Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min - Image 1
Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min - Image 2
Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min - Image 3
Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min - Image 4
Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min - Image 5
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Kauai River Cruise and Fern Grotto Tour 3 hr 30 min

TourTruth score 5.1 out of 10

Average

59 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Kauai
  • 3 hrs 30 min
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Cruise Kauai’s Wailua River, hear stories of ancient Hawaii, explore the Fern Grotto, and take in Opaekaa Falls on this shore excursion.

About this tour

Discover Kauai’s river landscapes and lush tropical scenery on a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto. This 3.5-hour shore excursion pairs a gentle journey through the island’s history with a visit to one of its most distinctive natural settings.

Travel two miles along the Wailua River, described as Hawaii’s only navigable river, while a guide shares stories and songs of ancient Hawaii. The lands beside the river once served as the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island’s aliʻi, or royalty. Along the way, enjoy a hula lesson led by a young dancer. At the Fern Grotto, see ferns growing from the roof of a geological formation created millions of years ago, surrounded by native and colorful tropical plants. The excursion also visits the overlook at Opaekaa Falls, one of Kauai’s most accessible waterfalls. An air-conditioned vehicle and port pickup and drop-off are included. The tour departs the pier at 2:30 pm and returns at 6:00 pm, and is available only to Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers.

Book this Kauai river cruise and Fern Grotto visit for a relaxed look at the island’s natural beauty and cultural stories.

Highlights

  • Cruise two miles along the Wailua River, Hawaii’s only navigable river
  • Hear stories and songs about ancient Hawaii
  • Learn hula from a young dancer
  • Explore the fern-covered Fern Grotto and tropical plants
  • Stop at the Opaekaa Falls overlook

What's included

Included

  • Professional guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Port pickup and drop-off

Not included

  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Available only to Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America passengers
  • Departs the pier at 2:30 pm and returns at 6:00 pm
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.10 from 59 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in Kauai
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 5.1.

Provider rating distribution in Kauai

How many tours in Kauai have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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