Last time in Kauai, we took a catamaran tour of the Na’Pali coast, but my wife got a bit queasy. She did not want to go on any more boat rides in the Pacific Ocean. So, on our second full day in Kauai, my wife stayed at the resort and I had a bit of an adventure on my own. I chose the “super raft” at Captain J’s tours because it combines the speed of an inflatable with the comfort of proper seating and even a bathroom on board.

The boat holds 20 passengers and we all met at the company office in Eleele, where there is a small boat harbor. It took about 20 minutes to get to the parking lot from the Grand Hyatt and then it was about a five minute walk back to the office. At the office, we received a quick safety briefing (and a strong warning that this would be a rocky ride) before we walked down to the waiting boat.

We had two crew members assisting us and a few of their family members and friends along for the ride. As I was solo, I found the only other solo person and asked if they wanted to sit in the two front seats for an unobstructed view.

We set off around 7:45am and headed down the coast past an old sugar plant and some secluded beaches. Along the way, we ran into a pod of dolphins.

Eventually, we turned to the east and were alongside the Na’Pali Coast. We saw the famous Kalalau Beach where the 11-mile Kalalau Trail ends and some other amazing views.

Not only did the boat reach the Coast much more quickly than the catamaran, but it also allowed us to enter some of the sea caves along the way.

The weather was great so we went all the way to end of the Na’Pali Coast at Ke’e Beach and Ha’ena State Park where we stopped for an hour to snorkel or swim. I brought my rented snorkel gear with me and snorkeled the area.

After we got back in the boat there were snacks and soft drinks provided before we began our ride back to the harbor. On the way back, we stopped at a couple of waterfalls and caves.

The ride back was considerably rougher than the ride out as the waves get bigger throughout the day. This is not a tour for anyone with a bad back or bad neck as you will feel it.

We docked back at Eleele around 11:45am and saw some fish that a neighboring boat had caught.

I really enjoyed Captain J’s tour. It allowed for views of the entire coast and for snorkeling while remaining in relative comfort (not sitting on the side of a zodiac for four hours). I was able to pick up lunch in Koloa on the way back to the Grand Hyatt and be back by 12:30 or so to join my wife for the afternoon.

Up Next: Kauai Beaches and Hiking

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