Interesting Na Pali Facts
Photos of Kauai dolphins taken by Na Pali Explorer staff and visitors
 

Spinner Dolphins
Spinner Dolphins have a reputation for being friendly and playful… but they are wild animals who should be treated with caution and respect.

"Spinners" are named for their magnificent mid-air spins. They feed at night and rest during the day so early morning is the best time to see them.

See you on the Na Pali coast!

We appreciate our guests taking the time to add their comments to our Guest Book.

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We took the Explorer 1 boat ride on Tuesday, June 28th with Captain Sean and we had the greatest time ever! We were on our honeymoon and visited 3 islands, but this was our favorite event by far! The boat ride was exciting and so much fun and it was awesome to see the gorgeous and breathtaking scenery of the Napali coast...we will spread the word. A big Aloha and Mahalo to Capt. Sean...and we have to disagree that he doesn't like looking at himself =)
Alissa & Beto Mojica
Moreno Valley, CA USA

My sister Mary, husband Hal and I traveled to Na Pali with Captain Tara and Kim on Sunday, June 19th, 2005. As per usual, neither the day nor the captain disappointed us. Tara is awesome and her enthusiasm for the wildlife (the spinners seem to know her by name!) and knowledge of the area never ceases to amaze us. We had a wonderful day riding the waters and viewing all of the beauty your lovely island had to offer these weary commuters from land-locked Northern Virgina. We know that Tara will always provide us a great adventure. See you next year. Mahalo!
Kathy Ryman
Lansdowne, VA USA

It's easy to make claims and promises in the ads- harder to live up to them, as we have found many times. We visited in July 2005, ocean conditions a little rough but sky glorious. Saw turtles, rays, dolphins, flying fish and some of the most awesome scenery on earth (usually framed by rainbows). Crew exceptional, boat fabulous (Exp. II), trip unforgetable. These guy's really do get it right- every claim fulfilled and then some. I highly recommend them if you want a trully memorable trip and an experience of a lifetime! A word of advice- leave the camera and buy the DVD. The pitcures will be better and you don't have to worry about your equipment or wondering if you got that last spectacular shot, they did. This was the highlight of our Kauai trip and one of the greatest adventures we have had. Looking forward to a return for whales in the future.
Gary, Sharon, & Josh
Erwin, TN USA

AWESOME! A word my 10-year old couldn't stop using the entire day of our adventure with Captain Rob (the Skipper) and First Mate Jason (Gilligan)! We ventured out on one of your first tours of the 2006 season and even as Winter was upon us the Na Pali Coast was not shut down for business. We snorkeled in the calmer waters under a sunny sky in 80 degree weather before heading straight into the head winds on our way to the get an up-close and personal look at the spectacular Cliffs, graceful Waterfalls, and remote Caves. As advertised, we experienced everything and so much more! From our own personal Hawaiian Monk Seal stopping by the side of the boat to wish us well on our journey to watching Sea Turtles sunbathing on the beaches while winding down our awesome day with a spectacular acrobatic show of the migrating humpback whales � all expertly choreographed by our Crew, no doubt! Our Crew and You Support Staff, like the tour, are Uniquely Top Notch!
Debbie & Alec
Basking Ridge, NJ

As good as the first time we booked this tour. Sean and Michelle were the bomb! See you in 2 years. Mahalo
Seth McLean
Illinois

My parents, husband, and I came out February 12th, 2006 to do the 5 1/2 hour NaPali coast tour. We had an amazing time! The staff was very professional from start to end, catering to our every needs. Our captain was VERY knowledgeable and explained everything we saw with complete reverence to the "Mana" of all Hawaii's creatures, land and waters. Lunch was yummy, and the ride was a blast! As the manager of a watersports company on Oahu, I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kaua'i. Mahalo and A hui hou!
Anissa Gunther
Kailua, Hawaii

We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something adventurous. Touring the Na Pali shoreline was the most fun I've had since I was a teenager. Snorkling was the best part of the trip. I never thought I would love being under the water. The sea life is so beautiful you forget about the world above.
Diane and Osasa Osasa
Burlington, Vermont

