Frequently Asked Questions

Even though Hawaii has relatively stable weather year round, ocean conditions change drastically between winter and summer.

In the summer the waves are smaller compared to winter, so snorkeling and sea caves become a part of our tour.

In the winter, the waves are much larger which turns the adventure level up a notch. Due to warm seasonal rains, the coast is greener and even more beautiful. In addition, during the winter months seasonal humpback whales and dolphins make arrival in Hawaiian waters (Dec 16th-March 31st consistently).

First and foremost, raft tours are not for everyone so we are glad you are reading into this. This is not a cruise but a “ride” and we need that to be very clear to all of our passengers. The advantages to touring Na Pali on a Zodiac raft are plentiful but make no mistake, this is for the adventuresome and physically fit/able only. A list of the physical restrictions/requirements/guidelines is shown below, and then again on the bookings page.

1. No pregnant woman allowed onboard
2. For summer, no children under 6 years old unless the tour is private, in which case please call us to discuss your options at (808) 635-7238. Our Winter Na Pali Tour has a minimum age of 8 years old. Our winter Whale Watch tour has a minimum age of 4 years old.
3. No bad backs, necks, or joint issues
4. No heart issues or recent surgeries of any type
5. Need to have the core and arm strength to literally hold onto the side of the Zodiac raft and keep yourself from falling out

Also, if you are allergic to getting wet, please stay as far away from this tour as you can. We are a high speed raft adventure that jumps, skips, and splashes our way over to the wettest spot in the world. In addition, we usually swim or snorkel at some point during the tour. There is nearly a 100% chance that you will get completely soaked from head to toe! (but donʻt worry, we have dry bags for your camera gear).

Rather than being on a slow, boring, and crowded catamaran (cattle-maran), rafts enable you to have fun even while in transit because the ride itself is a blast. If you are in good physical shape, pass our screening process, and love adventure, this should be the highlight of your vacation here on Kauaʻi.

Rafts tours in the winter offer unobstructed views of the coastline, dolphins, and whales and an exhilarating ride.

Rafts in the summer allow for sea cave exploration and snorkel opportunities due to our rafts small size and agility.

Check-in time for our Na Pali Winter Raft Adventure is at 8am sharp and returns approximately at 12:30-1:00pm.

Check-in time for our Na Pali Summer Raft Adventure is at 9 a.m. sharp and returns approximately at 2-2:30pm.

Yes, and we like you! From ship to boat, you’re our kind of people!

Different ships arrive at different times so it will be up to you to choose one of our tours that fits into your ship’s schedule. Usually, the ships are only on Kaua’i for a day or two. With such a narrow window, we highly recommend reserving your tour far in advance.

Note: The small harbor that we use (Kikiaola) near Na Pali Coast is an hour’s drive away from the large harbor (Nawiliwili) used for the cruise ships. Taxis are usually readily available but we recommend prearranging your ride before your arrival to Kaua’i. Renting your own car is also an option which might be cheaper and more practical.

Sorry, we do not offer transportation services.

Adult price for our SUMMER Na Pali tour is $145 + tax and our child price is $125 + tax (12 and under). Private tours are $1740 for your own private boat, captain, and crew and holds up to 14 passengers.

For our WINTER Na Pali tour, we only offer private charters (up to 14 pax). The cost for a private charter in the winter months is $1499 + tax.

For our WINTER Whale Watch tour, we only offer private charters as well (up to 14 pax). The cost for our 2.5-3 hour Private Whale Watch tour is $899 + tax.

Yes we do! Our Summer private tour is $1740, our Winter private tour is $1499, and our Winter Whale Watch tour is $899.

On our Summer tour, children’s price is $125 per child (12 and under).

On our Winter tours, we offer private boat tours only and the boat price is the same regardless of passenger ages.

Yes, we do. The lowest age we accept on our shared Summer raft tour is 6 years old. Any younger would require a buy out of the entire boat. The cost for a private tour is $1740 + tax.

For our private Winter tours, the minimum age for our Private Whale Watch is 4 years old and the minimum age for our Private Na Pali Winter Adventure is 8 years old.

Snorkeling is generally only possible in the summer on our Sea Cave and Snorkel tour, but we are prepared year round (just in case). In the winter, large surf along Na Pali typically prevents us from snorkeling.

Note: When conditions don’t allow for snorkeling, we can usually find a calm area around the corner from Na Pali, generally with a sand bottom that is perfect for swimming.

