Kauai: Na Pali Coast (POLL)

inamra

Hi ladies, I need some help here We're going to Kauai in a week (yay!) for the first time and we were originally gonna go on the speed raft with the snorkel option. But now that I'm pg and heard that the raft is quite bumpy, we're considering other options. There's a kayak w/snorkel one that I'm even more interested in but I don't know how rough the waters are on the Na Pali Coast around now/end of Sept. Also, there's a catamaran option that's much calmer (I assume) than the other two options. I don't know if there are other options. For those who have done one or more of these options, I'd like to get your opinions on these Na Pali tours. Hm, maybe I can do a clicky poll for this. TIA for any suggestions!
[Poll]

lola808

I voted for the catamaran.  We went on the speed raft, and while it's amazing, I really don't think I'd want to chance it if I were pregnant.  It's a ROUGH ride and many hours long.  Women are very resilient, but I don't think it's worth the risk -- they specifically advise against the trip if you are pregnant.  The catamaran should offer the same types of gorgeous views and possibly snorkeling... you just can't do the beach landing or go in caves, which isn't that big of a deal.  Have fun!!!!

redshoegirl

I've never done any of these, but I voted for catamaran anyway. Mostly just because I like the word catamaran and I've always wanted to go on one.

lisakeiko

Although I've never done it, it's something that I would love to do someday!  Our friend did the catamaran and said it was one of the most amazing experiences ever.  She highly highly HIGHLY recommended we do it too. 

 

peachmango

I think if there is a chance that you're PG, then definitely the catamaran route.  That was pretty steady.  The cataraman company we used also stopped for lunch and snorkeling.  However, there was a lot of sediment kicked up that day due to rough waters so we didn't see much.

The waters on the Na Pali coast can definitely be rough.  So those inflatable rafts will probably be very bumpy.   

liubride510

Do the the snorkel/sunset dinner sail catermaran tour. MH and I did this on our honeymoon and it was great. The catemeran left in the afternoon, we wnt to the snorkel spot, then the tour section along the Na Pali coast explaining the history along the way. On the way back the captian put up the sails and served dinner and drinks. This occured around sunset. It was a really fun and relaxing day.

Amy4773

redshoegirl:

I've never done any of these, but I voted for catamaran anyway. Mostly just because I like the word catamaran and I've always wanted to go on one.

Ditto this!

I hiked the Napali Coast while we were there and it was A-MA-ZING.  If we go again, I'd go for the catamaran.

vanilla15

We did the catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast & it was beautiful, but bumpy.  I think that was more b/c there were huge storms coming in.  Our orginal tour was leaving out of Princeville, but it was cancelled due to the high seas, but they were still sailing out of the South so we were able to go.  Unusally rough weather, but even still not ridiculously bumpy.

beachbubbles

definitely the catamaran tour and i would most likely go on the early morning one or lunchtime one....some north swell have started showing up early this year and that could bump out the water....also winds tend to kick up end of day and make things bumpier hope that helps.....it is an amazing experience definitely not to be missed....re:  kayak tour i think it stops running after labor day weekend

meuwee

The catamaran was a great way to see the NaPali coast. Depending on when you go, the waters can get really choppy even on a catamaran. Since you're preggo, that's probably a better way to go then the raft.

inamra

Wow, 100% for the catamaran =P Dang, never did a poll with 100% results for one option! Well, that DEFINITELY helps with the decision then!

inamra

peachmango:

I think if there is a chance that you're PG, then definitely the catamaran route.  That was pretty steady.  The cataraman company we used also stopped for lunch and snorkeling.  However, there was a lot of sediment kicked up that day due to rough waters so we didn't see much.

The waters on the Na Pali coast can definitely be rough.  So those inflatable rafts will probably be very bumpy.   

Which company did you guys use? I'd love to do the snorkel