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Boat Tours and Rental in Kauai |
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This information is compiled to assist guests who rent
our Condo at the Cliffs Resort. If you've arrived at this page as a result
of a web search on Kauai Boating, we hope you benefit from the information.
And if you need lodging,
thank you
for considering us.
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INTRODUCTION
For a chance to see Kauai's marine life "up close and personal"
a boat tour is a must-do adventure. There are a variety of ocean
excursions available, each offering it's own unique focus and itinerary.
Most common
are tours up and down the NaPali Coast. These tours go on
one of three boat types: Inflatable Zodiac's, Sailboats, and Power Boats.
Zodiac's are wet and wild... powerboats are the most luxurious [In reality all
sailboat tours also rely on their motors for some portion of the journey -- else
the prevailing winds would not permit timely adherence to schedules]
One can also paddle the NaPali coast in a Kayak.
There is much to see alongthe way. Dolphins will likely delight you
withtheir playful games. Sea turtles may swim quietly by. During the
winter whale watching season, you may see humpback whales and perhaps hear their
song. Most tours leave from Port Allen. Conditions permitting there
are two that leave from Hanalei Bay. The Hanalei Bay departures offer
superior convenience to the north shore guest... check them out first.
Boat tours also leave from Nawiliwili harbor and tour the
local region. These are half the distance [and time] of traveling to Port
Allen. However, the scenery is not nearly as dramatic along the south east
shore. The weather and seas may be better however.
A few boat tours go to the Forbidden Island of
Niihau. It is a long open water cruise to this remote
island. Once there it the scenery and climate are definitely worth the
experience.
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KAYAKING is a favorite way
to see Kauai's rivers -- and during calm ocean conditions to see Kauai's Sea
Coast. Due to the overall popularity of Kayaking, we have a separate
web page just on Kauai Kayaking.
FISHING is a favorite pastime
out on the water. Others would just assume enjoy a Kauai tour by water.
For those who love the sport and for whom fishing is the only reason to board a
small boat, we have a separate web page
just on Kauai Deep Sea Fishing.
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TOURS DEPARTING FROM HANALEI BAY
[Conditions Permitting]
NaPali Coast Hanalei 808-826-6114
www.napalitours.com
Just a 15 minute ride from Hanalei to the NaPali Coast.
Less travel time, more NaPali.
Just 13 passengers on 28 foot power catamaran means a more individualized
experience.
NaPali Sail 808-826-5585
www.captainsundown.com
[only sailboat charter to depart from Hanalei]
This charter starts with a outrigger canoe ride out to the boat. Just 15
passengers enjoy this catamaran sailboat. BYOB policy reduces cost.
The 6 hour NaPali Snorkel Sail spends more time on the lush Northern part of
NaPali than any other tours. The 3 hour Bali Hai Sunset Sail offers views
from the Kilaluea Lighthouse to Kee Beach.
NaPali Catamarans 808-826-6853
www.napalicatamaran.com
32 foot Powercat power boat specially built for the NaPali
Coast. Extra safe, strong, and fully equipped. Enjoy waterfalls,
rainbows, dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish.
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TOURS DEPARTING FROM NAWILIWILI HARBOR
Captain Don's Ocean Adventures 808-639-3012
www.captaindonsfishing.com
Captain Don has a 22 ft Power Catamaran. Popular tours
include dolphin watching, whale watching [in season], sport fishing, snorkeling,
or what ever you want to do. Snorkeling gear and instructions, snacks and
beverages, and local Kauai history and legends are all provided. Choose
from 2, 3, 4, hour or all day tours.
Captain Don also has a smaller sporty Sol-Cat available for rent to qualified
sailors only. Call to inquire.
Rainbow Runner 808-632-0202
or 888-245-1707
www.kauaifun.com
Sailing adventures with Snorkeling, Sunset, or Whale/Dolphin themes on a fast 42
foot Trimaran Sailboat. Private chargers welcomed.
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SAIL & POWER BOAT TOURS DEPARTING FROM PORT ALLEN
Blue Water NaPali Express 808-828-1142
www.sail-kauai.com
42 foot ketchrigged monohull yacht certified for 24 passengers. Blue Water
sails with 12 to give you more room and a more enjoyable experience.
Blue Dolphin Charters 808-335-5553
www.kauaiboats.com
Enjoy a cruise on a 63 foot catamaran or 56 foot trimaran. Blue Dolphin
features guaranteed turtles and dolphins. Snorkel, Scuba Dive,
breakfast/lunch/dinner, fresh showers, bask in the sun or relax in the shade
with soft drink, beer, wine, or Mai Tai. Day Long tours to Niihau Island.
