Which boat tour of the Na Pali Coast would you recommend? I have read that the ones that left from the North Shore were the most scenic tours, but they are no longer allowed to leave from the North Shore. Is this true? Thanks for your help.

Sadie

I went on the Capt. Zodiac tour years ago and it was FANTASTIC! Highly recommended. But I don't know if they are still running. Maybe someone else can answer that. I know that there was sensitivity to the fact that the boats disturb the wildlife.

Ahh, Captain Zodiac- the company that invented the zodiac boat tours, and even was the first to modify the French- made zodiac boat enough to use it as a ferry in American waters, is gone from Kauai. Disturbing wildlife was not the problem...disturbing other humans was what led to their downfall. All the copy cat companies crowded in and sort of took over the river mouth where they launched. Understandably, locals who used the river for non-commercial activites were not pleased, as well as some commercial operators with bigger boats that had to travel twice as far to the Na Pali coast. Eventually, legislators shut em all down. Many of us were "rescued" by Clancy (Captain Zodiac). You could hail a one way ride out of the Valley if you got too tired to hike out, and he was known to pick up residents when there was flooding in Halalei. My friend broke an ankle and he gave her a free ride out. It was the best adventure, and I wish I could let him know we miss him!

We took Captain Andy's and loved it. It does not leave from the north shore though. The seas were very rough and LOTS of people on our trip got extremely seasick (even some who said they never get seasick). Fortunately we had heard in advance that this might be a problem, so we wore motion-sickness patches (Dr.'s prescription) and we were fine. I highly recommend either taking dramamine or wearing a patch -- and make sure that you use it a couple of hours before the boat leaves because by the time you're feeling queasy, it's too late for it to take effect.

The hike down is much more rewarding.
Why are we always in such a hurry?

When I went to Kauai a year ago with my sisters, we went on Blue Dolphin's morning Na Pali cruise. Good food, decent jokes, dolphins, and beautiful scenery...lots of photo ops. They stopped so we all could swim off the coast, which was a great experience. Liked it so much that I've booked my family on the same morning cruise when we are there this coming week. I've done the helicopter Na Pali tours and being in the boat was far better....much closer to the beautiful Na Pali coastline.

I've heard the Blue Dolphin sunset cruise is also outstanding. Maybe our next trip!!

Captain Andy's is very good. It leaves from the South Shore. I do not think any boats go out from the North Shore anymore. They had some problems awhile back as far as licensing is concerned. Loved Captain Andys. Went in October and it was not too rough.,

Thanks, everyone, for your responses! Does anyone else have any experience with any other companies?
Sadie

Sadie,
I used Na Pali Eco Adventures when I was there a couple of years ago. We left from Port Allen (the south shore) early in the morning & saw pods (?) & pods of dolphins. You can read more about their trips at their website www.napali.com (I chose them because they're a more environmentally aware group) Also, they mentioned that the day trips are more "bumpy" so if you get sea sick, the morning trip might be better for you. I particularly enjoy the bumpy rides, the bumpier the better I say!

My family also used Na Pali Eco Adventures, took the early morning trip, and everyone had a great time. Saw several large pods of dolphins that would swim right up to the boat. Fantastic scenery. Friendly and humerous staff. Good snorkeling. Able to go into one of the sea caves (they claim that the larger boats used by other outfits can't). I'd highly recommend them.

Dear Frank:

We are going to Kauai next week. We have two adults and three girls ages 23, 20, and 12. Are interested in Napali Cruise. How much did NaPaliEco Adventures cost? What was included and how long was the tour? Thanks for your help.

Topping for Ellen

Liko Kauai Cruises runs a great operation and provided us a great cruise up the Na Pali coast. Dolphins, great food, awesome scenery, fun snorkelling, and intersting guides. A cruise of the Na Pali coast is one of the best things to do on Kauai.

Tani, it appears Capt. Zodiac still works out of Port Allen. 826-9371. Several tour operators are listed on the following web page:

http://www.thisweek.com/kauai/activitiesList.html

The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook also has a list.

Boats do leave out of the N.S I suggest departing from here and not bumping into a million other boats on your journey. Captain Sundown is one name you can bring up other suggestions by doing an archive search on this topic

Liko! Liko! Liko! They have the smoothest ride (designed their own boat). Lunch was very good. They leave from the south shore but west of Port Allen around Waimea. The closest starting point for Napali coast. We went all the way up the coast to Kee Beach to snorkel (although they usually stop at a beach with more turtles but the water was not good that day). If you don't mind getting a bit wet sit on the very front with your feet hanging off! And the size of the boat allows them to enter the sea caves.

If you leave from the North Shore you stop at snorkle spots that are only accessible by boat. If you are on a small craft with a small number of people this is rewarding. You can drive to Kee beach and tunnels (turtle beach) he is referring to.

Went on Captain Sundown in Sept. It seems to be the only tour to still leave from North Shore. We took an outrigger out to the catamaran as they do have a rule about boarding the boats and where they can leave from. We enjoyed our trip very much. Small group of 16 or so. Lunch and drinks (soft). Crew was very fun. Lots of beautiful scenery. The crew told stories and answered questions the whole time.

There are three boats that leave from the North Shore and recently state legislations is paving the way for competitors. They all have to leave from a port to the right side of Hanalei bay so as to not inhibit beach swimming in Hanalei bay.

Have any idea what their names are or what type boats?