Kauai Ocean Activities & Tours
Snorkeling the Remote Coast of Kauai is a Must-Do!
Best Ocean Activities On Kauai
Experience snorkeling, sailing, mountain tubing, and more
Discover all the best ocean activities in Kauai. With only a ninety-mile shoreline, Kauai has more beaches per mile than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. The island also boasts the Nā Pali Coast, a fifteen-mile strip of majestic sea cliffs, exclusive snorkeling, and brilliant seascapes. And roughly eighteen miles off the coast of Nā Pali sits Hawaii’s “forbidden island,” Ni’ihau. Between the two islands lies a variety of vibrant, healthy reef life, rarely encountered.
Experience the emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic sea caves the Garden Isle is known for, sailing along the dramatic cliffs of Kauai’s coast. Then dive in and swim among colorful fish and sea turtles. Or cruise the remote channel of the Nā Pali and Ni’ihau, and jump in for the rare experience of snorkeling the shores of Hawaii’s forbidden island.
Best Kauai Ocean Tours
Though Kauai is popularly known for its tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and red-dirt canyon, exploring the island’s clear turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and remote coastline are activities you will not want to miss.
Kauai Snorkeling Tours
Kauai is famous for itʻs snorkeling areas. Go up the Na Pali coast or out to secluded and forbidden Niihau for a snorkel adventure you will talk about for years. Also, see some of the best coral structures in all of Hawaii.
-
Niʻihau And Na Pali Boat Tour
Cruise along the majestic Napali Coast. Cross the channel to Niʻihau. Snorkel the pristine waters of the Forbidden Island. Breakfast & lunch are... More
- 7 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- Breakfast & Deli Lunch, Soft Drinks & Snacks
- Snorkel Off The Forbidden Niihau Isle
- 2nd Snorkeling Spot On Napali Coast
6 likes -
Nā Pali Snorkel And Sailing
Join us for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing along the coast of Nā Pali. The Nā Pali Snorkel & Sailing adventure is an incredible... More
- 5 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- Breakfast & Deli Lunch, Soft Drinks & Snacks
- Sail and Snorkel the Napili Coast
- 50 Ft. Sailing Catamaran, Food and Drink
5 likes -
Guided South Shore Snorkeling Tour
See local marine life on this boatless snorkel tour.... More
- 2 Hrs. Snorkeling Tour at 3417 Poipu Road, Suite 105
- Guide, Food, Drinks and All Equipment Included
- Swim with Hawaiian Marine Life
- Family-Friendly Boatless Snorkel Tour. Ages 5+
3 likes -
Kauai South Island Boat Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the Kauai Coast and see Hawaiian marine life up close.... More
- 3 Hrs. Snorkeling Tour at 3417 Poipu Road, Suite 105
- Guide, Snacks, Drinks and All Equipment Included
- Visit 2 Excellent Snorkel Sites
- Family-Friendly Snorkel Tour. Ages 5+
5 likes -
Napali Coast Rafting and Snorkeling
This is an unforgettable snorkeling experience – a swift boat trip up Kauai's Na Pali Coast and a great snorkeling spot. These waters are teeming with... More
- Explore the Sea Caves
- Family-Friendly, Snorkel Gear Included
- Incredible Views from the Boat and in the Water
- 5-hour Tour
6 likes
Kauai Cruises & Watersports Tours
Paddle, cruise, or tube on the “garden isle”. We encourage you to get into the water and have some fun. Check out some of the unique tours to Kauai like Moutain Tubing, river kayaking, and fern grotto too!
-
Mountain Tubing On Kauai
The Gently Flowing Waters, Beautiful Scenery, Slides, And Tunnels Combined For A Relaxing, Fun, And Fascinating Experience. Go Tubing On Kauai Today.... More
- 3 Hrs. From Lihue
- Food, Drinks and All Required Equipment Included
- Enjoy Tubing Down Historic Canals
- Family-Friendly Tubing Experience, Ages 5+
23 likes -
Wailua River Kayak and Hiking Tour
Paddle the magnificent Wailua River where the first Hawaiians arrived from the Marquesas Islands almost 1,500 years ago and hike to a waterfall. Book... More
- 5 Hrs. Kayak & Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rental & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Provied, Lunch Included, Unforgetable Jungle Adventure
- Family-Friendly, Ages 5+, Two Departures Daily
9 likes -
Secret Falls Kayak Tour
Adventure through lush jungles and ancient and sacred areas, see amazing waterfalls and swim in Kauai's secret falls. The kayak experience of a... More
- 4.5 Hrs. Kayak and Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rentlal, Required Gear & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Included, Lunch Provided, Amazing Jungle Adventure
- 2 Tours Daily, Family Friendly, Ages 5+
14 likes -
Nā Pali Sunset Cruise or Sail
Take a beautiful cruise along the Na Pali coastline on Kauai at Sunset. Choose your boat to sail or cruise on a catamaran. See the options now.... More
- 3.5-4 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- 3-Course Dinner & Alcoholic Drinks
- Gorgeous Napali Coast Sunset Cruise
- Choose A Sailing Or Power Catamaran
10 likes -
Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Have fun and learn to surf in this 2-person private lesson.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons at Poipu Beach
- Instructor and All Equipment Provided
- A Great Way for Couples To Learn To Surf
- A 2-Person Private Surf Lesson
0 likes -
Kids Private Surf Lesson
Let us teach your kids to surf in paradise.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons At Kauai Surf School
- Equipment And Instructor Included
- Kids Learn To Surf!
