Dolphins
Seeing dolphins playing in the waters off the Na Pali Coast can make a magical Kauai experience even more memorable.
The secluded coast offers a rich diversity of marine life, from Hawaiian green sea turtles and rays to schools of tropical fish, and, of course, playful dolphins!
A Na Pali Coast boat tour with a snorkeling option is the ideal way to appreciate the wildlife of the coast.
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What types of dolphins can you see along the Na Pali Coast?
There are two types of dolphins that usually hang out along the Na Pali Coast: bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins.
Bottlenose dolphins are more common because they usually live close to shore. They are gray and while you may see a single bottlenose dolphin they are usually in pairs or a small pod.
Spinner dolphins are rarer but it’s thrilling when you see them! They are smaller than bottlenose dolphins and are known for their acrobatic displays. They enjoy jumping, spinning, and twisting in the air above the water, putting on a show.
While they spin for fun, spinner dolphins also use their acrobatic skills to communicate with other members of their pod.
Spinner dolphins are dark gray with white bellies.
A boat tour gives you the best chance of seeing dolphins. The spinner dolphins that live in Hawaiian waters live closer to shore, making your chances of seeing them higher on a Na Pali Coast boat tour.
Spinner dolphins rest during the day, so there are laws to protect them. You can’t swim with spinner dolphins or approach one if you see it. Your boat captain will maintain a safe distance from the creatures and limit observation time if you happen to come across them on your cruise.
Morning boat tours usually offer better chances of seeing dolphins along the Na Pali Coast as they come in to rest at that time and the waters are usually calmer, allowing for better visibility.
You may even see some playing in the wake of your boat. Bring binoculars!
Dolphins live in the waters off the coast of Kauai all year long, so, unlike whales, which can only be seen in the winter, you may see dolphins no matter when you visit.
If you are lucky, you may see a large pod of DOZENS of playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat as you cruise the Na Pali Coast!
Top-Rated Na Pali Coast Morning Boat Tours: