
Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 59 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto worth booking?
Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto is a 3.5-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $109 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 59 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (59)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $109 per person
Take a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto. Wailua River is known as "the only navigable river" in all Hawaii. The rivers fresh water pours from the Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of t
What you get
About this experience
Take a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto. Wailua River is known as "the only navigable river" in all Hawaii. The rivers fresh water pours from the Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the plant.Lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birth place of the island's ali'i, or royalty. During the two mile river journey, you'll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and enjoy learning the hula during a lesson provided by a young hula dancer. The Fern Grotto is a geological wonder of Kauai. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rain-forest atmosphere. A visit to the overlook at Opaekaa Falls , the most accessible waterfall on the island, will secure your love of Kauai, our garden island.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Port pickup and drop off
Not included
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Opaekaa Falls
A 151 foot waterfall crashing into a hidden pool.
20 minutes here
Wailua River State Park
Float down a fresh water river while being enchanted by songs and stories of ancient Hawaii.
90 minutes here
Fern Grotto
Discover the beauty of a tropical rain forest filled with lush native plants.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Roberts Hawaii
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This shore excursion can only be booked by Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers
- Departs pier at 2:30 pm and returns at 6:00 pm to pier will visit the Wailua River & Fern Grotto.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 59 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
59 verified traveler reviews for Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Skip It!
Perhaps it was because we had been on so many awesome tours during our week on the islands. This one was lackluster -- first, we were on a big bus from the cruise ship (never fun). Next, there was one stop off the highway (which we then had to cross on foot) to look at a waterfall (and chickens -- hey, hey!). Finally, we slowly cruised the Wailua River on the barge boat. The most exciting part was waving at all the kayakers who were having way more fun. Finally, we arrived at the Fern Grotto. We s-l-o-w-l-y strolled to the grotto (because there was another huge group ahead of us). Though the Fern Grotto was pretty, no one can enter the cave any more because it's unstable. So, we were entertained with a half-hearted, one dancer Hula with singers (which couldn't be heard due to the subpar speaker system). Dance over, back to the boat. There was some better entertainment on the way back to the visitor center, but it certainly wasn't worth the time or $$$. You'll be better off hiring a small-group excursion! Sorry for the negatives, but I leave too many honest reviews to sugarcoat this one.
Response from the operator: Aloha Shelly, We appreciate your review and comments. Without your comments and honest review, we are unable to fix anything that's not up to par. We will address this issue with the tour director. Mahalo for your time,
via Tripadvisor
40th anniversary for Mamaw and Pawpaw
Very informative a relaxing ride up the river with Hawaiian music and dance, the drive getting there had pretty scenery with a beautiful water fall
Response from the operator: Aloha Jeffery, Thank you for sharing you experience. we appreciate your review. Mahalo,
via Viator
Relaxing River cruise
A relaxing river cruise enjoying nature, learning of Hawaiian culture with music and learning a hula dance. Beautiful lush surroundings leading to the grotto.
Response from the operator: Aloha Karen, Thank for for sharing your experience cruising the Wailua River. I hope you enjoyed the sing along. Until we meet again. Aloha,
via Viator
Fern Grotto Review
The grotto was beautiful. We enjoyed traveling along the river, seeing the scenery. Our bus driver was very informative. He even helped my elderly mother, who has mobility issues and uses a walker, try to navigate getting on the boat that would take us down the river. Unfortunately, the leader of the group who ran the river cruise portion was VERY rude to her, commenting that she had skipped the line, even though the bus driver told my mother to go to the front of the line. When my mother explained that to her, she commented, "I don't care."
Response from the operator: Aloha Marisa, We appreciate your review. My apologies for your mothers encounter with the River Boats staff. Our director of operations on Kauai will address this issue. Please enjoy the rest of your Island journey. Aloha,
via Viator
Great River Boat
The views were amazing enjoying a river boat tour well having entertainment on the boat. The rich history of the island with great views
Response from the operator: Aloha Maps, Mahalo for your excellent review. I still have wonderful memories of my 1st Waimea River cruise. Until we meet again,. Mahalo,
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto cost?
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Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kauai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kauai is not rushed.
Is Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 59 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kauai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto?
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Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kauai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kauai and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kauai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kauai?
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Kauai sells Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours, Waimea Canyon drives, tubing through old plantation ditches and Hanalei kayak trips. Ocean conditions shut down the north shore boat runs in winter, so cancellation terms matter. On Outty we rank every Kauai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Koloa Zipline in Kauai, Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K, Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kauai?
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April to June and September to October, with calmest seas in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kauai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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