- Child-Oriented Surfing Lessons
0 likes
All Kauai Ocean Activities
We have a lot of great ocean activities, and we are adding more all the time. So check back before your vacation and ask us about private experiences and other great ocean activities you want to do in Hawaii.
-
Fern Grotto Cruise
Explore Wailua River on a specially designed river boat with live entertainment up to a cave dubbed "Fern Grotto".... More
- 80 Min. Wailua River Cruise In Kapaa
- Live Music and Entertainment
- Enjoy Sailing the Wailua River and Explore Fern Grotto
- Family Friendly Wailua River Cruise
13 likes -
Mountain Tubing On Kauai
The Gently Flowing Waters, Beautiful Scenery, Slides, And Tunnels Combined For A Relaxing, Fun, And Fascinating Experience. Go Tubing On Kauai Today.... More
- 3 Hrs. From Lihue
- Food, Drinks and All Required Equipment Included
- Enjoy Tubing Down Historic Canals
- Family-Friendly Tubing Experience, Ages 5+
23 likes -
Wailua River Kayak and Hiking Tour
Paddle the magnificent Wailua River where the first Hawaiians arrived from the Marquesas Islands almost 1,500 years ago and hike to a waterfall. Book... More
- 5 Hrs. Kayak & Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rental & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Provied, Lunch Included, Unforgetable Jungle Adventure
- Family-Friendly, Ages 5+, Two Departures Daily
9 likes -
Nā Pali Sunset Cruise or Sail
Take a beautiful cruise along the Na Pali coastline on Kauai at Sunset. Choose your boat to sail or cruise on a catamaran. See the options now.... More
- 3.5-4 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- 3-Course Dinner & Alcoholic Drinks
- Gorgeous Napali Coast Sunset Cruise
- Choose A Sailing Or Power Catamaran
10 likes -
Secret Falls Kayak Tour
Adventure through lush jungles and ancient and sacred areas, see amazing waterfalls and swim in Kauai's secret falls. The kayak experience of a... More
- 4.5 Hrs. Kayak and Hike on Wailua River
- Includes Kayak Rentlal, Required Gear & Picnic Lunch
- Equipment Included, Lunch Provided, Amazing Jungle Adventure
- 2 Tours Daily, Family Friendly, Ages 5+
14 likes -
Niʻihau And Na Pali Boat Tour
Cruise along the majestic Napali Coast. Cross the channel to Niʻihau. Snorkel the pristine waters of the Forbidden Island. Breakfast & lunch are... More
- 7 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- Breakfast & Deli Lunch, Soft Drinks & Snacks
- Snorkel Off The Forbidden Niihau Isle
- 2nd Snorkeling Spot On Napali Coast
6 likes -
Nā Pali Snorkel And Sailing
Join us for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing along the coast of Nā Pali. The Nā Pali Snorkel & Sailing adventure is an incredible... More
- 5 Hrs. From Port Allen, South Kauai
- Breakfast & Deli Lunch, Soft Drinks & Snacks
- Sail and Snorkel the Napili Coast
- 50 Ft. Sailing Catamaran, Food and Drink
5 likes -
Private Surf Lesson in Kauai
Have fun and learn to surf in this 1-on-1 private surf lesson.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons at Poipu Beach
- Instructor and All Equipment Provided
- Receive 1-On-1 Private Surf Training
- Private Surf Lessons
0 likes -
Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Have fun and learn to surf in this 2-person private lesson.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons at Poipu Beach
- Instructor and All Equipment Provided
- A Great Way for Couples To Learn To Surf
- A 2-Person Private Surf Lesson
0 likes -
Kids Private Surf Lesson
Let us teach your kids to surf in paradise.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons At Kauai Surf School
- Equipment And Instructor Included
- Kids Learn To Surf!
