Na Pali Sail with Captain Sundown

This Napali coast tour was terrific! Captain Bob and Nick were first rate. The catamaran handles the waves with ease and was able to get in tight to the coast line for closeups of the caves. We set the sails on the return trip and made good time under wind power.
The snorkeling spot they took us to was great, large variety of fish!
BTW, this was my second Napali Coast tour and it was definitely the best.

We were extremely pleased with the Na’pali coast boat tour. Captain Larry and Nick did an excellent job of making us feel safe and comfortable. They let us know everything we needed to know and had an easy-​going manner. Nick explained what we were seeing as we travelled down the coast. You could tell that he wanted to share what he knew about the island, which I appreciated.
I would highly recommend this company.

It is a great trip to enjoy the magnificent scene with a small group of people. Highly recommended.

Where to even begin? I’ve been coming to Kauai for 14 years and have never done a Napali coast sail (though I’ve hiked it numerous times). My husband picked this boat to do our first sail and man, IT. WAS. AWESOME!!! Saw a turtle heading out of Hanalei Bay and a pod of spinner dolphins dancing under our nets as we made our way to open water and the coast. The water was so clear we could see to the bottom in 80 – 90′ deep water. Captain Larry and his First Mate Nick were the best guides ever and made the trip both educational and SUPER fun (thanks guys!!!). Snorkeled in a private cove and saw some huge fish and more turtles… a once in a lifetime experience. Great food and beverages, accompanied by the most beautiful scenery in Kauai. So glad we finally took the initiative and did this. Cannot recommend enough!!!

My husband and I recently got married on this boat! It was absolutely amazing! Captain Sundown’s entire crew from the business office to the captain to the mate were outstanding! They were so professional in making sure that our day was perfect! They were organized! They were reasonably priced for a private charter! The boat was clean and beautiful! I really cannot say enough positive comments about this group! I would recommend them to anyone for a private charter or a group sail! I really believe you won’t be disappointed! They were so accommodating and the crew managed to be the perfect balance of easy going yet professional! Thank you Bob, Larry, Nick and Portia for a day we will never ever forget! Thank you Larry & Nick for the extra time at sea! Thank you for being flexible and willing to work with us to make it the perfect sailboat wedding! You even managed to find us a pod of dolphins for the beginning of our ceremony! We hope to make it a routine event to jump off the bow of your boat in celebration of our love for years to come!

What an awesome trip! We joined the crew of Captain Sundown for a 6 hour tour of the Na Pali Coast the first week in April. It was their second sail of the season, with a fresh crew, but you’d never know it. No kinks, no apologies, no shortcuts. Just a great time for all. The catamaran was beautiful, and impeccably maintained. In talking with the captain, they go so far as to replace their Honda outboard motors annually, just to make sure they stay as quiet and unobtrusive as possible. The snorkeling gear was also new, clean, and plentiful. They brought out a big bowl of freshly cut pineapple and blood oranges once we set sail, which added to the enjoyment. Captain Larry had an eagle eye, spotting whales, seals, and turtles along the way.
We found their two new crew members to be especially helpful and courteous. Their years of experience kayaking the Na Pali coast gave them great insights into what was cool, interesting, and noteworthy. There was a willingness to share their knowledge, and experiences in Kauai, both personally, and professionally, which we really appreciated.
We also liked the fact that it was a small group– about 14 people, and we never felt crowded. We freely moved around the boat, enjoying the trampolines up front, the cushioned front and side seats with great views of the coast, and the cabin which provided shelter, and a safe dry place for personal items, and for those who’d had enough wind and water for one day.
If you’re deciding on whether or not to book a trip up the Na Pali coast, I would say, do it. The trip isn’t cheap for a family of four, but nothing in Kauai is. For some perspective, it costs less per person than a round of golf in Princeville.
If you’re deciding between a this, and a smaller boat, I’d say they both have advantages. The smaller boats can enter some of the caves, which this one can’t. But, the smaller boats seem to hang closer to shore, whereas we sailed North about a mile from shore which gave us a great perspective on the island, and then we hugged the shoreline as we motored South on our return, giving us a great view of the rugged coastline, waterfalls, beaches, and hikers making their way along the Na Pali trail.
For my family, there was no substitute for sailing the open water, mast overhead, and listening to the sails snap in the wind while we stretched out on the trampoline and watched the waves pass a foot below. Would we make the same choice if we were to do it over? Absolutely.

