Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto
Description
Take a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto. Wailua River is known as "the only navigable river" in all Hawaii. The rivers fresh water pours from the Mt. Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the plant.Lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birth place of the island's ali'i, or royalty. During the two mile river journey, you'll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and enjoy learning the hula during a lesson provided by a young hula dancer. The Fern Grotto is a geological wonder of Kauai. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rain-forest atmosphere. A visit to the overlook at Opaekaa Falls , the most accessible waterfall on the island, will secure your love of Kauai, our garden island.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A 151 foot waterfall crashing into a hidden pool.
Float down a fresh water river while being enchanted by songs and stories of ancient Hawaii.
Discover the beauty of a tropical rain forest filled with lush native plants.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This tour only pick-up is at the pier.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This shore excursion can only be booked by Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers
- Departs pier at 2:30 pm and returns at 6:00 pm to pier will visit the Wailua River & Fern Grotto.
Reviews(59)
Perhaps it was because we had been on so many awesome tours during our week on the islands. This one was lackluster -- first, we were on a big bus from the cruise ship (never fun). Next, there was one stop off the highway (which we then had to cross on foot) to look at a waterfall (and chickens -- hey, hey!). Finally, we slowly cruised the Wailua River on the barge boat. The most exciting part was waving at all the kayakers who were having way more fun. Finally, we arrived at the Fern Grotto. We s-l-o-w-l-y strolled to the grotto (because there was another huge group ahead of us). Though the Fern Grotto was pretty, no one can enter the cave any more because it's unstable. So, we were entertained with a half-hearted, one dancer Hula with singers (which couldn't be heard due to the subpar speaker system). Dance over, back to the boat. There was some better entertainment on the way back to the visitor center, but it certainly wasn't worth the time or $$$. You'll be better off hiring a small-group excursion! Sorry for the negatives, but I leave too many honest reviews to sugarcoat this one.
Aloha Shelly, We appreciate your review and comments. Without your comments and honest review, we are unable to fix anything that's not up to par. We will address this issue with the tour director. Mahalo for your time,
Very informative a relaxing ride up the river with Hawaiian music and dance, the drive getting there had pretty scenery with a beautiful water fall
Aloha Jeffery, Thank you for sharing you experience. we appreciate your review. Mahalo,
A relaxing river cruise enjoying nature, learning of Hawaiian culture with music and learning a hula dance. Beautiful lush surroundings leading to the grotto.
Aloha Karen, Thank for for sharing your experience cruising the Wailua River. I hope you enjoyed the sing along. Until we meet again. Aloha,
The grotto was beautiful. We enjoyed traveling along the river, seeing the scenery. Our bus driver was very informative. He even helped my elderly mother, who has mobility issues and uses a walker, try to navigate getting on the boat that would take us down the river. Unfortunately, the leader of the group who ran the river cruise portion was VERY rude to her, commenting that she had skipped the line, even though the bus driver told my mother to go to the front of the line. When my mother explained that to her, she commented, "I don't care."
Aloha Marisa, We appreciate your review. My apologies for your mothers encounter with the River Boats staff. Our director of operations on Kauai will address this issue. Please enjoy the rest of your Island journey. Aloha,
The views were amazing enjoying a river boat tour well having entertainment on the boat. The rich history of the island with great views
Aloha Maps, Mahalo for your excellent review. I still have wonderful memories of my 1st Waimea River cruise. Until we meet again,. Mahalo,
Pretty float down River for half hour each way. Fern grotto has a nice jungle walk and view point. Some hula dancing and singing along the way. Easy to relax and get away from the noise of the cruise ports.
Aloha Relax, We appreciate your wonderful review and relaxing afternoon. Mahalo,
River travel by boat to view the entrance of a cave. It also included some live Hawaiian music and Hula dance at the site and on the boat
Aloha Alain, We appreciate your time and review. I'm you enjoyed the sing along and the entertainment. Aloha,
A pleasant and relaxing river cruise. Comfortable cruise, beautiful scenery. The return trip featured Hawaiian music and entertainment. Great family activity.
Aloha Dalee Gibson, I'm glad you enjoyed Wailua River Cruise and took the time to post your experience. It's really appreciated. Mahalo,
Mellow, easy going tour of the river and Fern Grotto. I would recommend it. Easy to book, very helpful staff to guide where to meet up.
Aloha Robyn, Mahalo for sharing your experience with us. Aloha,
The boat ride was lovely and the Hawaiian songs and dancers were awesome. We were the last trip of the day on Thanksgiving and staff were anxious to get home. No one can have a bad time on this excursion.
Aloha Joanne, Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving with us and your excellent review. Until we meet again. Mahalo,
