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Na Pali Riders

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BeTheBuddha
BeTheBuddha
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3 out of 5
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NaPali Riders

  • August 8, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by BeTheBuddha from Los Angeles, California
NaPali Riders

www.napaliriders.com

There are many companies that'll take you up the beautiful NaPali coast off of Kauai. The prices vary greatly and as I was on a budget I went for one of the least expensive ones. NaPali Riders is a small operation that runs out of Kalaheo/Waimea while most run out of Port Allen. Once you sign in and pay (if you didn’t pre-pay), everyone gets back in their cars and convoys over to the dock where your 30-ft.Zodiac Rigid-Hull Inflatable Raft awaits you. If you’re not sure what a Zodiac is, it’s an inflatable lightweight boat constructed with its sides and bow made of flexible tubes containing pressurised gas.

As you are in a zodiac and not a catamaran or larger boat, NaPali Riders is able manoeuvred into a couple sea caves (provided the waters are not overly choppy). The ride is a wild one (take Dramamine if you get sea sick) – it’s like a roller coaster ride from the point of departure to the first scenic overlook. Calmer ride is in the back of the boat and they usually put the kids and teens in the front of the boat where they’ll get wet and have a crazy ride – though everyone will eventually get wet.

It’s quite a site and your "cruise director" will point out various spots where major films were shot. Last stop is the snorkeling in a bright blue reef. I didn’t see too many fish, but I didn’t stay in that long.

Excursion includes about a half hour of snorkeling – you can bring your own gear or they will supply it for you. Fee is under $100 and includes light snacks.

Go with the earlier tours as you're more likely to see dolphins, sea turtles and the like when the waters aren't overcrowded with boats.

Fee does not include gratuities, but tips are always welcome.

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