Yes - Boat Tours [Ad Nauseum]

Question

Part of the nauseum is the prices of the boats going out of the North Shore (where we are staying). Good gracious!! So, we are reconsidering Port Allen departures, but mornings are not happening LOL. I noticed there are some dinner cruises that are no more expensive than daytime Napali cruises. Thoughts and experiences? [E.G. Lucky Lady]

Answer

Napali Coast boat tours on Kauai are a stunning experience, but as you’ve noticed, the costs can be significant, especially for morning departures from the North Shore. Port Allen on the south shore tends to offer slightly more competitive pricing and larger boats, which some families or groups prefer for comfort and stability.

Regarding dinner cruises like Lucky Lady, these can be a great alternative for a few reasons:

Timing: Evening cruises allow you to enjoy the sunset, which can be spectacular along the Napali coastline. This also avoids early morning departures, which can be tough with kids or for those not wanting an early start.
Comfort: Dinner cruises often feature larger vessels with more indoor seating, making them less bumpy than smaller daytime boats. This can be ideal if anyone in your group is prone to motion discomfort.
Cost: Surprisingly, some dinner cruises are comparable to daytime tours, especially when factoring in meals and drinks included with the price, potentially offering better overall value.

Some points to keep in mind when choosing a dinner versus daytime cruise:

Evening light may make photography more challenging than the bright morning sun, though sunset shots can be very dramatic.
Wildlife sightings such as dolphins or sea turtles can be more frequent during certain times of day, often mid-morning to early afternoon, but sightings are not guaranteed on any tour.
Weather and sea conditions can change, and evening tours can occasionally be calmer due to reduced daytime winds.

In summary, if mornings are not feasible and you want a comfortable, scenic, and potentially less expensive option, a dinner cruise like Lucky Lady is a solid choice. While you might miss some of the wildlife activity, the sunset views and onboard meal make for a memorable experience. Many families with kids or those preferring a relaxed pace find this a very appealing alternative to standard daytime excursions.