Party boats on Long Island: Paddle pubs, tiki boats and more ways to set sail this summer
Guests spend time aboard a custom built floating tiki bar featuring frozen drinks in Port Washington on Port Tiki island cruise. Credit: /Johnny Milano
Summer is the time to spend on the water. But you don’t have to go fishing to board a boat. Here are five aquatic experiences where you can get in party mode.
PADDLE PUB & CRUISIN' TIKIS
Family and friends drink and dance as they celebrate a birthday aboard the Paddle Pub party boat on the Patchogue River. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Launching its two-hour trip from Patchogue and Huntington, the Paddle Pub Long Island vessel can carry up to 26 passengers, 12 of whom can pedal simultaneously while others enjoy relaxing in the lounge. They also offer launches in both Patchogue and Huntington this summer, and rides on the original real bamboo tiki boats called Cruisin' Tikis. The tiki boats can carry up to 12 passengers for a private boat rental and up to six passengers for public cruises. The Paddle Pub and Cruisin' Tikis are both popular options for bachelorettes, birthday parties and other celebrations. Both boats are helmed by a master captain and allow food and beverage to be brought on board (no glass bottles); with ice and coolers provided. The Paddle Pub boat has a dance floor, clean restroom, loud sound system, LED party lights for night cruises, as well as the option for private groups to add a DJ for an additional fee.
- WHEN | WHERE Daily (times vary) through Oct. 5; Huntington: 1 Anchorage Lane; Patchogue: 242 Division St.
- COST $59-79 a person for public cruises (guests must be 21 and older); private pontoon charters start at $599; private tiki boat charters start at $399. Any age permitted on private charters, but passenger must be at least 90 pounds.
- MORE INFO 631-778-1433, paddlepub.com
TIKI BOAT
Take a ride on the Tiki Boat, where a variety of themed tours are offered throughout the day on Long Island Sound. Sip a mai tai on the Tropical Tiki Boat, relax midday during the Fun in the Sun Celebration, kick off the evening with the Happy Hour Booze Cruise, catch sundown on the Sunset Cruise or take in the lights from the Harbor Lights party boat. Each ride runs 90 minutes and carries 30 people with a full-service cash bar and light snacks for sale (food can be brought on board). A DJ spins tunes, and there’s even a dance floor for those who want to boogie.
- WHEN | WHERE Noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. daily through Nov. 1. Launches from Port Jefferson Marina, 118 W. Broadway, Port Jefferson, Slip C-4, next to the fishing boats.
- COST $99, must be 16 or older. Includes rum punch for those 21 and older with ID.
- MORE INFO 631-648-8055, tikiboatlongisland.com
SUNSET CRUISES
A humpback whale seen while aboard the Atlantic Pearl in the open seas during a Capt. Lou Fleet's voyage out of Freeport. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Take it easy on a two-hour cruise aboard the 100-foot Atlantic Pearl through Baldwin Harbor, Mansion Harbor, Randall Bay and Parsonage Cove while watching the sun go down over the water. The dance floor is open with a live DJ providing the tunes, and a cash-only bar serves cocktails.
- WHEN | WHERE 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays; Nautical Mile Cruises, 111 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport
- COST 2025 prices were $47, ages 21 or older
- MORE INFO 516-544-6698, nauticalmilecruises.com
BAY JAM
Van Halen tribute act Completely Unchained play a set on the Moon Chaser cruise. Credit: Barbara Alper
Get ready to rock out with a live band that performs a full concert on the top deck of a 65-foot boat, The Moon Chaser, for a three-hour evening cruise on the Great South Bay. A cash bar is available to purchase cocktails and some cruises include food. Music ranges from classic rock to reggae to ’80s pop to various tribute bands for a crowd that maxes out at 200 people.
- WHEN | WHERE Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in June-August (times vary); Captree State Park, 3500 E. Ocean Pkwy., Babylon
- COST Starting at $58, ages 21 or older (with valid ID)
- MORE INFO 631-265-1848, themoonchaser.com
PORT TIKI
Guests take a cruise on the Port Tiki. Credit: /Johnny Milano
Escape the rigors of Long Island and enter a tropical state of mind aboard Port Tiki, a two-hour, island-themed private cruise line. Each trip will travel on Hempstead Harbor in Glen Cove or Manhasset Bay in Port Washington at a slow speed. Each cruise is a bring-your-own venue as passengers provide all food and drinks for their party. The boats have a grass hut roof plus Bahamian, Hawaiian and French Polynesian decor. There’s even a playlist of island music ready to set the mood. The boat supplies ice, cups, plates and flower leis. A bartender will set up and serve food and drinks passengers bring on the ride. Private cruises of up to 12 passengers in Port Washington and 18 passengers in Glen Cove are available.
- WHEN | WHERE Glen Cove: Season runs through Oct. 10, seven days a week at 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m., 4-6 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m. (sunset cruise) and 9-10:30 p.m. (moonlight cruise) from 45 Herb Hill Rd.; Port Washington: Season runs through Oct. 10 at 9-10:30 a.m. (coffee cruise; $35 per person; registration required; minimum of four to sail), 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m., 4-6 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m. (sunset cruise) and 9-10:30 p.m. (moonlight cruise) from Inspiration Wharf, 405 Main St.
- COST All cruises are private and run $450-$675, depending on the time. The base price includes six people; additional passengers are $35 per person after that, up to 18. The experience is suggested for those 16 and older.
- MORE INFO 516-566-7011, porttiki.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