On a scale of 1 to 10 of perfect days, the day we spent with you was a 10. Other than seeing a mermaid, I cannot imagine anything more perfect. The weather and ocean were perfect. The whales and spinner dolphins were almost close enough to reach out and touch. The boat felt safe and secure and the crew and captain were delightful to spend the day with as well as knowledgeable and respectful of the spirituality of the coast and sea life. I hope that everyone that signs on has as great a day as the seven of us who were aboard. You helped create memories that will last a lifetime.
Marilyn Senders
North Wales, PA

Early on the morning of August 24, 2006, we began a two-week celeration of our 31st anniversary and took the honeymoon that we never had the time or money to take so many years ago by taking a marvelous trip on the Napali Explorer I with Captain Sean and first mate Daryl! The journey began at the office in Waimea being greeted by a delightful young woman (Christine, I believe) who had a smile that lit up the entire day. The slide show from our personal voyage is one of our most treasuered memories. If you have been to Kauai and haven't spent a morning on the Napali Explorer I and experienced the magic and splendor of the Napali Coast then you HAVE NOT been to Kauai!! If we are ever lucky enough to return to the Garden Isle, we will consider another trip with Na Pali Explorer to be our top priority. Thanks to you all for being a part of a very special day in our lives!!! Pete and Debbie Peters
Pete Peters
Challis, Idaho

A boat ride is just a boat ride. Add a crazy and fun, safety conscious, knowledgeable crew: here insert Captn. Sean and his merry crew Daryl, a bunch of fellow travelers wanting to share in the wild fun and now the boat ride is a fabulous roller coaster ride full of Hawaiian beauty that is the Na Pali coast and the wildlife therein. Not the crew (beauty that is). A trip on the Na pali Explorer I on August 23rd, 2006, was a highlight of our trip to Kauai this summer. We were treated to a visit by two pods of Dolphins with their young, a sea turtle without its front flipper(shark appetiser), a monk seal lounging on the beach, and a myriad of water life. Also the tour of the ancient Hawaiian village with narration by first mate Daryl was an interesting aside before the beach luncheon and snorkle adventure. This trip will be a "must do" the next time we visit the Garden Isle. Aloha and Mahalo to the crew Sean and Dayrl and company that is the Na Pali Explorer
Michael & Leah Hopper
Phoenix, AZ

We are seasoned Hawaii travelers, over 50 trips to the islands among us. This day trip this morning on the Explorer II with Captain Tara and Jason was magnificent! Their hospitality and knowledge is unmatched in comparison to any tour, trip, dive, snorkel, day trip, ANYTHING we have experienced here. Both are educated & experienced. Tara's patience and thoroughness in her explainations of the culture, history and geology and marine biology of the island of Kaua'i was unbelievable. Jason is magnificent. He knows enough about the culture and history and happenings on Kaua'i, past and present that we felt like we had a personal tour guide with these two! I recommend you going on the Explorer II (it does provide shade & a head where Explorer I does not). Keep up the great work on your boat Tara & Jason! We will continue to recommend you & come back again & again! Gabrielle, Patrick & Brittany from North County San Diego Gabrielle92026@aol.com
Gabrielle,Patrick&Brittany
Escondido, CA

Captain Tara is the bomb. Not only does she know everything about your island, she is an marine biologist and an expert at getting that boat through any hidden cave.....And, she's a JERSEY GIRL! She took us places that we thought a boat couldn't fit into. We saw at least 80-100 dolphins that day, had a Naval fly over by 3 Sea Harriers and a massive C-130 cargo plane. Your island is so beautiful, it truly is a paradise. Aloha and Mahalo.
Joey G
Montclair, NJ

We went on the Na Pali snorkeling trip on August 20, 2006. Captain Rob did an exceptional job as our captain and tour guide! His enthusiasm for the trip was almost as if he was seeing the sights for the first time. We were amazed by the scenery and dolphins that we saw on the ride. This was by far our favorite adventure on Kaua'i!
Gayle and Jon Sigmon
Hanover, PA

