Booking choice: The sea caves raft and snorkel, from $255 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The choice between a raft and a catamaran decides more about your day than the operator does. One is fast, wet and close to the rock; the other is shaded, steadier and comes with lunch.
Prices are close, so pick on what you want from the day and who is coming.
The quick answer
Choose a raft for the sea caves, speed and close-ups of the cliffs; expect a bumpy, wet ride with no shade and usually no restroom. Choose a catamaran for shade, a restroom, lunch and a gentler motion, especially with young children, pregnant travelers or anyone with a bad back.
How do rafts and catamarans compare?
Rafts win on caves and closeness; catamarans win on comfort, food and who can come.
| Raft | Catamaran | |
|---|---|---|
| Sea caves | Enters when conditions allow | Views from outside |
| Ride | Fast, bumpy, wet | Steadier, drier |
| Shade and restroom | No shade; restroom on Captain J's only | Shade and restroom |
| Food | Snacks (meal on Kauai Sea Tours rafts) | Lunch on most |
| Pregnant or bad back | Not allowed | Not recommended on most; ask |
| From (adult) | $215 to $277 | $227 to $292 |
| Top pick here | Na Pali Riders sea caves & snorkel | Makana Charters |
Leaning towards the caves? Check your date on the sea caves raft.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelWhich one goes into the sea caves?
The raft: rigid-hull inflatables are small enough to slip into caves such as Open Ceiling Cave when the sea is calm.
Large catamarans cannot enter. If the caves are the reason you are going, this decides it. See the sea caves guide for which caves and when.
Which is more comfortable?
The catamaran, by a distance: it has shade, seats with backs, a restroom and a smoother motion.
On a raft you sit on the inflated sides or a few rear seats and hold on as it pounds over swell. Reviewers love it, and compare it to white-water rafting, but it is physical. On a catamaran you can stand, move around and eat lunch.
Which is better if you get seasick?
Usually the catamaran, but neither is a cure: big catamarans roll in swell too, and tours do not turn back early.
Pick a morning departure, take medicine before boarding and keep your eyes on the horizon. Read how rough the raft really is for more.
Which is better with kids?
Catamarans for young children; rafts for confident kids from about 5 to 7 years old, depending on the operator.
Na Pali Riders takes children from 5, Captain J's from 6 and Kauai Sea Tours rafts from 7; Holo Holo's catamarans take children from 5. Plenty of reviewers bring kids aged 8 to 12 on the raft and call it the highlight of the trip.
Want a calmer ride for the family? Makana's catamaran includes lunch and a restroom.
Explore the Makana catamaranWhich has better snorkelling?
Similar: both stop at sheltered reefs when conditions allow, and both skip it when the sea is rough.
Rafts are lower to the water, so getting in and out is quick, though you climb a ladder back aboard. Catamarans often have steps and freshwater showers.
Which should you book?
Raft if you are fit, healthy and want the caves; catamaran if comfort, food or health limits matter more.
- Thrill seekers and photographers: the Na Pali Riders sea caves raft.
- Budget raft: Captain J's Super Raft, with a restroom.
- Families with young kids: Makana Charters catamaran.
- Foodies: Holo Holo's sail with breakfast and lunch.
- Want to step ashore: the Nualolo Kai beach landing raft.
Made up your mind? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelFrequently asked questions
Is a raft or catamaran better for the Na Pali Coast?
A raft if you want the sea caves and a thrill; a catamaran if you want comfort, shade, lunch and a smoother ride.
Do catamarans go into the Na Pali sea caves?
Large catamarans do not; they view the caves from outside. Rafts enter when conditions allow.
Are rafts safe?
They are run by licensed captains with safety briefings and life jackets, but the ride is rough, which is why operators exclude pregnant guests and people with back or neck problems.
Ready to book
Choose your boat
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Na Pali Sea Caves Raft & Snorkel Expedition
- Guided Zodiac raft tour along the Na Pali Coast, sea caves when conditions allow
- Snorkel stop with mask, snorkel and fins (conditions permitting)
- Fruit, chips, juice, water and Gatorade; dry bag; optional life jackets
Makana Charters Na Pali Catamaran Tour
- Shared catamaran trip along the Na Pali Coast, sea caves when conditions allow
- Snorkel gear in season; whale watching in winter
- Sandwich lunch, snacks, water and soft drinks
Captain J's Na Pali Super Raft & Snorkel
- Sightseeing along the 17-mile Na Pali Coast in a 37-foot Naiad raft
- Sea caves when conditions allow, including Open Ceiling Cave
- Snorkel session with gear (conditions permitting)
