Private Ni’ihau Snorkeling Boat Tour & Lehua Crater
Enjoy an epic day on the ocean traveling across the Kaulakahi channel to the mysterious, privately owned Island of Ni`ihau and adjacent Lehua Crater.
Often referred to as “The Forbidden Island”, Ni`ihau lies 18 miles to the west of Kaua’i and has a very small population. The island is restricted to only those of Native Hawaiian descent. Ni`ihau has its own dialect of the Hawaiian language and its own unique history and culture. It is known for its rare Ni`ihau Shell Lei which are hand picked and crafted by the talented artisans of the Island.
Our powerful and comfortable Super Raft is able to bring us across the channel in an exhilarating 45 minutes. Enjoy unobstructed views as we journey across the Kaulakahi channel to Ni`ihau and the wind-worn walls of Lehua Crater (a dormant volcanic cinder cone).
There is no limit to what we might see in the channel waters between Kauai and Ni’ihau. Our journey across the ocean may feature Pilot and Humpback Whales (seasonally) as well as native sea birds, Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and Hawaiian Monk Seals. We might even come across a Whale Shark.
Once there, we enjoy the most untouched snorkeling areas of clear blue water. While snorkeling you may encounter marine life including Hawaiian Monk Seals, Dolphins, Spotted Eagle Rays and an endless variety of colorful reef fish. As you take in breathtaking views and world-class photo opportunities, your friendly captain and crew will fill you in on the rich history of the area.
Read about the comforts and performance of our Super Rafts here.
Private Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour
Private Whale Watch Tour
What to 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. Snacks and beverages are provided. Guests should travel light and only pack what will be needed on board.
What You Need to Know
This is a private charter for up to 28 guests.
Please contact us directly for rates and availability at (808) 651-4502.
Weather:
Each of our tours is dependent on the weather in terms of what we can and cannot do. All tours, destinations, and snorkeling are dependent on weather conditions and at the captain’s discretion for safety.
If you are pregnant, have recently had surgery, or have back or neck injuries/issues, this is NOT the trip for you. Children 4 and up are welcome. All passengers must be able to walk onto the vessel unassisted. Please visit our FAQ section for more information. If you have questions about accessibility, please call us at (808) 651-4502.
Private Super Raft Charter
Check-in 45 minutes prior
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Includes: snorkeling gear, dry bag, snacks & beverages
*10% Early Booking Courtesy
*10% Military Courtesy
*Local Kama`aina Courtesy
Call (808) 651-4502 to Book
Private Super Raft Charter
Check-in 45 minutes prior
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Includes: snorkeling gear, dry bag, snacks & beverages
*10% Early Booking Courtesy
*10% Military Courtesy
*Local Kama`aina
Call to Book (808) 651-4502
Click the titles below to view our different private tours!
Private Ni’ihau Snorkeling Boat Tour & Lehua Crater
Enjoy an epic day on the ocean traveling across the Kaulakahi channel to the mysterious, privately owned Island of Ni`ihau and adjacent Lehua Crater.
Often referred to as “The Forbidden Island”, Ni`ihau lies 18 miles to the west of Kaua’i and has a very small population. The island is restricted to only those of Native Hawaiian descent. Ni`ihau has its own dialect of the Hawaiian language and its own unique history and culture. It is known for its rare Ni`ihau Shell Lei which are hand picked and crafted by the talented artisans of the Island.
Our powerful and comfortable Super Raft is able to bring us across the channel in an exhilarating 45 minutes. Enjoy unobstructed views as we journey across the Kaulakahi channel to Ni`ihau and the wind-worn walls of Lehua Crater (a dormant volcanic cinder cone).
There is no limit to what we might see in the channel waters between Kauai and Ni’ihau. Our journey across the ocean may feature Pilot and Humpback Whales (seasonally) as well as native sea birds, Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and Hawaiian Monk Seals. We might even come across a Whale Shark.
Once there, we enjoy the most untouched snorkeling areas of clear blue water. While snorkeling you may encounter marine life including Hawaiian Monk Seals, Dolphins, Spotted Eagle Rays and an endless variety of colorful reef fish. As you take in breathtaking views and world-class photo opportunities, your friendly captain and crew will fill you in on the rich history of the area.
Read about the comforts and performance of our Super Rafts here.
Private Na Pali Coast Snorkel Tour
Private Whale Watch Tour
What to 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. Snacks and beverages are provided. Guests should travel light and only pack what will be needed on board.
What You Need to Know
This is a private charter for up to 28 guests.
Please contact us directly for rates and availability at (808) 651-4502.
Snorkeling:
This is a snorkeling-focused tour and guests should be comfortable in the ocean and familiar with snorkeling equipment. 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 the captain and crew.
Weather:
Each of our tours is dependent on the weather in terms of what we can and cannot do. All tours, destinations, and snorkeling are dependent on weather conditions and at the captain’s discretion for safety.
If you are pregnant, have recently had surgery, or have back or neck injuries/issues, this is NOT the trip for you. Children 7 and up are welcome. All passengers must be able to walk onto the vessel unassisted. Please visit our FAQ section for more information. If you have questions about accessibility, please call us at (808) 651-4502.
Rave Reviews
Epic experiences on our Ni`ihau & Lehua Crater Snorkeling Tours
Picture Perfect Day!
” My friends and I had such an amazing trip to Ni’ihau with captain J. The boat ride was super smooth and the weather was perfect. We saw Dolphins, Humpback whales, Melon Head whales, Manta Rays, tons of fish, and big underwater arch ways and 300ft shelf drop offs. “
– Mel
Truly Epic adventure!!
” A Ni’ihau snorkel/dive was on my bucket list and I finally got there with Captain J’s! The channel crossing is no joke if there’s a swell, but the ride was very comfortable all things considered. When we arrived at Ni’inau, we saw monk seals, manta rays, and tons of birds. “
– Rebby
This Boat Flies!
” I had the pleasure of going to Ni`ihau on Captain Jʻs super raft. This boat flies and rides super smooth. The water around the island is tranquil and we snorkeled with resident monk seals. Great fun – a must while visiting Kauai! “
– Jack F