Niʻihau & Nāpali Coast Boat Tours

The Niʻihau & Nāpali Snorkel Expedition is our longest offshore adventure, taking you across the Kaulakahi Channel to snorkel near Lehua Crater near Niʻihau. You’ll travel aboard Holoholo, our custom-built 65-foot power catamaran designed specifically for crossing the open waters of the Kaulakahi Channel. It offers more time on the water, a more remote snorkeling experience in clearer water, and additional opportunities to encounter rare offshore marine life, such as false killer whales, rough-toothed dolphins, manta rays, and Hawaiian monk seals, creating a wildlife experience distinctly different from snorkeling along the Kauaʻi coast.

The Nāpali Coast Snorkel Excursion stays closer to Kauaʻi, combining snorkeling, sightseeing, and possible sailing into a shorter outing that’s a great fit for many visitors. You’ll be aboard Leila, a 50-foot motorized sailing catamaran designed and built right here on Kauaʻi. Leila also gives guests the chance to experience something increasingly rare on commercial tours in Hawaiʻi: real sailing along the Nāpali Coast.

Ocean conditions, such as wind and swell, are the primary factors that may lead to a cancellation or route adjustment. If conditions require a change to the route or experience, our Captain will clearly communicate this at check-in, and you’ll have the option to continue, reschedule, or receive a full refund.

If we cancel your tour due to weather, you will receive a full refund.

We do not cancel tours due to rain alone unless there are safety concerns, such as active lightning on the water. It’s common for it to be raining on land while conditions remain clear out on the water.

Safety is always our top priority. Ocean conditions in Hawaiʻi can change quickly, so our team continuously monitors forecasts and real-time conditions. If adjustments to the route or experience are needed, we believe in full transparency so you can make the best decision for your day.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is always here to help.

Yes—all snorkel gear is included at no additional cost.

We provide masks, snorkels, and fins for every guest, along with prescription masks for those who need corrective lenses (ranging from +1.5 to -7.0). We also carry snorkel equipment for kids.

Our goal is to make your experience easy and comfortable, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the water.

No, swimming with dolphins is not allowed. While Holoholo does not offer swimming with dolphins, seeing dolphins is very common, particularly on the morning tours.

It is illegal to approach or swim with dolphins under federal law, as these protections are in place to prevent disruption to their natural behaviors. While we love encountering dolphins on our tours, we observe them respectfully from a distance and never pursue them.

On rare occasions, if you are already in the water snorkeling and dolphins choose to approach you on their own, that can happen—but it’s entirely up to them.

We follow responsible wildlife viewing guidelines and are committed to protecting marine life. Respecting these boundaries helps ensure these incredible animals can thrive for generations to come.

Yes, all of our vessels are equipped with onboard restrooms. Our marine heads are compact but fully functional, providing what you need while out on the water.

If you’re prone to motion sickness—or unsure—it’s best to take preventative medication before your tour.

If you regularly experience severe seasickness, a Holoholo boat tour may not be the best fit.

Our tours take place in the open ocean, where conditions can vary and movement is part of the experience—even on calm days. While many guests manage well with preventive medication, it’s not guaranteed, and tours range from 3 to 7 hours, with no option to return early due to seasickness.

There are many over-the-counter and natural remedies available, and some should be taken a few hours in advance, so be sure to follow the directions. We also offer motion sickness remedies for purchase at check-in if needed.

If you begin to feel unwell during the tour, let our crew know right away—early intervention makes a big difference. We can help reposition you on the boat and provide items like ginger ale, crackers, and ginger candy to help ease symptoms.

To prepare, we recommend getting a good night’s rest and avoiding alcohol or acidic drinks (like coffee or orange juice) before your tour, as these can make symptoms worse.

Our cancellation policy depends on your group size. For parties of 9 or fewer, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for a full refund. For parties of 10 or more, we require 72 hours’ notice. Cancellations made outside of these timeframes will receive a full refund.

Within the cancellation window, reservations are non-refundable and charged in full.

If we cancel your tour due to weather, you will receive a full refund.

Ocean conditions, such as wind and swell, are the primary factors that may lead to a cancellation or route adjustment. If conditions require a change to the route or experience, our Captain will clearly communicate this at check-in, and you’ll have the option to continue, reschedule, or receive a full refund.

We do not cancel tours due to rain alone unless there are safety concerns, such as thunder and lightning. It’s common for it to be raining on land while conditions remain clear out on the water.

Our goal is to be transparent and give you the information you need to make the best decision for your day.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is always here to help.