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Writer's pictureRockon Recreation Rentals

Cruising around Crystal River on a Tiki Bar Boat

Updated: Jul 3, 2023

Crystal River on a Tiki Bar Boat

There are many things you can do on water but we doubt nothing compares with soaking in the sun and the beautiful waters of the Crystal River in comfort. When you think of a Tiki Boat, think of a bar on the water with a motor.




Crystal River has many exciting attractions, but a trip on a floating tiki bar boat is one of the most unusual. As you make your way to the river, you will be the center of attention with your floating Tiki bar as you wave to your admiring fans.


Just picture yourself in one of the many tiki bars on the water of Crystal River, sipping exotic cocktails while taking a boat tour of the area. If this sounds like something that interests you, this article is for you.


Read on as we show you why a floating tiki bar boat is a must for you and your family.


What is a tiki boat?

Tiki boats go by different names. Some call them the cruising tiki, while others call them the floating tiki bar boats. Tiki boats take their names from the fact that they imitate some objects associated with the customs of the tropical islands of the South Pacific.


Aesthetically, tiki bar boats are defined by their tiki culture decorations, which are based on a romanticized view of tropical cultures, most often Polynesian. Some floating tiki bar boats also have themes like the sea or the early days of the atomic age.


Most tiki boats have thatched roofs for shade, bar chairs or stools, speakers for playing your own music, and a full kitchen. The boat's unusual design and modest engine allow it to gently glide and bounce across Crystal River. It's a great way to spend the day or watch sunsets in comfort and style on Crystal River.


The beauty of these tiki cruises is that everyone can enjoy them. Some tiki bars on the water are aimed at families, millennials, and anyone who wants to cruise elegantly. As such, some elegant tours like the Crystal River Tiki Tour give you the freedom to come with your drinks. That way, you can cater to the needs of everyone that comes with you to the Tiki bar boat.

Let’s take things a little further and explain how floating tiki bar boats work.





How many passengers can fit on the tiki boat at once?

According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), a tiki bar boat can only carry a maximum of six passengers in addition to the crew. This rule applies to everyone onboard the floating tiki bar boat, even youngsters.



Are young passengers permitted on the tiki bar boat?

Everyone is welcome to have a good time on the tiki boat tour! Children are counted against the maximum capacity of six people for the tiki boat, regardless of age.


In accordance with USCG laws, children who are less than 6 years old are required to wear a life jacket at all times while they are aboard. So, if you will have them onboard, you should inform the rental of their ages.


This will allow them to prepare and get children live jackets for the youngsters before your trip.



tiki boat torches


How much does it cost to rent tiki bars on the water of Crystal River?

The price you will pay for your tiki bar boat rental will depend on where you are renting the tiki bar boat.


Some tour services may charge you $75 per person for two hours on a tiki bar boat. However, when you use professional services like the Crystal River Tiki Tour, you can get better deals.


For instance, Crystal River Tiki Tours charges only $50 per passenger on their tiki bar boats. That means you get to pay only $300 for 6 passengers for a session of 2 hours. This is probably the cheapest you will find anywhere in Crystal River.


It’s lovely to note that you may also qualify for their discounts occasionally.





Are floating tiki bar boats risky?

There is no need to worry about safety when on a tiki bar boat. The tiki boat is very secure as long as your rental satisfies all of the regulations set out by the US Coast Guard. This is another reason you must consider getting your tiki bar boat from a professional service provider like Crystal River Tiki Tours.


The USCG mandates that every passenger is provided with their own personal life jacket, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit on board. Crystal River Tiki Tours keeps to all these rules and ensures your safety is never in doubt.


Plus, you can feel safe knowing that their captains are licensed by the US Coast Guard to run charters with a tremendous amount of expertise operating boats. They also have extensive knowledge of the local region so they can take you to the best places on the Crystal River.


What is the top speed of the tiki boat?

The tiki boat tours can reach cruising speeds between 4 and 6 miles per hour. Since the tiki bar boat is not moving so fast, you will have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy a relaxing ride on the Crystal River.


Crystal River itself does not disappoint, there is so much to see and lots of memories to take home with you from the beautiful river. From the breathtaking manatees to the spectacular landscape and, of course, the crystal blue seas, this place will take your breath away.



tiki boat cruise sunset


How long is the duration of the cruise?

Most basic tiki bar boat trips last for two hours. However, if you wish to spend more time with the tikis, maybe throw a party on the Tiki bar boat, or you can arrange for a customized tour.

Although tikis are great for relaxing and letting the captions worry about navigation, they are also great for celebrations. You can use your tiki rentals to celebrate special events like birthdays, gender reveals, bachelorettes, corporate meetings, girls' or guys' day out, or even romantic nights for you and your partner.


Are there drinks and food on floating tiki bar boats?

The answer to this question will depend on your rental type. While there are rentals that provide drinks for their passengers, most tiki bar boats are Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) cruises.


An excellent example of a BYOB tiki cruise is the Crystal River Tiki Tour which urges its visitors to bring their preferred food and beverage to make the most of their time while onboard the ship.


Coolers are also not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you'd like. On the tiki boat, the minimum age to consume alcohol is 21, and the captains will demand valid identification from everyone who wants to take alcohol.





What will happen if it starts raining?

Considering that tikis are covered with thatched roofs, you may be concerned about what happens when it starts to rain. Well, this is another reason why you must get your tiki bar boat from professional tour providers like Crystal River Tiki Tour.


Even if it rains a little in the summer, their floating tiki bar boats are entirely covered, so your celebration won't be interrupted.


Plus, good service providers like Crystal River Tiki Tour pay careful attention to the weather prediction and can call off your trip if they feel the weather will disrupt your enjoyment.


Final thoughts about a Tiki Bar Boat Rental in Crystal River

Crystal River is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Florida. However, to get the best experience from your trip to Crystal River, you need to invest in a good boat. Your best shot is the tiki boat from the Crystal River Tiki Tour.


This fantastic floating tiki bar boat tour gives you a feel of comfort and luxury while you experience everything that Crystal River has to offer.




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