Planning any kind of boating adventure in a remote vacation destination can be challenging. Kauai is one of those places with beautiful clear blue ocean waters, just begging for you to sail on them. We’ve done it several times now over the past few years. In fact, Kauai is one of our favorite places on Earth and the boating around this Hawaiian Island is fantastic. We’re sharing 8 tips about sailing with kids on Kauai because there’s a few things you just need to know.
The Scenic landscape coastline of the Na Pali Coast is breathtaking looking back from the ocean. (credit: YinYang)8 Tips About Sailing With Kids on Kauai
Add together warm waters, clear sunny weather, amazing snorkeling, and the fact that a huge amount of the Kauai coastline can only be seen by boat, and there are enough great reasons to book a trip. In fact, almost all of the famous Na Pali Coast is not reachable any other way. We took a boat tour leaving from Port Allen Harbor near Hanapepe, Kauai.
Often dolphins swim alongside the boat, much to the happiness of all onboard. (credit: Capt Andy’s)Here’s a few things we’ve learned from several times on the water now.
1. Choose the Right Boat for Smoothest Sailing
We’ve tried several boating companies on Kauai. With kids along for the ride, it’s best not to take chances on a sketchy deal. Recently we sailed with Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures for the third time, and had a fantastic experience without rocking and rolling if you know what I mean. They sail two huge catamarans, which are the most stable boats on the water. (Those inflatable rubber raft boats that bounce and roll with every wave? Yeah, never again. Best left to those twenty-somethings!)
2. Take the Dramamine
For all the times as parents we have agonized over “Should we take it?” “Can we get by without taking it?” “I think we should make the kids take it” And the ever popular “I wish we would have taken it”. Just take the Dramamine – if for nothing else the peace of mind it will allow you so you can just enjoy the ride. They make a non-drowsy version. And for that what-if moment, you’ll know you tried to protect your kids from feeding the fish. (I personally learned this the hard way in Mexico, but at least the fish were happy.)
3. Don’t Go Downstairs
Believe me, going into the cabin to hang out is a poor choice. Yes, the restroom is down there and you will have to go, but be quick. Not only will you miss all the fun, but it’s more roly poly down there. And that brings us right back to Tip #2.
A catamaran is the best and smoothest way to sail over to the Na Pali Coast in Kauai. (credit: Capt Andy’s)4. Bring Too Much Sunscreen
What is too much sunscreen, you ask? There is never too much. You are going to be on a boat in the sun for hours. Slather on the SPF50 before you leave your room, and then reapply it as soon as you get on the boat. You may want to put more on again if you go in the water. Remember that one girl you saw by the pool with the lobster skin who could hardly walk from her ridiculous sunburn? You don’t want that for your kids. Or you.
We boarded at 8 am, and it was a bit chilly so bring your sweatshirts! (It warmed up quickly).5. Wear Your Swimsuit Under Your Clothes
As long as the water is not too rough, the boat tour will likely include snorkeling. You are definitely going to want to jump in the water with your kids, and there really aren’t any changing rooms. Do you want to miss out on valuable time snorkeling with your kids while you struggle with a swimsuit? In the very tiny, cramped restroom? In the cabin downstairs? (See Tip #3.) Just wear your swimsuit, and put your clothes on over them. This way, when it’s time to hit the water the kids – and you – are quickly ready to go. Your suit will dry after you swim, and you can put your clothes back on before you leave the boat.
We snorkeled with sea turtles and all kinds of crazy colored tropical fish. The kids were so excited and I’m glad we didn’t miss a minute of it. Our family is still talking about all the amazing fish we saw on the trip.
Our gang loved the warm water, once they finally jumped in!6. Get Your Camera Ready
There is much to see and photography on a boat tour. Off the Na Pali Coast, we enjoyed fleeting glimpses of whales breaching in the distance. Very close to the boat, schools of spinner and bottlenose dolphins swam to follow us. It was so amazingly cool, and the kids were beside themselves. Their smiles and laughs were so big and broad, and we are so glad we captured this adventure to remember for years to come. Our iPhone photos turned out pretty well, don’t you think? It would have been a shame if we didn’t have our cameras ready and charged up.
There were so many amazing dolphins swimming along with the boat, the kids were blown away!7. Plan for Underwater Photography
If you don’t have a GoPro or a waterproof case for your smartphone, you can buy one of those inexpensive disposal cameras just for this trip. Another option is the increasingly well-made waterproof envelopes you can slip your camera into. Even better, these come with handy straps so you don’t lose it to the depths like Davy Jones’ locker. The photos of underwater smiles on your kids is money in the bank. Whichever you choose, make sure it is charged (unlike me, who forgot to charge the GoPro – boo hoo).
This is when the underwater GoPro ran out of battery. Darn!8. Don’t Worry About Getting Wet
You will get wet. A great way to teach the kids not to sweat the little things is to NOT SWEAT THE LITTLE THINGS. Ocean spray is part of sailing, and getting a face full of salt water is kind of fun! Just laugh about it and you will dry off in moments.
Most of all, just relax and have a blast. No one is asking you to relive moments from the SS Minnow on Gilligan’s Island.
These girls dog-paddled for a quick loop and then returned to the boat.More About Visiting Kauai
If you are seeking more information about visiting the Island of Kauai. see these links for details:
Waimea Plantation Cottages is the Best Hotel on Kauai
