Booking choice: The sea caves raft and snorkel, from $255 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
A raft has no cabin and no shade. Spray comes over the sides on the run up the coast, the sun is strong on the water, and the wind can make an early start feel cool.
The operator gives you a dry bag, snorkel gear and life jackets. Everything else is up to you.
The quick answer
Wear a swimsuit under quick-dry clothes, add a light windproof layer for the early start, and wear secure sandals or water shoes. Bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat with a strap, sunglasses with a retainer, seasickness medicine, water and cash for parking and tips. Leave anything you cannot get wet at home.
What should you wear on a Na Pali raft?
A swimsuit under quick-dry shorts and a T-shirt or rash guard: you will get wet even if you skip the snorkel.
Avoid cotton, which stays cold and heavy when soaked. A long-sleeve rash guard protects you from sunburn on the way back without needing more sunscreen.
Packed and ready? Check your date for the morning sea caves raft.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelWill it be cold?
It can feel cool at a 6:30 AM start, with wind and spray; bring a light windbreaker you do not mind getting wet.
Kauai's air is warm all year, but speed and wet clothes add a chill, especially in winter. By the snorkel stop most people are down to swimwear.
Which shoes are best?
Secure sandals or water shoes that stay on wet feet; flip-flops can slip off on deck.
You may step into shallow water at the harbor ramp, and you will climb a ladder after snorkelling. Fins are supplied for the snorkel stop.
What should you pack?
Pack light: everything goes in the dry bag the crew hands out.
- Towel (not supplied on the Na Pali Riders tour)
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
- Hat with a chin strap and sunglasses with a retainer
- Seasickness medicine, taken before boarding
- A reusable water bottle
- Dry clothes for the drive back
- Cash for harbor parking (about $20) and the crew tip
Should you bring a phone or camera?
Yes, in a waterproof case or on a strap; keep it in the dry bag on the bumpy stretches.
The best shots are inside the caves and at the snorkel stop, when the boat is slow. Na Pali Riders also sells a photo package of 150 to 500 photos and videos, so you can leave the filming to the crew.
Want the photos without the risk to your phone? The crew can shoot the trip for you.
Explore the sea caves raft and snorkelWhat about snorkel gear and life jackets?
Both are provided: mask, snorkel and fins for the snorkel stop, and life jackets on request.
Bring your own mask if you have one that fits well. Non-swimmers may ride but not snorkel. See how rough the ride is before you decide.
What should you leave behind?
Anything you cannot get wet, loose hats, and jewellery you would hate to lose.
Contact lens wearers should bring goggles or wear glasses with a strap: the spray is constant. Leave valuables in the car out of sight, or better, at your hotel.
All set? The trip cancels free up to 24 hours before if the forecast turns.
Check dates for the sea caves raft and snorkelFrequently asked questions
Do they provide towels on Na Pali raft tours?
Not on the Na Pali Riders tour: towels and sunscreen are listed as not included, so bring your own.
Can I wear flip-flops?
You can, but secure sandals or water shoes are safer on a wet, bouncing deck.
Will my bag stay dry?
Each passenger gets a dry bag on the Na Pali Riders tour; keep phones and dry clothes inside it.
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
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)
