Napali Coast Boat ToursNa Pali Raft Snorkel Tour: Small-Group Raft from Port Allen
This na pali raft snorkel tour from Kauai Sea Tours costs $184.80 per person and lasts 5.5 hours, which makes it the lowest-priced trip on the water in the catalog. The raft leaves from Port Allen in Eleele and carries at most 14 guests, so it feels small compared with the 49-seat catamarans from the same harbor. Weather permitting it runs inside sea caves, passes under waterfalls and stops for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling on a Kauai reef. It is a wet and physical ride with strict health rules, so read the restrictions before booking. If it does not sound like your boat, the range of Napali Coast boat tours on this site includes rafts and catamarans with very different characters. See all Napali Coast boat tours side by side.
About This Tour
Kauai Sea Tours runs this rigid-hull raft from the Port Allen Marina Center in Eleele on Kauai's south coast. The group is capped at 14 guests, with a USCG-licensed captain and a crew trained in CPR and first aid. Weather permitting the raft enters sea caves, goes under waterfalls and stops for a 30 to 45 minute snorkel. Sea cave entry and the snorkel stop both depend on the ocean, and the operator states the tour runs in all weather and may reroute to the south coast.
The meal changes with the departure. Morning tours get breakfast sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages. Afternoon tours get a pulled pork, teriyaki chicken or seasoned tofu bento box, and the food order must be called in 48 hours ahead. This is a barefoot tour, so expect to get wet.
$184.80 per person, the lowest catalog price on the coast. Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included.
5 to 5.5 hours on the water, with 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling if conditions permit.
Check-in at the Kauai Sea Tours office in the Port Allen Marina Center, 4353 Waialo Road, Eleele. No hotel pickup.
Up to 14 guests. A USCG-licensed captain leads, with a CPR and first aid trained crew. Guide languages are not stated.
Breakfast sandwiches in the morning, a pulled pork, teriyaki chicken or tofu bento box in the afternoon. Beverages included. Food orders must be called in 48 hours ahead.
Minimum age 7, weight limit 250 lb, no expectant mothers, no back, neck or joint problems. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, no-shows charged 100 percent and no refund for seasickness.
Check Dates and Availability
Morning tours check in from 7:00 AM and afternoon tours from 1:00 PM, and times may vary by season. Book ahead and call the operator 48 hours out to reconfirm and place your food order.
You'll confirm the exact date and time on the secure booking page.
Quick answer Price, duration and who it suits
This $184.80 na pali raft snorkel tour runs 5.5 hours from Port Allen with a group capped at 14 guests, and it is the cheapest Napali Coast boat tour listed here. Sea caves and a 30 to 45 minute snorkel stop are included when the sea allows.
Key takeaways
- Minimum age is 7 and the weight limit is 250 lb per person, with strict rules against pregnancy, recent surgeries and back or joint problems.
- It runs in all weather and may reroute to the south coast, so see what the day is really like before you commit.
- Want seats and a faster boat? The Super Raft Snorkel carries up to 28 with a seat per guest.
- Prefer a shaded top? The 'Imiloa Express Snorkel has a partial shaded top and padded seats.
What the Price Actually Covers
The $184.80 covers the raft, the crew, the gear and the meal. Almost nothing else costs extra, which keeps the day simple.
What Is in the $184.80
The listing includes the guided raft trip, a USCG-licensed captain, a CPR and first aid trained crew, a safety briefing, snorkel equipment with instruction, beverages and the meal for your departure time. There are no mandatory extras stated for this tour, and no photo package, drink package or upgrade is named in the listing. If you want to tip the crew, bring cash because gratuities are not in the price.
The from-price is the total for the seat. What sits outside it is your own transport to Port Allen, parking there if the lot charges, and anything you buy at the marina.
| Line | In the price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raft trip | Yes | 5 to 5.5 hours, up to 14 guests, from Port Allen |
| Crew and safety briefing | Yes | USCG-licensed captain, CPR and first aid trained crew |
| Snorkel gear and instruction | Yes | 30 to 45 minutes in the water, conditions permitting |
| Meal | Yes | Breakfast sandwiches morning, bento box afternoon, order 48 hours ahead |
| Beverages | Yes | No alcohol named in the listing |
| Hotel pickup | No | Not offered, drive yourself to Eleele |
| Gratuities | No | Bring cash for the crew |
The Honest Note on Extras and Weather
Two things surprise people on the day. First, the tour runs in all weather, and when the north-facing coast is too rough it reroutes to the south coast, which means a different route and no refund for the change. Second, seasickness gets no refund.
