The Smith family has been operating tours to the Fern Grotto for four generations. On the 1 hour and 20 minute trip they will educate and entertain you with knowledge of the area and of their family history operating the tour.
Smith’s Fern Grotto Boat Tours
The boats are open on the side (so if it’s raining and you sit along the windows, you will get wet) and covered on top. The tours run rain or shine. It was raining, fairly hard at times, on our trip, but I was still happy that we went. You may cancel with 24 hours notice and receive a full refund.
The Fern Grotto in Kauai
After sailing 2 miles down the Wailua River you will dock a short distance away from the grotto. It is a quick walk through the rainforest to get to the grotto.
The Fern Grotto in Kauai
The Grotto was decimated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It also has suffered from flooding and rockfalls. We were informed that the ferns used to be three times longer. To me, it was beautiful.
We were able to stay in the grotto for approximately 10 minutes. One of the family members accompanies the group to answer any questions you may have.
The waterfall is off to the side of the grotto and a little way back. I heard it and went looking for it. If you are facing the grotto, you need to go all the way to the right, as far as the path will let you go to see it.
The Fern Grotto in Kauai
Just a little while after I snapped this picture, it started raining pretty hard. It had been drizzling on and off, but it really started coming down, so our guide had us head back to the boat. I was smugly thinking how prepared I was, as I, and our guide, were the only people with raincoats on. That didn’t last long, as I soon realized that I was getting wet. By the time we got back to the boat, I was soaked (under my quite cute and stylish Calvin Klein raincoat). My husband asked me if I was sure that it was a raincoat. I said of course, I bought a raincoat. When we got back on the boat, I took off my coat and looked at the tag. It said ‘water resistant’. I went on a rant about how anyone could make a raincoat and not make it waterproof, much to the amusement of the other families on board. Shame on you, Mr. Klein. I no longer looked cute; I looked like a drowned rat.
On the way back to the dock, the family sang and danced and encouraged the audience to participate. It was fun and almost made me forget that I was soaking wet.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The boat tours are offered Monday through Friday, you can check the schedule here.
- They offer the tours 4 times a day.
- You should arrive 15 minutes early to check in.
- There is a gift shop and bathrooms in the building where you check in.
- The cost is $30/adult, $15/child.
- They also offer luaus on their 30-acre garden, which you can visit without attending the luau.
I highly recommend taking the Fern Grotto tour (we did not visit the garden or attend the luau, so I can only offer you the links to check out, if you are interested). After the tour, we headed to the north side of the island to visit the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
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The Best Helicopter Tour on Kauai – Savor the Moment Photography
Visiting the McBryde Gardens in Kauai – Savor the Moment Photography
Visiting Allerton Gardens in Kauai – Savor the Moment Photography
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The Fern Grotto in Kauai
