Na Pali Coast Zodiac Rafting Tour

Ok lots to unpack here! It was an absolute blast and we loved it! For anyone considering booking this tour, a few things to think about - 1. You start on the southwest side of the island and work your way up to the northwest side of the island and then back - so you get to see the entire NaPali coast on the West side. It takes about 30 minutes to get to your first stop once you are on the boat and leave the harbor. Definitely bring a rain jacket or at the very rash guard and consider protection for your face (wind burn) + sunglasses and a tight fitting hat (or skip the hat and pull up your raincoat hood). You go fast and it can be rough. Mornings tend to be calmer although it's not guaranteed. Ideally you have light winds, low swell, and low tide ❤️ the trifecta. If you do not have these, it's not a big deal but may make the round trip a bit more bumpy 2. Book EARLY AM - we did a morning tour and were able to see some really great marine life, wind was out of the SE around 5pmh and the swell was around 2-4 feet. It was calm and the water was like glass on the way up. A really amazing experience seeing the NaPali coast. 3. The benefit of being in a decommissioned Navy Seal boat is it is sturdy, powerful and can get into sea caves that other boats like a catamaran cannot due to size. While you are fairly exposed, we felt safe the entire time. Mother nature cooperated and we were able to drive into 3 sea caves and stop at another location and snorkel which is rare. 4. Our guides - the twins! - Erica and Shauna were AMAZING. They did a great job making it fun, Erica is a phenomenal captain and navigated the rough seas on the way back brilliantly. Shauna has a unique ability to keep guests happy, energized and keeps the mood light-hearted. 5. The website is not lying to you - THIS TOUR IS ROUGH. While our ride out was smooth and easy (which is uncommon), the way back with the wind shift led to about 3-5ft swells and the wind shift created pretty choppy water thus it was about an hour ride back. It was fun, but if you don't like boating on the busiest weekend of the year at 35mph in choppy water, I would not book this tour because the ocean is always stronger and more intense 🙂. I would book one of their other tours that is a little calmer. But if you like bouncing around on a boat, book it! 6. We loved this tour and are so thankful we got to go! Snacks and beverages provided were great! Thank you for an amazing experience!

We had so much fun on the catamaran! Jake and Colleen were so much fun, great guides, and made the experience unforgettable. Not to mention a great soundtrack! We truly had the best day, they pointed out lots of whales and stopped for them, told us about the history of the coast, and made us feel super safe! Highly recommend, it was the highlight of our trip!

What a fun way to see the Na Pali coast! Captains Don and Chaz were energetic, friendly and attentive to our party of 4, including 2 kids. We had a gorgeous day and saw a pod of dolphins, a small humpback whale, a turtle and many many fish on our snorkel excursion. The boat was small enough to enter through an open roof cave which was a highlight. If you like a bit of adventure and some bounce for your boat tour (my kids loved it), I highly recommend this tour!

We had a wonderful experience with Chaz and Captain Ian. We lucked out with great winter weather and were able to go into 2 of the 4 sea caves. This tour was such an amazing way to see the Na Pali coast. Highly recommend. We saw a lot of dolphins, and with the smaller raft they’re right next to you and you can see them under the water; this and some whale sightings were highlights. Snorkeling didn’t happen bc of weather, but we were able to go into an area to at least get in the water and see some lava cracks on the ocean floor, which was super cool. Appreciated all the commentary and help from the crew. Definitely worth it while in Kaua’i.

Support Small Business!!! #1 reason I went with pirates and I’m so glad I did! Erica and Seana care about you and your experience. They’re constantly making sure everyone is okay and feeling well. They’re a great team and make you feel at home.