Bobby G’s Island Party with Toon Tiki Charters

July is upon us, and what could be more delightful than spending a sun-drenched day on a boat with friends, leisurely cruising around and making stops at one of Ponce Inlet’s picturesque intercoastal islands? Imagine the joy of playing in the refreshing water, basking in the warm rays, and simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings - it sounds like pure bliss, doesn’t it? But what if you don’t have a boat? Or perhaps you do, but it’s just not spacious enough to accommodate all your friends? And let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to kick back and relax without the responsibility of captaining the vessel. Well, I’ve discovered the perfect answer to all these dilemmas.

The Ultimate Island Party Aboard the Kanaloa

In a brilliant collaboration with East Coast Current and Toon Tiki Charters, we threw the ultimate island party! Imagine this: a three-hour boat and beach bonanza aboard the Kanaloa, a 40-foot tiki-themed pontoon boat that screams fun. This floating tiki bar can hold up to 35 party enthusiasts and is powered by two 150 horsepower Mercury engines. It has everything: a working bathroom, storage for coolers, party hats, inflatable floats, music, and enough ice to keep all our drinks icy cold. Plus, they provide a captain and a first mate for all cruises, so all we had to do was enjoy the ride.

Cruise Options & Packages

Toon Tiki Charters offers an array of cruises, from sunset serenades and yoga sessions to wine tastings and even dog-friendly trips. All the exciting options are listed on their website, and their Facebook page is bursting with pictures and news about upcoming events you won’t want to miss. It really is the best way to explore all of their packages. Then you can purchase your tickets online, which is highly recommended and really easy. After you purchase your ticket you will get a text and an email with all the information you will need, including reminders.

Toon Tiki Charters' Hospitality Cruise Day

Our party took place on Monday, which is their Hospitality Cruise day – a special event for the 21 and over crowd. Being in the hospitality industry, Monday was the perfect choice for our gathering. We actually sold out the event, with 38 people purchasing tickets online. Day of, we met at the office on 300 Magnolia Street. From there, we hopped on a party bus that whisked us over to the River Deck Marina, where the Kanaloa awaited. “The party starts the minute we step onto that bus,” Tracey shared with excitement.

Once we boarded the boat, we were given a quick safety briefing, introduced to our Captain Avera, and set off just after noon. With 38 people spread from bow to stern, some friends and some new faces, the mingling began. There was music, props, hats, drinks, jello shots, and the most delicious spread of sandwiches from the Bagel Barn Cafe and Deli. Shaaa Boom! Everyone was chatting, listening to music and having a blast. It was the perfect staycation, an adventurous day without the hassle of travel. And at just $29.95 for the Hospitality Cruise (every Monday), we had plenty of cash left over for our BYOB stash! They provide the coolers, ice, bottled water and even cups if you need it.

Our Experience on Squish Island

We couldn’t have asked for better weather as we approached the north end of Squish Island, the one visible from the drawbridge towards Ponce Inlet. Captain Avera anchored the boat and set up a walkway for us to step onto the beach. The water was gorgeous. Tracey threw in some floating noodles, and soon we were all drifting blissfully in the intracoastal. I floated and floated and floated.

There were so many activities! Some stayed on the boat enjoying the scene, others played frisbee, a few took shots from the shot-ski, a clever contraption designed for four, and some explored the island on their own. The laughter and smiles were proof that everyone had a fantastic time. This is definitely something I want to do again.

Smooth Sailing from Start to Finish

The cruise was a total of three hours long, which I think we all agreed was a perfect amount of time. We didn’t feel rushed at all, it was just smooth sailing the entire time. On our way back in we were given the option to be dropped off right at the dock in front of River Deck or back where we had started, which is only a short walk. Some hopped off and continued their party on land and the rest of us headed back to the marina for our ride back to our cars.

A big thank you to Toon Tiki Charters’ Tracey and Captain Avera for making the day spectacular! Thanks to Bagel Barn Cafe and Deli for the always delicious sandwiches, and a special shoutout to Tiffany and Kelsey from East Coast Current for planning such epic adventures. And to all who joined us - you made the day unforgettable.

Bobby G, your old sailor boy, out!

TOON TIKI CHARTERS, LLC(386) 227-7928 | ToonTikiCharters.com Cruising out of New Smyrna Beach City Marina OFFICE & PARKING300 Magnolia St STE A | NSB 32168 DAYTIME SWIM & CRUISEThese charters are available at 12:30 - 3:30 PM Based on availability. $59.95 for Adults & $49.95 for Children under 12 years old HAPPY HOUR CRUISEThese charters run 4 PM to 5:30 PM Daily. Based on availability. 90-minute cruise $39.95 per person | 21+ only EVENING SUNSET CRUISEThese charters run 6 PM - 8 PM Daily. Based on availability. $49.95 per person