My family and I took the NaPali Coast tour on August 16, 2006. We went with Captain Tara, Jason, and Brooks. This was the highlight of our vacation. We truly enjoyed our tour and appreciated all of Captain Tara's knowledge and the Crew's sense of humor. This was a great trip and we have recommended your services to friends and family planning vacations in Kauai. Thanks again for the great time and keep up the good work. Love and Best Wishes, Jennifer Kincannon from Texas
Jennifer Kincannon
West Columbia, Tx

We visited Kauai on our honeymoon and took the Na Pali Explorer trip and had an amazing time. The crew was friendly and helpful and clearly love what they do. They knew so much about the coastline and were eager to share their knowledge. The scenery was beautiful, there is no better way to see it! This was by far our favorite part of our Hawaiian honeymoon. Thanks for an unforgetable trip!!
Barrie and Austin
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

I can't say enough about this trip. I went into it it very high expectations and hopes and both were succeeded. Captain Tara was so fun and knowledgeable she made the trip even better. The Napali Coast is amazing, it was like being in a different world altogether. Thank you so much Captain Tara and crew, I hope we'll be seeing you again next year!
Autumn Rau
Laguna Hills, CA

I had so much fun on the boat! It was so much fun snorkeling and seeing all the mountains, waterfalls, and caves. I did a lot of fun stuff while i was visiting Kauai, but [the] Na Pali was one of my favorites! The only bad part was that it rained on us for a little while and it felt like hail, but it [soon] stopped and I had a lot of fun. I forgot my [captain's] name, but he was really nice because while it was raining, he give me a rain coat. Then, on the way back, he was going to let me drive--but I didn't want to! Mahalo for such a great trip!
Nicole

We took the explorer II on the 13th of July with Rob, Justin and Sean as our crew. Between the sites, the speed and which we traveled and how well versed these guys were on the coast line - we could not have asked for anything more! The trip was amazing. We felt very comfortable, as well as safe, with these guys and their knowledge of the water & land. We'll do it again next time we're in town - and tell all our friends about it. We were so amazed by the landscape that we actually went and hiked the trail into kalalau valley on the pihea trail 2 days later, and saw the explorer II go whizzing by! Mahalo!
Michael & Michelle Warganz
Brooklyn, NY

Na Pali Explorer was THE highlight of our Hawaiian experience! Thank you so VERY much for making our trip absolutely fabulous!!!
Katherine Nelson
Palmdale, CA

We in New Zealand take pride from tourists comments about the beauty of our Country, however there is nothing in New Zealand that can be compared with the awsome beauty of the Na Pali Coast of Kauia. The exciting boatride comlimented by the friendly, knowlegable and competant crew make this trip one of a lifetime. An unforgettable experience that provides me with flasbacks of a truly magnificent day. Apart from numerous sightings of spinner dolphins and one of a whale one of the best memories of the trip was time spent swimming within the warm clear waters of the magnificent Cathedral Cave. Thank you Explorer One for the much appreciated experience.
Trevor Hughes
Auckland, NZ

Awsome! Awsome! Awsome! I have been to the Grand Canyon and rate this as good or better. We took the trip on Jun 17, 2006. We do a lot of cruises in the Carribbean and consider this trip to the Na Pali coast the best excursion ever. The crew was great! Got to see lots of fish while snorkeling. The cliffs and valleys are awe inspiring. We will be back!!!
Tom and Nancy Molinaro
Washington, Pa.

Justin and Michelle were great tour guides, boat drivers, and everything else today on our adventure of the Na Pali coast. They should lead all the time! Thanks so much again for a wonderful few hours seeing Kauai from a different perspective.
Ilise and Dan
San Francisco, CA

We took the tour on May 23, 2006 on the Explorer II. Captain Rob & Maurice were outstanding. The sights spectacular. The snorkeling was a little disappointing as there were very few fish where we were anchored. Overall a very memorable & enjoyable trip and we will definitely plan on this again when we revisit Kauai. A must do & see.
Carol & Pete Bissonette
Baldwinsville, NY

