
Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 156 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai worth booking?
Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai is a 3-hour experience in Kauai, United States, from $235 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 156 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (156)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $235 per person
Embark on the ultimate summer adventure: a thrilling Zodiac raft tour to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast Sea Caves, available May 17 –September 20. Enjoy a fast-paced, intimate exploration of hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls, all guided by a family-owned company staffed by USCG veterans. Safety comes first, while snacks, fruit, and cold beverages keep you comfortable throughout this epic ocean journey.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on the ultimate summer adventure: a thrilling Zodiac raft tour to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast Sea Caves, available May 17 –September 20. Enjoy a fast-paced, intimate exploration of hidden caves, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and cascading waterfalls, all guided by a family-owned company staffed by USCG veterans. Safety comes first, while snacks, fruit, and cold beverages keep you comfortable throughout this epic ocean journey.
What's included
Included
- Iced Beverages - Water, Juice (Alohas), Gatorade
- Lifejackets - They are optional and you receive them upon check-in
- Snacks
- 3 Hours of a Thrilling Adventure of a Lifetime!
- Dry bag to store your items you bring on board
Not included
- Parking at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is $20.00 + tax per vehicle for 8 hours.
- Optional Photo Package includes 150-500 photos and videos of your tour!
- TRANSPORTATION POLICY:After checking in at our office, you MUST provide your own ride to the harbor.
- Hotel or Cruise Ship pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuity / Towels / Sunblock not included but recommended
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kauai
CHECK-IN POLICY •Arrive at Na Pali Riders office in Waimea, KAUAI 45 minutes before departure with waivers signed-Departure time is the time on your itinerary •If not checked in before the safety brief begins, the tour is missed •YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE HARBOR AFTER CHECKIN
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
CHECK-IN POLICY •Arrive at Na Pali Riders office in Waimea, KAUAI 45 minutes before departure with waivers signed-Departure time is the time on your itinerary •If not checked in before the safety brief begins, the tour is missed •YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE HARBOR AFTER CHECKIN
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Na Pali Riders
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We cannot accommodate anyone that is pregnant or has back issues, neck issues, heart conditions or any recent surgeries or children under the age of 5!.
- We recommend booking early in your vacation in case of a weather cancellation, you have more time left in your vacation to rebook.
- Raft tours will include seeing and possibly entering sea caves, but only if the ocean conditions are safe enough to do so. Your tour’s Captain will make this decision.
- Any recent surgeries
- You cannot attend if you are pregnant
- WARNING: The Zodiac© raft makes for a wild and rough ride. Due to the nature of the Nā Pali Ocean Raft Tour, you must be in good physical condition to attend this tour. We cannot accommodate pregnant women, anyone with back or neck problems, medical conditions or recent surgeries.
- No children under the age of 5 years old
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 156 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
156 verified traveler reviews for Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Just do it!
Loved it and I highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
MUST DO!!!!
My husband and I had a WONDERFUL experience with captain K and Tom! They were both FABULOUS! Very knowledgeable, kind and ready to take the BEST pictures. We highly recommend this tour. Thanks again for such an amazing experience!! Can’t wait to do it again!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the love! 🌺 We’re thrilled you had such a wonderful time with our Captain and Crew. Between sharing the history of the Nā Pali Coast and making sure you go home with some amazing photos, our crew loves making the experience memorable! 📸🌊 We can’t wait to have you both back for another Nā Pali Riders adventure. A hui hou! 🤙🏼
via Tripadvisor
WOW!! It was a great...
WOW!! It was a great experience. The caves are wonderful. Guides are great. Everything was magical for us.
Response from the operator: We’re so happy the Nā Pali Coast felt as magical to you as it does to us! 🌺 Getting to enter the sea caves by Zodiac is such a unique part of this adventure when ocean conditions allow. Thank you for the kind words about our crew and for choosing Nā Pali Riders to share this beautiful place with you. Mahalo! 🌊🤙🏼
via Viator
If I lived close by this...
If I lived close by this would be my weekly or monthly dopamine adventure. What a blast! Great music and excitement the whole time. Captain Mac and Tom were so inviting to everyone on board. Thrill seekers and anyone who is a sucker for all the gorgeous views would love this tour. I would come back in a heart beat. See you all in the next three years 🥹♥️
via Viator
Take a Ride with Na Pali Riders and Ride, Ride, Ride the Na Pali Coast
Starlight Express Tours recommended this tour activity with Na Pali Riders and it was spectacular! Highly recommend this for all ages and we plan to do it again when back on Kauai. Fun scenic enjoyable ride. Captain and crew were very knowledgeable and took great care of all on board. We saw wildlife endemic birds unique only in Hawaii, learned about the historical history and Hawaiian culture of the area and saw up close the majestic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, noted worldwide as some of the grandest cliffs in the world! We also went into the water caves along the coastline. #1 Top Tour Activity on Kauai.
Response from the operator: What an incredible review—thank you! 🌊 We’re honored that Starlight Express Tours sent you our way and even more thrilled that your time with Nā Pali Riders became a #1 Kauai experience for you. From the wildlife and Hawaiian history to getting up close to those towering Nā Pali cliffs and exploring the sea caves, it sounds like you got a beautiful day on the coast! Our crew truly loves sharing what makes this place so special while making sure everyone feels safe and well cared for. Knowing you’re already planning to join us again on your next Kauai trip is the best compliment we could receive. Mahalo nui loa, and we’ll see you next time!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 55
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kauai.
How much does Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai cost?
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Prices start at $235 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 Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 156 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 Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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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 Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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Around 55 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai 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.
What is included in Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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Included: Iced Beverages - Water, Juice (Alohas), Gatorade; Lifejackets - They are optional and you receive them upon check-in; Snacks; 3 Hours of a Thrilling Adventure of a Lifetime!; and Dry bag to store your items you bring on board. Not included: Parking at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor is $20.00 + tax per vehicle for 8 hours; Optional Photo Package includes 150-500 photos and videos of your tour!; TRANSPORTATION POLICY:After checking in at our office, you MUST provide your own ride to t; and Hotel or Cruise Ship pick-up and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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CHECK-IN POLICY •Arrive at Na Pali Riders office in Waimea, KAUAI 45 minutes before departure with waivers signed-Departure time is the time on your itinerary •If not checked in before the safety brief begins. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: We cannot accommodate anyone that is pregnant or has back issues, neck issues, heart condi; You cannot attend if you are pregnant; and WARNING: The Zodiac© raft makes for a wild and rough ride. Due to the nature of the Nā Pal. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves Expedition on Kauai?
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Across 156 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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