Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF OCEAN TOURING ON A SUPER RAFT?
Our 37’ NAIAD Kauai Voyager I super raft, built in 2020, was so impressive, we ordered another one. Captain J’s now has two NAIAD Super Rafts (Voyager 1 and 2) offering more space and comfort than any other zodiac or raft on Kaua’i. Our tour guests enjoy individual seating and comfort comparable to a larger catamaran while also experiencing the maneuverability and speed required to access the NaPali Coast’s smaller sea caves and waterfalls. A fully equipped restroom on board also alleviates a common concern with this style of boat, while wrap-around safety rails enhance this versatile craft to make it safer for everyone. A sturdy swim ladder enhances the snorkel tour experience with safe entry and exit from the water. There truly is no better way for the adventurous soul to experience the NaPali Coast than from one of Captain J’s luxury rafts.
IS THIS KAUAI BOAT TOUR SUITABLE FOR ANYONE? (RESTRICTIONS)
Although our Super Rafts do offer a smooth, comfortable, and mostly dry ride, it should still be understood that our boat tours bring you into the rugged Na Pali Coast, where things can and do get exciting. Guests with the following conditions are not allowed on our tours for safety reasons:
· If you are pregnant
· If you have a heart condition
· If you have back or neck issues
· If you have had a recent surgery
· If you have issues with your balance
· Infants and children under 7 years old
All passengers must be able to walk onto the vessel unassisted. If you have questions about accessibility or if you are unsure about your suitability for our Kauai boat tours, please give us a call at (808) 651-4502.
No full-face snorkel masks are allowed on our tours for safety reasons.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
In the unfortunate event that a cancellation is necessary, we require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice of cancellation or rescheduling from the check-in time of your scheduled tour, (48 hours 1-4 passengers; 72 hours 5-9 passengers; 7 days 10+ passengers; 30 days for private charters). “No Shows” and reservations canceled within the cancellation period will be assessed the full fare charge.
WHEN DO I NEED TO ARRIVE FOR CHECK-IN?
Check-in starts 45 minutes prior to listed departure times, and all guests must arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to departure, to allow time for the captain to provide a necessary safety briefing and a short walk to the harbor.
Please be mindful, Kauai is a rural island, and there are frequent and on-going construction, tree trimming, utility work, and unforeseen delays are common when traveling around the island. Always allow more time than you think, we don’t want you to miss your tour!
WHAT TIME WILL WE DEPART AND RETURN FROM THE TOUR?
- Our morning boat tour leaves at 7:30am (check in 45 minutes prior) and returns around 12:30pm.
- Our afternoon Na Pali boat tour leaves at 1:30pm (check in 45 minutes prior) and returns around 6:30pm.
- We offer two time slots for our whale watching tours (Winter months). The first leaves the harbor at 1:15pm (check in 45 minutes prior). The second leaves the harbor at 3:45pm (check in 45 minutes prior).
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
Kauai Offshore Adventures has parking located in the large gravel parking lot across from Port Allen Sunset Bar & Grill. Please park your vehicle on the right side (Harbor side) of this parking lot. For check in, please meet us at our retail location, look for the colored flags hanging from the awning and the sign for Captain J’s Kauai Offshore Adventures at 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 4B.
WHERE DO I CHECK IN?
Check in is at our retail/gallery located at the Port Allen Marina Center at 4353 Waialo Road Unit 4B in Eleele.
We are in the first building next to Kauai Sea Tours. Please park your vehicle in the designated gravel lot at the bottom of the marina center prior to checking in. Make sure to bring all necessary items for your tour with you.
WHAT IS PROVIDED ON BOARD?
Each guest will be provided a 10 LITER dry bag for their belongings. Space is always limited on boats so please ensure you bring only what clothing articles, medications and personal effects you will need. Also included is a full set of snorkel gear and fins for each guest participating in our snorkel adventure, although personal fins and masks are welcome. Light snacks (energy bars, sweets treats, trail mix), as well as ice cold seltzer water, tropical juices, Gatorade and bottled water, are provided. All portions are individual sizes. This is an action-packed eco-adventure tour and not a booze cruise. We encourage you to participate in and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience with a clear mind.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
All guests are provided with a 10 Liter dry bag which has ample space for a towel, photography equipment, mobile phones, sunscreen and other small equipment or necessary medications. Other than what may fit in this dry bag, guests should travel light and only pack what they believe will be needed on board.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
All guests should wear shoes that can be easily removed and left in the dock bin, such as slippers/flip flops. Guests should be dressed with the expectation of getting wet, this means boardshorts and swim trunks for men and bathing suits for women as well as any other T-shirt/bottoms etc. that you don’t mind getting wet.
ARE LIFE VESTS PROVIDED?
Emergency life vests are available for each person on the vessel, including captain and deckhand. These life vests are for emergency use only, not to be worn during the tour and will only be issued should an emergency occur. If you require a vest for personal use for the duration of the tour, you must provide your own. We have child vests (up to 12 years of age, size and weight restrictions apply) available at check-in, these can be worn for the tour duration.
WHAT ABOUT WEATHER?
Safety is our number one priority. Tours will only commence if weather conditions are safe. Please keep in mind, we are in the open Pacific Ocean, and safe does not mean calmest conditions. Safe means the captain can safely maneuver the vessel through the current wind patterns, wave swells, and rainfall. We will never operate if it is unsafe to do so. Weather patterns vary by the hour on Kauai, and we are constantly monitoring all conditions. Please do not let the rain stop you, rainy days create incredible waterfalls, rainbows, and lush mountains Kauai is known for! Afterall, we are The Garden Island!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH THE NAPALI COAST
After departing from Port Allen harbor, we will be full speed ahead for just over a half an hour before reaching the beginning of the Na Pali Coast State Park. This stretch of our adventure takes us past the Robinson Estate, Waimea River Valley, 12 miles of largely open white sand beaches ending at Polihale and the gateway to the Napali Coast. This area is also frequented by pods of Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins. You will also find yourself exhilarated by the full power of the Kaua’i Voyager I super-raft.
