Blue Ocean Adventure Tours — Local services in Kauai

We did the Na Pali Coast & Beach Landing Tour since our helicopter pilot recommended it. We went with Nessie and Beck and these two were the most patient, informative, strong, professional, and kind women. Unfortunately we were paired with a large group of ocean toddlers from Michigan who included some very disrespectful and annoying characters. I enjoyed most of the people we were with, but these couple of folks could have been a total buzzkill. Beck and Nessie carefully navigated the boat and these awful people. I wish I had their incredible ability. The tour included a rough boat ride which was exhilarating and fun. The music was bumping and loud and felt like a party. We enjoyed the views and were in awe of the cliffs and the rainbows. The wildlife was out and about - we saw so many dolphins. Nessie slowly approached the dolphins and turtles so we could enjoy them without disturbing them. The tour then took us into a couple of caves including the famous open sea cave featured in a Mary J. Blidge music video. You can really feel the power of the ocean as it crashes into the walls of the cave. We took the cliff pictures that are featured on their websites and instagram. Nessie and Beck were very good at taking the photos for everyone and were very patient. They were great at working the cameras and the pictures turned out beautiful. We went snorkelling at the coast and we were really impressed with the amount of sealife that were swimming around. The reef attracts so many creatures including turtles. It was cold in the water after a while and I would recommend bringing an additional dry clothing for after swimming around. We then ate lunch, and they did provide a special lunch for those with food restrictions. If you tend to eat a lot, I would bring some snacks as well. The tour of the beach and sacred areas really brought out the worst of our ocean-toddler friends and Beck shut down the haters so fast. As she spoke of the 'coming to age' ceremonies one of our favourite characters had a lot to say about how "preposterous" and "ridiculous" all the stories she shared. As a Native-Hawaiian descendant, she could have let-loose on this guy, but she pleasantly pointed out that all cultures had legends and stories that you could find a little silly. "Turning water into wine? Walking on water, right?" The mic dropped. Silence. Our friend was quiet for a little while after that. We learned so much about the area and even saw a monk seal tanning on the beach. While the hater attempted to get closer to the seal, (and I really thought I was going to see Darwin in action with a rogue seal attack) Beck again stepped in and kept the guy away from the seal. I was seeing her range: from first-mate, to tour guide, to educator, to babysitter. She was invested in the safety and well-being of this group, no matter how awful some of them were. Mad props to her. I can't say it enough. After Beck and Nessie rounded us all up back onto the raft, Nessie zoomed back to the docks in another dance-party adventure. Nessie didn't dump the mouthy guys in the water although they practically begged for it. Nessie and Beck just increased the volume of the music so the rest of us couldn't hear their comments on how white caps were sharks and how they wanted to chum the waters around us. Overall I felt safe, I enjoyed my time, and I learned a lot.The boat ride was invigorating and fun. The views were breathtaking, and the guides were beyond amazing. My only critique of the tour was that they once played R. Kelly..because yeah.. it's R. Kelly. It was, however, better than hearing the loudmouthed moron that was also on the boat, so I don't hold it against...

Hands down the best thing we did on our trip. Without a doubt. Unforgettable. This was a recommendation from a friend, and we owe her a big thank you.

First, I’m certain we had the most fun of the four boats at our booking time. Aka and Kalen were speedboaters, DJs, party hosts, and tour guides all in one. They took us outside our comfort zones in the best kind of way. I was never once afraid, but I was always exhilarated. Their boat choreography to the music and sense of humor were the cherries on top of the day. My face hurt from smiling when we landed back on the south shore.

We were lucky to get an unseasonably good-weathered day, so we got to snorkel and see the sea caves. On the way out alone, we saw a handful of bottlenose dolphins, at least a hundred spinner dolphins, a seal, a sea turtle, and all manner of sea birds. I felt like a little kid, I was so excited!

If you can manage the Na Pali Coast landing, do. The BBQ lunch was some of the best food we had all week and gave me my first taste of Li Hing powder on fresh pineapple (an absolute must-try and my new favorite snack). More importantly, the walk through the fishing village was one of my favorite educational experiences of all time. We learned a bit of the history of the three villages that populated the isolated beaches and how their contributions to Hawaiian culture are carried on today. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have ever seen, and the love our guides had for the area was evident. We were fortunate to be there at the same time as the senior class of the Island School who were there tending to the village. Blue Ocean sponsors this work by transporting them and the Na Pali Coast Ohana (descendants and volunteers who care for the village; check them out online!), since it’s only accessible by boat. They also work on it, themselves, on their down days! Really incredible and valuable work that they’re doing out there, and I’m beyond grateful to have gotten to...

Wonderful. Nonstop fun. Outrageously good. Best excursion for an adventurous family. Went in mid October and weather allowed for the full experience. Book the beach landing - a full six hours to take in the Nā Pali coast. You’re at the edge of your seat, feet tucked under a strap to keep you onboard, in a dual engine rigid-inflatable boat. Exhilarating for a family of four (7 and 8 year old girls had the time of their lives). Great pacing - starting off with frequent dolphin sightings - crystal clear water to watch spinner dolphins swim around the boat, jump and spin all around you. Captain AJ and bosun Mana (born and raised on Kaua’i) made the trip so much fun. Music during the 45 min drive to the coast (while still always stopping when we found dolphins). Really a great mix of fun and reverence for nature and culture. AJ managed to get into and out of caves when no other charters could. The swells were 6-8 ft, yet this skilled team made it happen in Waiahuakua Sea Cave. So very impressive. Beach landing at Nu'alolo Kai State Park featured a wonderful setting. Nice tour with historical facts. Saw two turtles on the beach and watched one head back into the water. box lunch from Leong’s meat house. Kids (picky eaters) found something they liked. Cans of natural juices or soft drinks available. Snorkeling was only by the shore due to the large swells (just fish and a few urchins to see), but the whole trip still exceeded all expectations. Nā Pali is more beautiful than the pictures can show and this tour gives you the time it deserves....