Yes! For our Summer tours that include snorkeling, everything is included and provided onboard upon arrival at our snorkel spot for the day. We receive a lot of positive comments about our snorkel gear. You will be impressed with the quality and cleanliness of our equipment. Everything is onboard at your disposal. Masks with comfort straps, defogger, fins, life-vests, and even inflatable snorkel-vests.

Due to the limited space on our rafts, we recommend bringing only what you can fit into the dry bags that we provide for you. With that said, your own mask/snorkel would be fine but fins should be left behind. Thank you in advance for understanding.

Yes, we do! We have child-size masks, snorkels, life-vests, and fins on board at all times.

We do have some prescription masks on board but it is hard to stock every corrective lens for every different face. Our advice is if you know you will be needing a special lens mask, go to a snorkel shop like Seasport Divers and try on a few different options until you find the perfect mask. Consider our onboard prescription masks as more of a backup.

Yes and No. We have life-vests on board at all times but you don’t have to wear them unless you are 12 or under.

Before boarding our boat you will be given a dry bag for all of your electronics and towels. These bags are air and water tight so long as they are sealed properly. Your captain will make announcements throughout the tour when it is safe to remove your electronics from your bag. It is important to understand that whenever your camera is out of the bag it is at risk. Ideally, we recommend playing it safe and bringing a waterproof camera. A waterproof camera will also be beneficial for your snorkel experience.

Dry Bag = A sealable bag that is completely waterproof submergible if closed and sealed properly. Each bag is large enough for a couple of towels and a camera.

Absolutely, we do. Follow these simple steps to greatly reduce your odds of motion sickness. One of the most important tips is to get a good nightʻs sleep before your tour. Also, be careful of what you eat 24 hours before your tour. Ideally, you want to be on a lighter stomach, eating only simple and bland foods. If you are known for having motion sickness issues, pick up a box of Bonine over the counter at any local grocery store. Be sure to take a Bonine pill the night before as well as the morning of your tour. This will ensure the medication is well activated within your system. Some people also like to wear the wristbands.  Once onboard, we have a few more tips if needed, however, at that point itʻs best to not think about becoming seasick and just enjoy the ride.

For your information, contrary to common belief, smaller boats with faster, exciting rides drastically decrease your chances of becoming seasick. Slower, larger, smooth rolling vessels are much more likely to induce motion sickness. This is why you probably never heard of anyone getting seasick on a jetski. With that said, the type of boat Na Pali Pirates uses is probably the least likely boat on the coast to get anyone sick. If you get sick with us, consider yourself very sensitive.

We accept credit cards and cash only.

Note: A credit card is needed to place a reservation. Your card will be charged immediately after you reserve. Your email confirmation will be your receipt. If you decide to pay cash, please bring the cash on the day of your tour and we will refund your card on the spot. If your plans change, our cancellation policy is very lenient. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before your tour departure and there is absolutely zero penalty. However, cancel within 48 hours of your tour departure for any reason and there is a 100% penalty charge including tax. In other words, please don’t back out on us at the last minute. Travel insurance is highly recommended in case of the event of a last minute cancellation. Travel insurance covers airfare as well as tours like ours. Mahalo!

Yes, of course, we can do that for you. If you have already reserved a tour with us, please call us at (808) 635-7238 and we can split payment in your reservation.  If you are yet to reserve a tour with us, often times the easiest way is to reserve independently online for the same tour at the same time. However, you may also call us at 808 635 7238 with all the credit cards in hand and reserve as a group.

The moment you reserve a tour with us your card will be charged. Our cancellation policy is very lenient. Cancel anytime up to 48 hours before your tour departure and there is absolutely zero penalty. However, cancel within 48 hours of your tour departure for any reason and there is a 100% penalty charge including tax. In other words, please don’t back out on us at the last minute. Travel insurance is highly recommended in case of the event of a last minute cancellation. Travel insurance covers airfare as well as tours like ours. Mahalo!

Our customer cancellation policy is 48 hours. You may cancel your reservation with us anytime up to 48 hours from your scheduled tour departure time with ZERO penalty; once within 48 hours of your scheduled departure time, there is a 100% penalty charge including tax. If you are the type to make last minute cancellations, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance so that you are covered regardless. Travel insurance covers airfare as well as tours like ours. Mahalo for understanding.

If we cancel for any reason, there is no charge to anyone. Full refunds are issued on the spot without the need to call us. Emails with all the refund details will be sent out for your records. As always, feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns. (808)635-7238.

Na Pali Pirates does offer Gift Cards, the perfect gift for those visiting Kauai. Click on the button below to purchase a Na Pali Pirates gift card.