Spectacular trip on a great boat with great people.
My wife and I just returned from our 6 hr sail with Captain Larry (Bob’s son and now captain of the boat) and his new hand Nick. We have taken snorkel trips in the Keys, the Caribbean, Central America, and in other locations in the Hawaiian Islands in the past. This was hands down the best trip we’ve done.
Pros
— Our trip out to the snorkel area was almost a 2 hour sail. To get to see the Na Pali coast with nothing but the sound of the wind and some great conversation was truly a treat.
— The catamaran holds up to 17 or 18, but we had 15 on our trip, which allowed everyone a little more space on deck. The boat was custom designed and built by Larry’s father and is a very comfortable ride, even in the somewhat pitching seas we faced (the ride back was even more exciting — more on that shortly). Even with a full boat, it makes a huge difference to not be one of dozens of people fighting for space and gear.
— Whales! Humpback whales are common sights in the winter through just about this time of year (early April) and we spotted a few breaching far off the starboard side on the sail out.
— The snorkel conditions were not perfect (with a stiff breeze blowing the water wasn’t the clearest we’ve been in) however the spot where we tied up had a number of Honu (sea turtles) and some really fantastic reef structures with a good amount of fish. All in all even with the somewhat cloudy conditions I was really thrilled with the spot.
— Perhaps most importantly, when we were in the area there were few other groups around so it really felt like we had the reef to ourselves.
— The ride back in was really, really fun. And really, really wet. Understand any boat heading back in to the North Shore area is likely to hit some strong winds and swells. While that can be upsetting for some stomachs, it’s not dangerous (the crew knows when conditions are not safe for sailing and will cancel in case of seas too rough for an enjoyable and safe sail). I spent most of the ride hanging on the netting in the bow and had one of the best rides of my life. It’s NOT a ride where you’ll be able to sun yourself, and so long as you are prepared for that it can be a really fun ride on the swells.
— Even if you ride in the cabin for the ride back, you’ll see the Na Pali coast up close and in all it’s staggering beauty. Larry comes in really close in a few spots to highlight some special areas, and Nick is truly a fountain of local knowledge on history and cultural significance of many of places along the coast.
Cons
Honestly, for us there were none. It was easily the best sail/​snorkel excursion we’ve had (and that’s even including the fact that my wife experienced a little motion sickness as a result of the swells). That said, I know that there might be some people who might not share our perspective. So bearing that in mind:
— Understand that this is not a boat where you can step inside and enjoy great creature comforts. It’s a beautiful sailing catamaran, but not a cruiser with all the creature comforts.
— IF you’ve never snorkeled before, I would not suggest taking this trip as your first experience. While Larry and Nick are expert guides and very capable of ensuring everyone’s safety, if you are hoping to have some more hands on instruction I would suggest a larger boat that can accommodate more people and is more used to having first timers.
— You will get wet on the ride back. Period. If you have rain gear bring it as it may help you. I rode on the netting in the bow (the nets have names… I won’t ruin it by giving them out) and had a great ride. The water felt bathtub warm every time is splashed over me.
I can’t recommend this trip highly enough.

To echo the reviews of others — be prepared for what you’re getting into as far as the long sailing time and the rough waters! If you’re prepared, you will definitely enjoy.
Pros:
–ADVENTURE! an intense sailing experience with the big waves and the rain
–friendly crew! Captain Bob and Dave were personable and knowledgeable
–refreshments! we enjoyed pineapple, oranges, soft drinks, juice, water, chips, and really good deli sandwiches
–understanding! the crew definitely knows that there will be people who get seasick and they are accommodating and very kind about it!
Cons:
–there was no snorkel instruction whatsoever! (other than, «No wearing your fins on the boat!») this was fine for me because I’ve been snorkeling multiple times, but I was with people who had never been. They were confused and felt a bit insecure.
–Although Captain Bob and David were very friendly and happy to help us, they didn’t do a great job explaining what we would be getting into.
–it took almost 2 hours to get to the location and 2 hours to get back, which left us only 45 minutes to snorkel. it wasn’t long enough to compensate for the boat ride!