If that worries you, take precautions before boarding as the operator advises, or pick a bigger boat such as the Lucky Lady Snorkel Cruise.
Sources: Hawaii DLNR, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Go Hawaii, Napali Coast
A small group of spinner dolphins surfaces off the Na Pali Coast. Photo: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What the Day Is Really Like
The listing gives check-in windows and total duration rather than a minute-by-minute schedule, so here is the shape of the day from what Kauai Sea Tours states.
Check-in at Port Allen
Arrive at the Kauai Sea Tours office inside the Port Allen Marina Center at 4353 Waialo Road, Eleele. From the road continue to the end of the complex, turn right and park in the third lot on the left at the Kauai Sea Tours sign. Morning tours check in from 7:00 AM, afternoon tours from 1:00 PM, and times may vary by season, so call 808-335-5309 to confirm.
The Run to the Cliffs
After the safety briefing the raft heads out of Port Allen and runs west along the coast toward the Na Pali cliffs. The crew shares stories and local legends on the way, and keeps watch for dolphins and green sea turtles. In winter, roughly December to April, humpback whales pass through the area.
Federal rules keep vessels at least 100 yards from humpbacks, so sightings are watched from a distance.
Caves, Waterfalls and the Snorkel Stop
When the ocean allows, the raft enters the sea caves and passes under waterfalls along the cliffs. This is the wet part. Conditions permitting, the trip then anchors at one of Kauai's reefs for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling with the included gear and instruction.
If the sea is up, the water time can be missed and there is no refund for missed activities.
The Meal and the Ride Home
Morning departures eat breakfast sandwiches, chips and cookies. Afternoon departures get their bento box, pulled pork, teriyaki chicken or seasoned tofu, provided the food order was called in 48 hours earlier. Beverages are included.
The trip runs 5 to 5.5 hours and the listing gives no return time.
Who This Tour Rules Out
The raft is small, fast and physical, and the operator states the exclusions plainly. Check this list before you book.
Health and Age Limits
Minimum age is 7, and children must be with an adult. There is a 250 lb weight limit per person. No expectant mothers, and nobody with back, neck, hip, knee or other joint problems, recent injuries, recent surgeries or mobility issues. The operator asks for a high level of physical fitness, since all passengers must be suited for rough water and able to hold on and move about the vessel. It is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
If any of those rules touch you, a stable catamaran is the better call. The 'Imiloa Express Snorkel takes children from age 3, and the Lady Kailani Luxury Snorkel has padded seating and shade on a 65-foot boat.
Weather, Seasickness and Money
The tour runs in all weather and may reroute to the south coast when the north side is rough, with no refund for reroutes or missed water activities. There is no refund for seasickness either, and no-shows are charged 100 percent. Guests prone to motion sickness are told to take precautions and consult a medical professional before any medication. Cancel or change through Viator at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Compare that with the sailing trips: the Holo Holo Sail and Snorkel gives you a sailing catamaran, but it needs 7 days of notice to cancel. This raft gives you only 24 hours of flexibility, which cuts both ways.
No Hotel Pickup
The listing includes no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you drive to Eleele yourself. If you would rather not drive at all, note that none of the tours compared on this site include hotel pickup, so this is a coast-wide fact rather than a raft problem. See the Port Allen Kauai guide for parking and directions.
A pod of spinner dolphins swims close to the shore of the Na Pali Coast. Photo: benmacaskill, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting There and What to Add
Port Allen sits on the south coast of Kauai in Eleele, and several boat operators check in on Waialo Road. Pair the trip with a canyon, a beach or a hike on the same days.
Reaching Port Allen
Port Allen Small Boat Harbor sits on the eastern shore of Hanapepe Bay on Kauai's south coast, and Hanapepe itself is 17 miles west of Lihue by Route 50, so figure roughly 30 to 35 minutes from Lihue. The harbor has restrooms and a launch ramp, and the Kauai Sea Tours office is inside the Port Allen Marina Center at 4353 Waialo Road. Drive to the end of the complex, turn right and use the third lot on the left.
A word on harbor status after Hurricane Lowell, which closed Kauai state parks from September 8, 2026. Port Allen Small Boat Harbor slips and moorings were closed with extensive damage afterward, and Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near Kekaha is listed as closed until further notice. Confirm your departure point with the operator before driving anywhere.
What to Add Before or After
Polihale State Park marks the southwestern end of the Na Pali coast. On the north shore, the Kalalau Trail starts at Ke'e Beach in Haena State Park, where day-use reservations release 30 days ahead, and the first two miles lead toward Hanakapiai.
