Napali Coast Snorkeling Tours

Once we have reached our snorkel destination on the Napali Coast, our experienced crew will prepare your gear. Instruction will be given about proper fit of mask, fin, and snorkel, as well as snorkeling techniques. We do not recommend snorkeling for those who do not know how to swim. For those who aren’t strong swimmers we have swim noodles available.

Masks range in sizes and shapes, as it is very important to have a well-fitting mask. All masks cover your eyes and nose, and include a mask strap to go around your head. If your mask does not fit well it will cause pain or leaks. The best way to test if a mask will work for you is to place the mask on your face, without the head strap on, and breathe in. If the mask stays in place it should be a good fit. Defog solution is available and should be applied before putting on your mask and entering the water. If you do not have perfect vision we do not recommend wearing contacts that can be easily lost in the water, instead we have correctable masks available in a variety of lens strengths.

We provide fins for all passengers and they are mandatory for Kauai snorkeling. Snorkeling fins are very efficient to help transmit your muscle power to the blade. They help you get the most out of your experience with minimal work. We have various sizes of fins and can easily help you find the best fit if you know your shoe size.

It is best to strip down to your bathing suit when ready to get in the water for snorkeling. T-shirts are fine if you wish to avoid the sun, but a better option are shirts that offer spf 50 or more which protects your skin much more effectively than a cotton t-shirt. These are available for purchase at our office or any local dive or surf shop. Sunscreen should be applied continuously during the entire tour, especially before getting in and after getting out of the water. We do not provide wetsuits on board as the water temperature in Hawaii is consistently around 75 degrees, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Snorkeling is fun and easy, can be learned quickly and is a great way to experience the underwater world. It is an activity that can be done by people of various ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities. It does require that you are able to swim and are comfortable in the water. With the proper equipment and technique you shouldn’t need much energy to stay afloat. The most important thing to remember is to relax, keep your breathing steady, be aware of your surroundings, and most importantly, have fun.

Snorkeling above a reef is the best opportunity to view the most marine life. Most reefs were built by tiny coral polyps secreting layer upon layer of calcium, gradually building up the reef. The outer layer of the coral is actually alive and very sharp, so you should avoid touching the reef.

Snorkeling may not be a good idea for those with physical or medical conditions that may make their participation unsafe. Anyone with a strong fear of the ocean or ocean animals should evaluate for themselves if they should attempt to snorkel. If seasickness or fatigue is prevalent, those passengers may not be able to snorkel.

For those who do not know how to swim, this is not the place to learn. If you have never snorkeled before, we recommend you practice at a life-guarded beach first, most people are more comfortable learning to snorkel in shallow water. Most snorkel locations we visit are in the open ocean and are usually 10-20 feet deep. Any passengers who choose not to snorkel are encouraged to stay aboard the vessel where they can relax in the shade and take in the Napali Coast.