My husband and I really wanted to see the Na Pali Coast but did not want to get on a «cattlemaran» to do so… Captain Sundown was the answer. Maximum of 15 people on board for our 6 hour sail/​snorkel adventure (we had 7 total) made it relaxing and more intimate. Captain Bob & Dave were informative without being overwhelming and the boat was very clean. A true mom and pop operation that we would use again in a heartbeat.

Just got back from one of Capt. Bob’s outings. We had a great time, him and his first mate Dave, took great care of us on and off, in and out of the water.
We were lucky enough to be out on a day with only 7 people and had plenty of space aboard. The stories and points of interests shared by Dave were great and the atmosphere mostly definitely relaxing amongst that days crew.
The only thing I would do to improve (and as you can see it didn’t impact my opinion) was that they tell you more about the day they have planned for you at the start, things you’ll see and when, and the food and drink that they have for you aboard. If they don’t on your tour, don’t be afraid to ask I’m sure they’d be happy to let you know.
Last thoughts; I have done another Na Pali sailing day from Port Allen, while this was very good it was a lot more commercially run and took a little away from the authenticity of it, if your looking for a chill day in the water with a few new friends go see captain Bob. Not to mention the other boat albeit bigger, had 30 – 40 people on!

This review should have been made over a year ago. My 11 year old son and I took the 3 hour afternoon sail in July 2012.
My son is a roller-​coaster junky and was initially not happy with the island’s lack of theme parks (I know, right?), until our sail with Captain Sundown. He enjoyed the calm ride out to the cliffs and liked seeing the turtles and dolphins. But coming back is a wild ride. My son was laying face down on the trampoline, holding on for dear life, and laughing his head off as the boat crash up and down and dolphins zipped right below his nose.
There were definitely a few wild waves that would have tossed him into the sea if he hadn’t been holding on with all his strength. Since I didn’t have a life jacket on him, I guess I’m not gonna win Mother of the Year, but he was smart enough not to let go. I am taking away 1 star for the crew not suggesting a life jacket for the kids, though I’m just as guilty.
We were on Oahu this year and that catamaran ride was relaxing, NOT thrilling. I guess we didn’t know how unique our ride was for a tourist adventure.
TIPS:
You park a ways from the water, and hitch a ride in the back of a pickup truck to the shore. Be sure to ask for a seat in front if jumping in and out of the back is an issue. A small skiff takes you out to the boat, so you wade into the water to get into the skiff, leaving your shoes behind on shore. That seemed to freak out some of our fellow shipmates, so just a head’s up. This process repeats on the way back to the car, which was a good «cool down» after the thrill.
We were cold from the breeze on the way back, and welcomed the warm sea water splashing over us, so bring a thin wind-​proof jacket if you don’t want to shiver. I get queasy sometimes on boats, but had no problem on this sail. I also have some moderate back/​neck issues, but wasn’t sore after this.
There is no dry place! Just leave your camera in the car and buy a postcard of the cliffs.

Very kind, genuine, and accommodating company. Portia was a pleasure to talk to as we scheduled. I recommend this business!

It was not only a breathtaking experience they really take care of you. We had to call the morning of to make sure it was safe to go. I really appreciated that they looked at the safety of their passengers. There were 17 people, Captain Bob, and his son Larry. There were other boats we saw that had many more people on it (the other boats looked too crowded to even sit). Captain Bob had a great sense of humor and you were able to hear the experience in his voice. Larry pointed out interesting facts and history including one of the were the warriors were trained, deepest caves, highest waterfalls on the island. I got sick on the way back. Larry was very helpful and continued to check on me (and another passenger who got sick). I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see another side of the island.

