Kauai Snorkeling- from beach

We will be in port in Nawiliwili in Kauai via POA. I have done the catamaran thing (great fun!), however we are looking for a guided, short (couple of hours?) snorkeling opportunity that we can avoid the boat and just walk-in from the beach, close to the harbor. I found Z Tourz but I believe this is a bit too far from the harbor. Having never been to Kauai before, this may be a tall order. But, our Cruise Critic friends have always come through before! Worth the ask :)

Nawiliwili Harbor is a more industrial type area. It is within walking distance of Kalapaki Beach Park. There is a Marriott hotel near Kalapaki Beach Park that rents gear. You may be able to buy a resort day pass. (Kalapaki Beach is not the best for snorkeling on Kauai, more a local beach park.) The best snorkeling spots on Kauai are not within walking distance of the port.

You might want to consider another way to spend your day. Kauai's east side (Coconut Coast) and north shore are lush, tropical and really beautiful. There are many beach parks and even a lighthouse park where you can spot whales.

How close to the cruise ship dock are the good snorkeling spots? Can it be done on a port day?

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The island isn't very large...you could easily drive around the perimeter in a day! Get a guidebook...rent a car..then you can do your own thing!

We will also be on POA and we would also like to snorkel from the beach. Rather than do it on our own, we would like to do it with a company. We do not care which port we do it in. Any ideas?

If you rent a car you can make a short drive to Poipu Beach. It is a beautiful drive to there especially when you drive down the street of trees. Anyway Poipu is a nice beach, its a county park has restrooms and is good for snorkeling and even some minor body surfing fun.

It's on the dry side of the island.

Kei'I Beach is at the very end of the highway past Hanalei. It's on the wet side and is lush tropical countryside. There's great snorkeling there and the reef protects you from the bigger waves.

Each place is different but either one should be a memorable experience.

Any suggestions on where to rent a car on Kauai?

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Both of those beach snorkeling places sound wonderful. We are thinking however, since we have never snorkeled, we would like a beach excursion.