In winter, roughly December to April, humpback whales pass Kauai and a dedicated whale watch pairs well with this trip. Read the Kauai whale watching guide or plan the trail with the Kalalau Trail page.
The Day Step by Step
Clock times come from the listing's check-in windows. The rest is phrased in phases because the operator does not publish a minute-by-minute plan.
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7:00 AM or 1:00 PM
Check-in at the marina office
Sign in at the Kauai Sea Tours office in the Port Allen Marina Center, 4353 Waialo Road, Eleele. Morning tours check in from 7:00 AM and afternoon tours from 1:00 PM, with times varying by season.
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Start
Safety briefing and boarding
The crew covers the safety briefing and instruction, then the group of 14 steps onto the raft. This is a barefoot tour, so shoes come off and bags stay dry.
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After the first stretch
The run west to the Na Pali cliffs
The raft crosses out of Hanapepe Bay and runs along the coast toward the Na Pali cliffs. The crew shares local legends and watches for dolphins, turtles and winter humpbacks.
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Mid-tour
Sea caves and waterfalls
Weather permitting, the raft enters the Na Pali sea caves and passes under waterfalls. Rough seas mean the captain reroutes, possibly to the south coast, and there is no refund for the change.
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Mid-tour
Snorkel stop on the reef
Conditions permitting, the boat anchors for 30 to 45 minutes of snorkeling with included gear and expert instruction.
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Afterward
Meal on board
Morning guests eat breakfast sandwiches, chips and cookies. Afternoon guests get a pulled pork, teriyaki chicken or seasoned tofu bento box, ordered 48 hours ahead.
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End of the trip
Back to Port Allen
The raft returns to the Port Allen Marina Center, 5 to 5.5 hours after departure. Tip the crew in cash if the day earned it.
Pros and Cons
The strengths and the frictions, stated plainly.
What we genuinely like
- The lowest price in the catalog at $184.80 per person.
- A group capped at 14 guests, against 36 to 49 on the same operator's catamarans.
- Sea caves, waterfalls and a 30 to 45 minute snorkel stop included when conditions allow.
- A real meal in both the morning and afternoon versions, with a bento box choice of pork, chicken or tofu.
- 24-hour free cancellation, shorter than the 7-day window on the Holo Holo boats.
The honest downsides
- It runs in all weather and may reroute to the south coast with no refund for the changed route or missed activities.
- No refund for seasickness.
- Strict health rules bar pregnancy, recent surgery and back or joint problems, with a 250 lb weight limit.
- No hotel pickup, and the listing mentions no shade or restroom.
- No-shows are charged 100 percent, and the food order must be called in 48 hours ahead.
Who it's NOT for: Anyone pregnant, with back or joint problems, with young children under 7, or anyone who wants a shaded boat with a restroom should look at a catamaran instead.
Questions About This Raft Tour
How much does the na pali raft snorkel tour cost?
It costs $184.80 per person, the lowest price among the tours compared on the Napali Coast boat tours homepage. Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included.
What time does the tour leave from Port Allen?
Morning tours check in from 7:00 AM and afternoon tours from 1:00 PM, at the Kauai Sea Tours office in the Port Allen Marina Center. Times may vary by season, so see the Port Allen Kauai guide and call to confirm.
Can children come on this raft?
Children from age 7 can ride with an adult, up to a 250 lb weight limit per person. Younger kids need a different boat, such as the 'Imiloa Express Snorkel, which takes guests from age 3.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour runs in all weather and may reroute to the south coast, with no refund for reroutes or missed water activities. The operator cancels and refunds if the trip cannot run at all, and winter alternatives are covered in the Kauai whale watching guide.
How long is the snorkeling?
Snorkel time is 30 to 45 minutes if conditions permit, with gear and instruction included. On a faster alternative, the Zodiac Raft Sea Caves and Snorkel offers a 4-hour option with about an hour in the water, though it departs from the harbor at Kikiaola.
What should I bring on the raft?
Bring a towel, reef-safe non-spray sunscreen, a light rain jacket, a water-protected camera and any required medications. This is a barefoot tour, and you will get wet. Hawaii prohibits selling sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate, as explained in the Kauai snorkel tour guide.
How do I cancel if my plans change?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and make any change directly through Viator. No-shows are charged 100 percent. If you want a longer cancel window, the Holo Holo Sail and Snorkel allows 7 days, but you must decide that far out too.
Prices, availability and terms are set by the operator and confirmed at checkout.
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