We took the 5 hour snorkeling tour and had a wonderful experience. The crew was exceptional with their knowledge and stories of the area. My family and I had a great trip and want to express our thanks to the crew of the Explorer II on 5/28/2006 for a great day!!!! John/Nancy Kohlerman and family(Portia,Nathan,&Nicholas).
John & Nancy Kohlerman
Scottsdale,Az

We had the ride of our lives in May, 2006 on an Explorer boat adventure up the Na Pali Coastline. After being on a cruiseship, we hesitated to do any boat excursions, but I'm glad we didn't pass this one up! In my opinion, we had the best seats in the house, on the sides of the boat--better than any water park or log flume, for sure! In addition to dolphins, sea turtles and a mother and baby seal, we had the pleasure of seeing one of the last whales before its trip to Alaska. Although our cruise ship passed by the coastline on our way out of port, there was nothing like seeing it up close and personal, especially the sea caves. Thanks to the Captain and his shipmates for a great time!
William & Beth Blanck
Brewster, NY

It was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. We saw tons of fish, sea turtles, seals, and even a white tip reef shark. You get to see parts of Kaui most tourists never get see.
John Haddock
Bountiful, UT

On our NCL cruise of the islands we participated in the Na Pali Explorer excursion. We tend to shy away from organized excursions, but I really wanted to see this coastline. I must say we had a great time. Although there was a couple on the boat with us who were extremely rude and contrary, the adventure was spectacular. We saw a whale breach, the dolphins swam beside the boat, we saw Monk seal and the green turtles were abundant. Captain Tara was great! I learned a lot and I was very impressed with the whole experience. I will strongly recommend you to everyone I know and I look forward to returning one day to your beautiful Garden Island. BTW, we returned to the other side of the coastline the next morning and hiked the trail for about a mile or so; it was magnificent! Thanks for a great day and great memories!
Nancy Weber
Broken Arrow, OK

The Crew was Great Robert and David were Knowledgeable and Funny!!! They show you the Na Pali Cost like you have never seen before. On the way to the Cost we saw an impromptu Show by Spinner Dolphins. (Right next to the boat) The Boat which they say holds 44 only had 13 guest signed up which made the day even better The water was a little murky which left a lot to be desired in terms of Snorkeling. Not the crew’s fault just potluck. All in all the Ride was as smooth as any Captain could make it and the Sights are like nothing you will ever see anywhere else in the world. Highly recommend this tour if you don’t mind getting a little wet want to see Live Sea Creatures up close and personal and see the most amazing cost in the World!!! Thanks for such a great time P.S. The pictures that you can buy on CD are well worth the Value as well Erick and Jennifer Mauro
Erick and jennifer Mauro
Massapequa NY

I absolutely LOVED it. Captain Terra and crew were the greatest! They deserve a raise!
Toni Stanley
Vinita, OK

We booked the Na Pali Explorer trip as a special experience for our family while on a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands in January 2006. Imagine our disappointment when we arrived in the port of Kauai only to find it bucketing with rain. As it turned out, the weather at Na Pali was a stark contrast to other parts of the island and we were treated to an incredible day of awe-inspiring scenery and spectacular snorkeling in crystal blue waters. Although the water was a little rough, we all felt safe in the capable hands of Capt Tara who gave us an utterly thrilling Na Pali adventure. Definitely, one of the highlights of our trip, the Napali Explorer is a must-do experience!!
Rod & Leonie Thomsen
Gold Coast, Qld, Australia

Three weeks have passed since I boarded the Na Pali Explorer II. And I cannot fathom a length a time that will allow me to forget the splendor and majesty of Kauai and its Na-Pali Coast. I send thanks to Captain Rob, along with Justin and Jason, for showing to my family and me the land where God left his finger prints.
Steve
Columbus, Oh

Having spent my childhood summers on Kauai, I never grow tired of experiencing the beauty and marine life along the Na Pali Coast. Capt. Sean and Justin were absolutely great! I always recommend people visiting Kauai to experience the magic of this coast as I will continue to do as well. Sean and Justin - we will request you as our crew on our next trip to Na Pali Coast! Mahalo Nui Loa, Jodie and Tom
Jodie and Tom Pellerin
Mission Viejo, CA