Good news: your packing list is shorter than you probably think. Makana Charters provides snorkel gear, flotation devices, a deli-style lunch, soft drinks, and local juices for every guest. What you bring yourself comes down to sun protection, a towel, and a few personal items for a comfortable day on the water.
What Makana Provides
Your Na Pali Coast snorkel tour includes everything you need for the water and the meal. We outfit every guest with snorkel gear and flotation devices before the snorkel stop; no need to rent equipment separately on the island.
Lunch is served onboard: a deli-style spread with turkey, ham, roast beef, and a vegetarian option, plus fruits and snacks. Soft drinks and local juices are included throughout the tour.
Every boat has an onboard restroom. Our larger catamarans also have freshwater showers, so you can rinse off after snorkeling before returning to Kikiaola Harbor.
The full tour runs 4.5 to 5 hours. From the time you board to the time you’re back at the dock, your basics are covered.
What to Wear on a Na Pali Coast Tour
Wear your swimsuit or beachwear under your clothes. You’ll be in the water for about one hour at the snorkel stop, so plan on getting wet. A hat matters more than most guests realize. Sun exposure on the water is direct and lasts the full tour.
Pack a light layer for the boat ride. The catamaran moves fast, and the wind off the ocean is cooler than the air on shore, especially in the morning. A lightweight shirt or thin cover-up is enough.
Wear shoes or sandals you’re comfortable walking in at the harbor, even if you plan to go barefoot on the boat. Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor has uneven surfaces near the dock.
And reef-safe sunscreen: make sure to use it. The snorkel stop puts you directly above reef habitat, and standard sunscreen washes off into the water. Switch to a reef-safe formula before your tour.
What to Bring
Pack a towel. We have freshwater showers on our larger boats, but we don’t supply towels. A quick-dry travel towel packs flat and takes up almost no space.
Plan to reapply sunscreen during the tour. What you put on at the harbor will wear off well before you return. Reef-safe formulas only, near the coral.
Sunglasses and a hat earn their place on the water. UV reflects off the ocean surface and hits harder than it feels on land.
For photos, a waterproof phone case is worth it. Phones are the most common item lost overboard, and a case with a lanyard or float attachment removes that risk. A waterproof camera works too.
You’re welcome to bring your own snorkel mask if you have a preferred fit. We provide gear for every guest, but if you use prescription lenses or own a mask that fits better, bring it.
Light personal snacks or an extra drink are fine if you want something beyond the lunch spread. Space is shared among all guests, so keep any bag small.
What to Leave Behind
Leave valuables at your hotel. Phones and cameras can be secured in a waterproof case, but jewelry, watches, and anything you can’t afford to lose or get wet should stay ashore. The boat is active on the water, and spray comes aboard regularly.
Skip the large bags. Storage space on the catamaran is shared, and a small dry bag or a backpack holds everything on this list.
A Note on Seasickness
Most guests on a Na Pali Coast snorkel tour don’t have issues. Our catamarans are built specifically for these waters, and the crew knows how to read conditions. That said, the route includes open ocean, and sea state varies by day and season.
If you have a history of motion sickness on boats, talk to a doctor before your tour. Over-the-counter options work best when taken before boarding, not after symptoms start. If your doctor prescribes a patch, it needs time to take effect, so plan ahead.
Book Your Na Pali Coast Tour
Makana is a Native Hawaiian family-owned business with over 200 years of documented history on these waters. Our tours depart from Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in Kekaha, the closest departure point to the Na Pali Coast on Kauai.
Tours run $199 per adult and $169 per child on the Na Pali Kai III (ages 4 and up), and $219 per adult and $189 per child on the Seiko 1, Seiko 2, Leialoha, and Makana (ages 9 and up).
Call (808) 338-9980 to book or ask questions before your tour. Our hours are 7 AM to 9 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour
What food is served on the tour?
We serve a deli-style lunch onboard. Options include turkey, ham, roast beef, and a vegetarian selection, plus fruits and snacks. Soft drinks and local juices are included throughout the tour.
What if it rains during the tour?
We operate in light rain. Na Pali Coast weather changes quickly, and most guests stay on the water through passing showers. If conditions require cancellation, we offer a reschedule, credit, or full refund. Call (808) 338-9980 for current cancellation terms before your tour date.
Are there food options for guests with dietary restrictions?
The deli lunch includes a vegetarian option alongside turkey, ham, and roast beef, served with fruit and snacks. If you have a specific restriction beyond vegetarian, contact us at (808) 338-9980 before your tour. For guests who need to supplement, small personal snacks are welcome on board.