All in all there are a few major pointers that you should choose Captain Sundown for.
1. The amount of passengers on our boat. We passed many other tours that had the same size boat or smaller with 30, 40, or more people on them. They looked so uncomfortable and you can see their envy while all of us stretched out and enjoyed.
2. The location that you port from. Captain Sundown leaves from Hanalei! When other boats where turning around, we still had plenty of journey to go.
3. The friendliness of the crew. This alone gets them five stars!
4. Larry. Such a nice guy with tons of story’s and willingness to help and cater to you.
5. The Napali Coast is breath taking. Make sure you have a camera.
I have to start by saying, take this trip. The first thing that Captain Bob does is review the boat with you. In this review, he definitely mentions that there is a bathroom on the boat in the lower deck. Next, remember that it rains every morning/​day in Kauai. You have to trust the Captain on this. They will cancel if the weather will not clear. They canceled on us on one of our Kauai trips and we were grateful as that particular day was very stormy. This trip it was raining in the morning, however, as the Captain promised it was going to be gorgeous once we cleared Hanalei and he was absolutely correct!
The trip started with everyone meeting at the Old Hanalei Courthouse. Once you arrive they have a green Pick-​Up truck that can sit four in front comfortably, and six to eight in the back, depending on their carry-on’s and size. When we arrived it was raining so they were quick to place us in the truck, and others that arrived after they either had them wait in their cars or under the roof side of the courthouse. When we started loading we loaded six at a time on a small dingy with Larry, who then safely took us to the boat. I would recommend going early, especially if you’re adventurous and want to sit on the netted trampolines. Once you’re on board Captain Bob is a character. Super friendly and truly in Aloha spirit. He will explain the areas of the boat that get the wettest and that you will get wet on the boat.
I have to say that the Catamaran is a beauty. She has plenty of room of the 17 people that was on board with us. Once we raised anchor the rain started again. Captain Bob explained that this was normal and that once we cleared the bay and started tracking the Napali Coast, he promised amazing weather. My wife and I, along with her sister, braved the rain. It was warm, and perfect. We sat on the trampolines, and a very nice couple who we befriended on the trip sat on the trampoline next to us. The crew loved this, as they explained they knew we were up for a good time. The trampolines was my favorite area on the boat, on the way out you did get splashed occasionally, the way back is a completely different story (it’s like Wet and Wild, as Larry jokingly will explain).
Captain Bob does a great job at hugging the coast line safely, while Larry really cracks everyone up with his stories and wealth of information. If you are a person who appreciates Hawaiian Culture make sure and sit where you can hear Larry. His history of the island is amazing and I learned a lot about Kauai. Once we cleared the bay and towards the NW part of the island the weather was amazing. I do have to add that Larry is a great guide; he is very caring and goes out of his way for your safety, and enjoyment. We also saw a ton of Spinner Dolphins. They truly put a show on for us, jumping out of the water and swimming super close to the boat.
The snorkel is fun. I am an avid reefer at home, and I loved seeing Naso Tangs, HUGE Trumpet Fish, Ton’s of Trigger Fish, and of course the Humu-​Humu just to name a few. If you have not snorkeled before this is a great place to learn. The waves are calm and you will not have to worry about being banged in to the reef. Just make sure to ask questions and follow directions.
We had about 45 minutes or so to snorkel which is plenty! I was exhausted when we got back on board. Once on board they begin lunch. They served huge sandwiches that were yummy, chips, and plenty of drinks. OH! Also, they have plenty of fresh cut Hawaiian Pineapple and Oranges for everyone to eat during the whole tour.
Now the trip back is an experience. Unfortunately, this is when a few got seasick. I will say this, I have been on a few tours with other crews, and I have never seen a crew be so helpful to anyone getting sick. They will put you in the best spot to help you feel better, check on you, and Larry even gave his own jacket to our sister. Two gals got sick, one of which was our sister *which she is still laughed at for*! Coming back you have to face all the waves that you glided over coming to the snorkel spot. This was fun!!! If you sit on the trampolines you will get soaked! Enjoy!

We chose Capt. Sundown over the wornings of the guide book Ultimate Kauai Guide Book. And we were sorry. Of al the tours we had in Hawaii in our 3 island 2 week stay Captain Sundown was our biggest disapointment. The plus was the tour leaves from the north shore and Hannial is the closest to the Napali coast that is where the pluses end! You must wait in the parking lot of an old building downtown and be hauled in the back of some pickup truck and if thats not enough of an inconvience the truck is not big enough to take everyone so there are several trips so this cuts in to your trip time. This will waste 2 hours of your vaction time turning a 3 hour tour into a 5 hour tour. Thats not we worst. There were 16 people aboard and I knew 8 of them that were in urninary distress! The Captain never offered a bath room to any of us during the 3 hour trip and while waiting to ride of the boat in there little dingy 3 seperate trips that took 20 min, each which if you end up last will add an hour wait to this tour. I viewed a 25 and 40 year old women jumping into the bay to releve them selves because the Capt. would not let them use his bath room in the bay. My two 16 and 14 year olds took the second trip but could now hold it the jumped in to urenate when the little boat let them off at the shore. You can imagiane how this kind of treatment would ruin a beautiful boat ride. To top it off I checked on the facts given on the tour by his first mate about the birds with a biologest here in Kanss City and found the nature facts to be basiclly incorect. This was also worned by the guide book that did not recomend them. so to recap they are too expensive, rude hosts, inacurate facts, and will waste 1 ½ to 2 hours of your time. There are other choices on the north shore check them out. out of 20 reviews on Unilocal I only have 3 one star reviews. please check the other tours out. good luck we loved our trip to Hawaii but did not enjoy Capt. Sundown !!!