WILL WE GO ON LAND DURING OUR NIIHAU TOUR?
Niihau is privately owned and is restricted to only those of Native Hawaiian descent. Although we can venture anywhere along the coast of this remote island, we are not permitted to go on land. The tour will explore the reefs and features of the amazing Lehua atoll to the north of Niihau as well as the Eastern face of the island. Also on our Niihau tours, the captain will have the freedom to explore any part of the island that he deems fit based on the weather and will be sure to give you the best adventure possible!
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE TOURS?
Yes! For inquiries regarding a private tour which would reserve our entire 28-passenger raft, please contact (808) 651-4502.
WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN ON BOARD?
- Our vessel is fully inspected and certified by the Coast Guard.
- Life vests for each guest
- Two full sized life rafts which can be quickly deployed in the case of an emergency
- Our captains and crew are well trained and CPR/First Aid certified
- A safety briefing is given before each tour to ensure that everyone understands how to fully enjoy their adventure in the safest way possible.
WHAT IF I GET SEASICK?
Our tours are the smoothest available and seasickness is uncommon, but the far reaches of the Na Pali Coast can still be a bumpy ride. Guests who are concerned with seasickness should take a medication recommended by their physician as directed.
WILL I NEED TO SWIM ON THE TOUR?
On our Niihau and Napali snorkel tours, we will be stopping to snorkel and swim during the tour. At this time, we invite you to get in the water and enjoy. Guests who would prefer not to swim are welcome to stay on the raft and relax!
WHAT IF I CANNOT SWIM?
Knowing how to swim is not required for passage onto the vessel. However, the ability to swim is required for all guests entering the water. To swim and/or snorkel you must be a proficient swimmer, and comfortable in open ocean conditions. This policy is for the safety of all our guests and crew.
CAN I BRING MY OWN SNORKEL GEAR?
Yes you are more than welcome to bring your own gear! However full face snorkel masks are not permitted on board our vessel due to safety. Full face snorkel masks can prevent the user from communicating with captain and crew.
WHAT IF WE DON'T SNORKEL?
Snorkeling on the NaPali Coast tours is a bonus, and we love it, however, Mother Nature decides what we do. There are days the weather or water conditions don’t allow us to snorkel. Safety is a priority, and we do not put our guests and crew at risk.
The captain makes the final decision with safety in mind. In the event, we cannot snorkel, we spend more time cruising along the beautiful NaPali coastline, which is the highlight and focus of your tour.
IS GRATUITY INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE?
We strive to exceed expectations, and anticipate everyone having a fantastic, epic super raft adventure with us! Gratuity is not included in the tour price and is customary in this industry and always appreciated.
IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON BOARD?
Coast Guard regulations and for the comfort of all our guests require us to prohibit smoking of any kind (cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaping, etc.,) aboard our vessel.
CAN I BRING A DRONE ONBOARD?
Drones are not allowed on our tours as it is against the law without the proper permits.
WHAT IS THE SOUTH SHORE REROUTE?
During the wintertime, massive northern swells will sometimes make the Na Pali Coast or Niihau inaccessible. Generally, the south shore of Kaua’i enjoys pristine conditions during these occasions and is an amazing boating destination. If the weather is suitable, we may reroute the tour to head southward to Kipu Kai, a beautiful and remote bay with excellent snorkeling. We will let you know in advance if the tour will be rerouted, in which case you are welcome to reschedule or receive a refund. However, guests greatly enjoy their adventure along the Southern Coast and the high probability of seeing humpback whales during the winter months so we recommend that you give it a go should this become our weather option!
DOES KAUAI OFFSHORE ADVENTURES PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO THE HARBOR?
Unfortunately, we do not offer transportation at this time. While there is ample parking at the harbor, each company appreciates your efforts in finding properly allocated parking from which you may visit our retail location. From here, passengers will be escorted on a short 200 meter walk down to the boat and back again. If reaching the harbor is a concern, please look into transportation services offered by your hotel or resort. Transportation arrangements should be considered and made ahead of time.
WHAT IF THERE IS A LANGUAGE BARRIER?
We do our best to make everyone comfortable and feel safe. It is important for guests to understand the English language proficiently for safety. The captain and deckhand must be able to communicate effectively with all guests, and all guests must be able to communicate in response. All guests must be able to comprehend the safety briefing, rules of the vessel, and abide by all safety measures on the vessel, in the ocean, and always take direction from the captain and deckhand.
WILL I BE REFUNDED FOR NOT SNORKELING OR GETTING INTO THE SEA CAVES?
The ability to enter sea caves and snorkel or swim is 100% dependent on weather and ocean conditions, which we cannot control and does not constitute a refund. We are still providing a grand NaPali Coast adventure!
DO WE TRULY LOVE WHAT WE DO?
Absolutely and it shows! Captain J is a seasoned waterman, a legendary fisherman and a long-time Island resident with a wealth of historical and cultural knowledge of the Island. He has years of experience creating unique ocean adventures for his customers and friends. Captain J and his professional team will ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment on Kauai’s fastest and most comfortable super raft.
Our reservations line is available from 6:30am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 6:30am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, Hawaii Time.