Marine Excursions

The "veggie vessels" that are owned by this tour company work in cooperation with local restaurants. The same oil that is used to cook a meal one night might be used to cruise to the reef the next morning. Daytime snorkeling excursions visit the dolphins, explore the caves, and tour the coral reefs. Evening sightseeing tours usually coincide with the sunset. The captains and tour guides are well trained in environmental awareness.

The three specialized sections of this company provide visitors with a complete look around the island of Kauai. Kauai Mountain Tours offers four-wheel-drive tours and hiking excursions around Palii-Kona Forest Reserve and Koke'e Park. Kauai Backroads goes where no tour company has gone before, trekking around private property and bumpy back roads. SeaFun Kauai provides tourists with the opportunity to snorkel the top spots off the Kauai coast. Take one tour or all three. The photo ops are endless.

Commended by the U.S. Coast Guard for its high standards, this charter company provides a variety of sailing tours off the coast of Kauai. Sunset cruises, whale watches, full-day cruises along the Na Pali coast and numerous snorkel excursions are offered. The cruises range from two to six hours and take place aboard motor-powered sailboats. The most popular excursion is a seven-hour trip to the Forbidden Isle of Ni'ihau. The two main vessels are approved for 99 passengers, although only 49 passengers are aboard at one time. Check website for details.

Cruise the magnificent Na Pali coast in one of two impressive, perfectly maintained yachts. Snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, whale-watching tours and other excursions are available. These activities range from three-and-a-half to seven hours and are appropriate for all ages. Whales, snorkels and dolphins aside, the Na Pali cliffs are reason enough to make the sea journey. Towering hundreds of feet below sea level, they are a breathtaking sight and a must-see for any visitors to Kauai.

The aim of Captain Andy and his stalwart crew is to ensure that each guest has the maximum amount of fun. People who want to cruise and play will probably be more than happy with the Captain's itinerary. Sunset sails, whale watches, day cruises and half-day sailing adventures are offered. All of them provide the opportunity to spot whales (in season), spinner dolphins or other beloved Hawaiian marine denizens. Day cruises offer a buffet lunch; evening cruises include cocktails.

Awarded five stars by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), this center bills itself as "Kauai's most progressive and complete" scuba dive facility. Progressive it certainly is; it offers the widely publicized and very controversial new fuel known as Nitrox. Two dive boats run continuously each day, carrying small groups of divers to several sites off Kauai. Favorite attractions include the Sheraton Caverns and Koloa Landing. Instructional courses from introductory to advanced are also offered; instructor certification is available. Equipment is available to rent or buy.

There are very few ways to visit the island of Ni'ihau, otherwise known as the Forbidden Island. This is one of a select few companies that can bring non-natives onto the shores of the Hawaiians only island. It also offers luxury snorkel tours, whale watches, sunset cruises and private charters. While these excursions cannot quite offer the mystique of the Ni'ihau adventure, tourists might still be won over by the protected cabins and the free-flowing beer and wine. Motor and sail cruises are offered.

There are many ways to see the sea off the shore of Kauai, and this company aims to cover all of the options. Raft tours, whale watches, catamaran cruises and first-class day tours are offered. Depending on the excursion, guests can snorkel just off the shore, get up close to larger marine life, enjoy buffet dining aboard the Lucky Lady, or visit an ancient Hawaiian village. Catamaran cruises are appropriate for everyone; raft expeditions are suited for hardier folks.

Kayaking is big in Hawaii. The perfect combination of exercise, adventure and sightseeing, this adventure appeals to all ages. Kayaking Hanalei cannot be beat. The famous bay is a vision of clear blue water and stunning mountain scenery, while the river figures heavily in Hawaiian history. The morning tour lasts four hours and includes snorkeling and lunch. The afternoon tour lasts three hours and traverses the Hanalei River. Call to reserve a seat.

The presence of native Hawaiian tour guides adds an element to these tours that you cannot find elsewhere. In addition to gaining knowledge about the ecology and current situation in Kaua'i, participants in these excursions also gain insight into Hawaii's past. The ship captains, all native Hawaiians, share Hawaiian legends, natural history and familial anecdotes with passengers. The tours venture along the Na Pali coastline, home to sea caves and spinner dolphins, whales and waterfalls.

Owned and operated by the former owners of Z-Tour-Z, this company offers the same high-powered excursions along Na Pali Coast. If conditions permit, five-hour excursions along the coast depart twice daily. The vessels are motor-powered inflatable rafts, known to provide a fast, exhilarating ride. Passengers can get prime views of whales and other marine life, and one segment of the tour actually goes inside several sea caves. Lunch and snorkeling are also included in every excursion package. Call for more information.

This company knows all the best spots and stays open all year round. It offers a number of shore and boat dives, night dives and other special excursions. Braver spirits will want to try a shark dive, while less fearless folk may opt to dive with sea turtles. Lava tubes and other remnants of ancient volcanic activity provide myriad places for advanced divers to explore. This company caters more to advanced divers. It can set you up with accommodations upon request.

Improbable as it seems, this company's large white vans seem to get to every valley, vista, waterfall and lookout point in Kauai. Tours visit such landmarks as Waimea Canyon in Kokee State Park, the Menehune Fishpond, Spouting Horn and Hanapepe Towne. Tours range from two hours to a full day. Schedules are available on its Web site or at any activity desk. Polynesian Adventure Tours also operates on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.

This company offers dive tours off the South Shore in Kaua'i as well as the mysterious isle of Niihau. Experienced divers can explore caves, walls and more; beginners can become comfortable in warm waters populated with hundreds of tropical fish and even the occasional sea turtle. Training and certification courses are offered as well as introductory dives. A children's program for ages 5-12 was recently introduced. Snorkel and scuba gear can be rented or purchased.

Sport fishing is one of the favorite sports for visitors to Hawaii. This company is very popular with experienced fishermen, thanks to its skillful, experienced crew, its state-of-the-art craft and its excellent track record. Giants of the sea, weighing in at well more than 100 pounds, have been caught several times. Tuna, spearfish, wahoo and many other kinds of fish flourish in the waters off Kauai. Half-day rates start at $95 per person or $475 to charter the boat.

Cast away in style aboard this charter company's tricked-out 55-foot fishing boat. Named the Konane Star, it is one of the best-known charter vessels on the island. Passengers regularly catch ahi, marlin and mahi mahi. The boat is outfitted with all manner of luxuries, from hot showers to a microwave to a television and VCR. Prices start at $99 per person for a half-day shared excursion. As with the vast majority of local fishing charters, it is customary for the crew on this boat to keep the catch. Reservation is essential.

Enjoy an adventure in the sparkling blue waters off the southern shore of Kauai. The craft is a speedy 24-foot Zodiac raft with a hard hull. Besides the fast-paced marine journey, passengers can enjoy an open-water snorkel. There are plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures. Lunch and refreshments are provided. The three-hour trip departs from the South Side harbor located right near Spouting Horn. Admission: Adults: USD94, Children(5-12 years) USD84.