We and our four kids had a great time. The three girls rode almost the whole way back on the trampolines, and the whole way there on the trampolines. We love working with small family owned businesses, I did a lot of research before choosing them and I am glad we did. We did this over two days since our son was not feeling well the first day so we were able to book him and my husband again the next day (and they got better weather)
We are already talking about our next trip to the islands and I know we will look them up again!

$ 185/​person to tour the Napali coast and snorkling. Snacks provided.
leaves the pier around 830am. Beware for the weak {like me} ride back can very choppy and you will get wet so make sure to bring a wind breaker or stay inside to avoid getting drenched.
The crew is top notched. The business is family owned and run so they know how to take care of their customers. Very informative and attentive.
Support local businesses! :P

We read many different reviews before deciding on Captain Sundown. I’m so glad we chose this one instead of the others. It’s a little more pricey BUT… you leave from the North Shore so you see almost all of the Na Pali coast. Almost every other tour leaves from the Port Allen so you spend the whole time just getting there. I’m not a morning person and this one left a little later because he only does (2) tours per day … morning and sunset … compared to others who try to squeeze in (3). The Cap’t also spent some time in the bay before the tour and let us watch the fun and entertaining spinner dolphins. That in itself was worth the $$! He hugs the coast and spends time showing you the sea caves and waterfalls on the way out. The scenery is beautiful! Each boat gets 45 minutes at the snorkeling spot… lunch which consists of nice sized deli sandwiches are provided along with chips and drinks. If you don’t want to risk soggy sammies, cut the snorkeling by 10 minutes and eat because as the Cap’t (and Larry, the awesome, knowledgeable, and entertaining first mate) remind us more than once… YOU WILL GET WET! If you are adventurous, I HIGHLY recommend riding back on the trampoline. I was the only one who did so (other than Larry who jumped on for awhile) and I am 100% confident I had more fun than anyone on the boat! I got completely soaked and bounced around but it was a blast!

Agree with the review by Christy S. It rained during our return on the 6 hour morning trip and it was chilly even with the rain jackets we had on. The wife and I took both Bonine and ginger root capsules and did not have any seasickness issues. Even though it was cloudy and the visibility could have been better, Bob, Larry and Jake provided a lot of information and stories that made this a must do trip. During snorkeling we saw many fish and sea turtles. There was also a pod of about a dozen dolphins. The coast is awe inspiring and because they leave out of the north shore the show starts right after Tunnels Beach. The boat did not have us packed in like cattle, so everyone was able to have great views. The Captain actually sails — unlike the other boats that have the sails up but are using their motors.

Captain Bob was a very efficient, if not talkative, skipper. His son and first mate (I guess that’s the term), Larry, was fun, effective, informative, and very personable. Nephew Jake was pleasant and helpful as well. They could not have been nicer or more helpful. We went on the 6 hour snorkel tour. It was a beautiful tour of the Na Apali coastline. I would HIGHLY recommend taking Bonine (it’s nondrowsy) just as preventative. On the return trip the ride is extremely choppy and wet. FUN if you are prepared with a slicker and Bonine. Not so much otherwise. Also awesome that the tour leaves from Hanalei if you’re on the North Shore. I did the Bonine (thank goodness) but not the slicker and I was sorry. You get very cold if you are drenched (and you WILL get drenched) and sitting there wet in the wind on the way back! The lunch was very tasty for deli sandwiches. We saw sea turtles and spinner dolphins too. Pretty cool trip, just remember the Bonine and slicker. REALLY.