotfish, and Moorish idols, plus the occasional reef shark resting under a ledge. Spinner dolphins often join the boat ride out, and from December through April you may spot humpback whales during the boat portion of the tour. Sea conditions and season affect what you’ll see on any given day, but Na Pali’s protected reefs are among the most marine-life-rich snorkel sites in all of Hawaii.
Pack light for your Kauai snorkeling tour — Makana Charters provides all the snorkel gear, flotation devices, lunch, and drinks, so you really just need the essentials. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law), a towel, a swimsuit worn under your clothes, sunglasses, and a light layer for the boat ride. A waterproof phone case or GoPro is great for capturing the Na Pali Coast scenery and underwater marine life. Skip the bulky bag — storage on the boat is limited, and most guests are happiest with just a small daypack.