- Child-Oriented Surfing Lessons
0 likes -
Private Surf Lesson
Learn to surf in paradise, taught by a pro!... More
- 1.5 Hrs. At Kauai Surf School
- Equipment And Instructor Included
- Learn To Ride The Wild Surf
- Family-Friendly Surf Lessons
0 likes -
Guided South Shore Snorkeling Tour
See local marine life on this boatless snorkel tour.... More
- 2 Hrs. Snorkeling Tour at 3417 Poipu Road, Suite 105
- Guide, Food, Drinks and All Equipment Included
- Swim with Hawaiian Marine Life
- Family-Friendly Boatless Snorkel Tour. Ages 5+
3 likes -
Kauai South Island Boat Snorkel Tour
Snorkel the Kauai Coast and see Hawaiian marine life up close.... More
- 3 Hrs. Snorkeling Tour at 3417 Poipu Road, Suite 105
- Guide, Snacks, Drinks and All Equipment Included
- Visit 2 Excellent Snorkel Sites
- Family-Friendly Snorkel Tour. Ages 5+
5 likes -
Group Surf Lesson
Learn to surf with us in this fun small group class.... More
- 1.5 Hrs. Surf Lessons at Poipu Beach
- Instructor and All Equipment Provided
- Learn To Surf in A Small Group Of 4
- Family-Friendly Surf Lessons
0 likes -
Napali Coast Rafting and Snorkeling
This is an unforgettable snorkeling experience – a swift boat trip up Kauai's Na Pali Coast and a great snorkeling spot. These waters are teeming with... More
- Explore the Sea Caves
- Family-Friendly, Snorkel Gear Included
- Incredible Views from the Boat and in the Water
- 5-hour Tour
6 likes
Kauai Ocean Activity FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kauai for ocean activities?
The best time to visit Kauai for ocean activities is during the summer months (May to September) when the weather is typically warm and dry. However, you can enjoy various activities year-round, with winter months offering more challenging surfing conditions.
What are some of the best snorkeling spots in Kauai?
Kauai has numerous snorkeling spots, but some of the most popular include:
- Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) – known for its diverse marine life and expansive coral reefs
- Ke’e Beach – located at the end of the North Shore, with calm waters and abundant marine life
- Poipu Beach – a family-friendly spot with clear water and a variety of tropical fish
- Anini Beach – a protected beach with shallow waters, perfect for beginners
- Lydgate Beach Park – a safe, enclosed area with lifeguards, great for families
What are the top surfing spots in Kauai?
Kauai is home to world-class surfing spots. Some of the best include:
- Hanalei Bay – North Shore’s crown jewel with a variety of breaks for all skill levels
- Kalapaki Beach – a great spot for beginners with mellow waves and surf schools
- Poipu Beach – featuring multiple breaks for varying skill levels
- Kalihiwai Bay – an uncrowded spot with powerful waves, suitable for experienced surfers
- Pakala Beach (Infinities) – a long left-hand break known for its long rides, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers
What safety tips should I follow while participating in ocean activities in Kauai?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow these safety tips:
- Always check the weather and ocean conditions before participating in any ocean activity.
- Pay attention to warning signs and posted beach conditions.
- Swim and snorkel in lifeguarded areas, and never venture out alone.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the delicate marine ecosystem.
- Observe and respect marine life, maintaining a safe distance from sea creatures.
- Be aware of rip currents and learn how to escape them safely.
- For beginner surfers, consider taking a lesson from a reputable surf school.
Are there any restrictions on ocean activities in Kauai?
Some areas may have restrictions on certain ocean activities to protect the environment or for safety reasons. For example, touching or standing on coral reefs is strictly prohibited, as it damages the fragile ecosystem. Additionally, some beaches may have specific rules or restrictions posted, so be sure to check for signage and follow the guidelines.
Hawaii Tours delivers experiences. Book Hawaii better by going with locals who treat you like ohana.
- Free Cancellations & Easy Refunds
Full cash or credit refunds on every experience.
- Custom Vacation Packages & Tours
Specializing in all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages for groups of all sizes.
- Best Experiences & Value Guarantee Guests share great reviews about our top-rated local travel team.
- Be Part Of The Ohana (family)
Support sustainable operations, communities, & families like yours.
- 24/7 Guest Services & Support
1-808-379-3701
- Be Treated Like You Are Ohana
See how Aloha truly feels when you travel with us.
- On-Island Managers, Guides & Owners
Travel in style and comfort across Oahu, Maui, Kauai & Hawaii Islands
- No Interest Payment Plans
Pay over time with no risk to you.
- Open Daily 5:00am to 9:00pm, HST