HoloHolo Charters 808-335-0815 or 800-848-6130
www.holoholocharters.com
Sail on a state of the art 48 foot sailing catamaran to the 4000 foot cliffs,
waterfalls, and marine life of the NaPali.
Capt Andy 808 335-6833 or 800 535 0830
www.napali.com
This deluxe 55 foot catamaran sailboat can take you on a snorkel + picnic or
sunset cruise. Journey through mystical sea caves [conditions
permitting]. From late December through April, these excursions feature
whale watching.
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Makana Charters and Tours 808-335-6137 or 888-335-6137
32 foot Powercat boat. They leave from the Kekaha-Kikiaola
small boat harbor. The owners are one of the last
Native Hawaiians who lived and farmed taro in the Kalalau Valley. Morning
and Afternoon tours depart daily.HoloHolo Charters
808-335-0815 or 800-848-6130
www.holoholocharters.com
Special tours to the Forbidden Island of Niihau aboard a big ocean worthy 61
foot luxury power catamaran. From the glass bottom of this boat, you
can see the crystal clear ocean bottom 100 feet below.
Kauai Sea Tours 808-826-7254 or 800-733-7997
WE GIVE THIS COMPANY A NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATION FOR UNSAFE PRACTICES. WE
WITNESSED A NEAR ACCIDENT WITH A KAYAK. THEY TRAVEL SO CLOSE TO A
SWIMMING BEACH THAT SOMEBODY WILL SOON BE HURT. THEIR STAFF IS ARROGANT.
CHOOSE ANOTHER BOATING PROVIDER.
Catamaran Kahanu 808-645-6176 or 888-213-7711
www.catamarankahanu.com
Hawaiian owned and operated. Powerful luxury, awesome sea caves,
waterfalls, dolphins and sea turtles.
Liko Kauai Cruises 808-338-0333
www.liko-kauai.com
Named a most highly recommended activity by the Ultimate Kauai
Guide. The company is locally created, owned and operated by a Kauaian
west side native. Ride aboard a 49 foot catamaran with powerful twin 260
hp engines. Shade, showers and snacks.
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ZODIAC BOAT TOURS -- DEPARTING PORT ALLEN
Captain Andy's Raft Expeditions 800-826-9371 or 1-800-422-7824
www.napali.com
[Princeville based, but now departing from Kekaha near Port Allen]
Unlike the big boats that insulate you from the excitement of the water, Captain
Zodiac uses smaller [24 foot] more maneuverable inflatable craft.
These smaller craft can actually navigate inside sea caves and under waterfalls
[conditions permitting]. Most likely, you will get wet.
NaPali Riders 808 742-6331
www.napaliriders.com
The ultimate exploration by Zodiac raft. For 4.5 hours,
tour the entire NaPali coast close up. Explore sea caves, snorkel Nualolo
Kai reef, visit waterfalls, see dolphins and whales.
NaPali Explorer 808-338-9999 or 877-355-9909
www.napali-explorer.com
24 and 48 foot zodiac boats that can reach speeds up to 35 mph. The small
boat is wet and exciting. The large boat has upgraded amenities.
NaPali Explorer leaves from Kikiaola Harbor which is 13 miles closer to the
NaPali Coast than Port Allen. This means 60 minutes less ocean time along
the mundane part of Kauai's coast and more time in the NaPali.
Kauai Sea Rider Adventure Tours 808-332-7238 or
866-522-1113
www.kauaiseariders.com
Marine Biologist Tara Leota takes guided trips to snorkel on the south shore and
on the NaPali Coast as well as whale watching tours [seasonal].
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RENT YOUR OWN
Power Boat
Paradise USA 808-822-1112
www.kayakers.com
Rent a 6 person Boston Whaler equipped with a 25 hp electric start motor.
Perfect for leisurely cruises up and down the Wailua River.
Ocean Kayaks
True Blue Hawaii -- 808-246-6333 or 888-245-1707
The Beach Boys
Located at Kalapaki Beach [Near Marriott Hotel and Lihue]
Hobie Cat [and Equivalent Personal Sailboats]
True Blue Hawaii -- 808-246-6333 or 888-245-1707
The Beach Boys
Located at Kalapaki Beach [Near Marriott Hotel and Lihue]
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