I am looking for some snorkeling tours that are on the North Shore of Kauai. Can anyone recommend one. Also, anyone had any experience with the snorkel tour with Captian Zodiac on the South Shore? Thanks.

In Sept we took Captain Sundown from the north shore. First you paddle out to the catamaran in an outrigger and then you sail out of the bay and south to a snorkel location. The crew was great and very knowledgeable. Lots of snacks drinks and sandwiches for lunch. There was a covered area for those who wanted to get out of the sun. We did some real sailing as opposed to using the engine the whole time. Only 16 guests allowed and taking the outrigger back to shore was great when you caught a wave and "surfed" in!

I have done Captain Sundown and sent family members on a small motor boat (company I forget). The drawl back with Sundown is the price. I paid $80 two years ago, he was $135 in 01. The 16 person boat was only $80 in 01. The smaller boats also make there way closer to the coast and caves than the catarmaran (sp). Catamaran is quieter, slower but somehow IMHO a gentle experience.

I suspect that Captain Zodiac will be back along with others this summer. There was a recent court ruling on Kauai that alowed the boats to do business as long as they left from one particular beach area. I just don't know if that involved only the three business already leaving out of N.S or if this brings other boats that use to be on NS. I remember Zodiac being on the N.S in the mid ninties.

looking over your email most of the boat tours I know on NS do some snorkeling but the bulk of the day is about sailing/boating

Does anyone know if Captian Sundown has a web site? Does anyone have the phone #? Thanks.

Here's the website for Captain Sundown. We did not pay the prices that Sarah paid when we went in September. I can't recall what we paid, seems like there was an internet price that we got. Again we went in September 01. Not too many visitors to Hawaii at that time. http://www.captainsundown.com/index.html

on the Sundown website the charges are listed as $130 (6 hourse)for the morning trip and $90 (3 hours)or the afternoon trip.

Sue -

Do you really think you need a snorkeling tour? We always chuckle at the people who pay $60+ for a snorkel trip where they are taken by vans to a place they could drive to, go in the water and simply snorkel. Even if this is a new experience to you, it is not a difficult thing to do. Purchase one of the good Kauai handbooks, which will point out the "best" snorkeling in Kauai as well as give the directions. One big spot that "tours" are always given is Lawai Beach, adjacent to the Beach House restaurant in the Poipu area. It is safe there, and you can easily do yourself. This goes for the North Shore as well. Even if you are not a great swimmer, you can snorkel and even rent a flotation vest if if makes you feel more comfortable. It just seems rather senseless to spend good bucks on a tour when you can do it yourself. You can rent gear or purchase at home at very reasonable prices. Just a thought.

The tour we went on was not strictly snorkeling. It was the Napali sail which takes you from the north down the coast past terrain you would not see otherwise as there are no roads that traverse this area. The snorkeling was just an added beneift. Incidentally, unlike many catamarans doing this trip we actually sailed. Some companies put up a sail but then run the motor the entire trip. This is not sailing.

I would not take a van trip to a snorkeling location that can be reached with your rental car. Like Jim says this would just be a waste.

Jim I can't voug for Hawaii but I know in the red sea dive boats to take you to more special and secluded spots. I would always tag along and snorkle. I would think tours calling themself snorkle cruses would do the same. Hawaii Waters are not safe at every turn either you need to know where the safe beaches are, how to read the currents and pick put rip tides.