Nā Pali Riders FAQs

Our raft (aka “Seabiscuit”) is made by the maker Zodiac®. Zodiac® is known in the boating industry for exceptional quality and safety and is utilized in military and industrial operations including the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy SEALS. When deciding on the brand of raft to represent Na Pali Riders, there was no question that Zodiac® would be our choice for passenger comfort and safety.

The Zodiac© raft makes for a wild, sometimes fast, and rough ride. Due to the nature of the Nā Pali Raft & Snorkel Adventure, you must be ready to experience ADVENTURE ON THE SEAS! You must be in good physical condition to attend this expedition. We cannot accommodate pregnant women, anyone with back or neck problems, medical conditions or recent surgeries.

Tours depart from Kikiaola Harbor in Waimea (West Side of Kauai). This is Kauai’s closest harbor to Nā Pali Coast. We get there faster than tours that leave from Port Allen, and take you all the way to Ke’e Beach which is the official end of the Nā Pali Coast.

4 hours long.

The morning tours have better ocean conditions and more wildlife encounters. Afternoon tours will be more bumpy since the winds pick up later in the day.

Yes, we stop to snorkel on all of our tours (conditions permitting). Snorkeling time is between 30-45 minutes. Snorkeling is optional and all snorkel gear/equipment is included.

Yes, we can get into the famous sea caves of Na Pali Coast (conditions permitting) with our type of raft.

No, due to safety and visibility reasons.

No, we do not provide this service.

No. The raft is an open vessel so there is no private restroom on board.

Wear comfortable clothing. You will be barefoot on the tour, unless you wear water booties. If you are concerned about being chilly, you may wish to bring a light jacket for the morning. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a camera, sunglasses, and a hat. If it’s “chilly” in the morning you may want a light jacket.

Yes. Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours.

You must call 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour date/time for a full refund. There are no refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of your tour, or if you decide not to show up.

In Kaua’i, rain is always in our forecast and we generally do not let it bother us. After all, we’re going on real adventures! However, we do take into account heavy rains, high winds, and dangerous surf conditions. If the weather and/or surf is unsafe for any reason, the tour will be cancelled or postponed. You will be notified the evening prior to your tour if there are changes due to weather.