Small TikiTap Cruise on Lake Minnetonka: Two-Hour Pontoon Party from Excelsior

On Lake Minnetonka, a two-hour Small TikiTap Cruise turns the routine into a small tropical escape. Launching from 2 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA, this tiki-themed pontoon blends a party-ready layout with shoreline scenery and easy comfort. With room for up to 14 passengers, the boat’s bamboo accents, shaded canopy, bar-style seating and a custom tiki bar create a compact floating venue that works for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette outings, corporate mixers, or an afternoon with friends. The cruise is short but generous: two hours piloted by a private captain who knows the lake’s coves, narrows, and postcard views. Lake Minnetonka itself is a glacially-formed lake with indented bays, wooded bluffs and quiet coves—an approachable setting for people who want big water feeling without open-sea exposure. On the Small TikiTap you’ll drift past classic shoreline cottages, boathouses, and stands of white pines, with chances to spot common lake birds like loons and great blue herons. What makes the Small TikiTap stand out here is its blend of comfort and personality. The canopy keeps the party moving in light rain; the onboard bathroom and bar-style seating mean less disruption when people want to relax. The BYOB policy and Bluetooth soundboard let groups bring their own rhythm while the captain handles navigation and safety. For the local scene—where Lake Minnetonka boating traditions stretch back to the late 19th century—this vessel feels both perfectly modern and delightfully festive. Practicalities are friendly: the cruise is rain-or-shine, organized for groups up to 14, and timed to maximize shoreline scenery without committing to a full-day charter. Because the route keeps close to Excelsior’s public waterfront, it’s also easy to combine the cruise with a stroll in town or dinner at a lakeside restaurant afterward. This is a small-boat experience built for celebration and ease. Expect relaxed conversation, quick photo stops, and a lively soundtrack. If you want more solitude, ask the captain to steer toward quieter coves; if you want a social scene, aim the tiki bar toward the dock and let the party spill onto the water. Reserve early during summer weekends when slips and small charters fill fast; midweek cruises offer quieter coves and simpler dock access. The Small TikiTap’s captain will tailor the route to wind and water conditions; the covered canopy and onboard head make the boat friendly for mixed-age groups. Bring layered clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a cooler; leave glass at home. The meeting point is 2 Water St, Excelsior, for boarding and return. For visitors staying in or near Excelsior, the Small TikiTap is a portable tiki party that captures the best of Lake Minnetonka—scenic shores, approachable water time, and an afternoon that feels like vacation without elaborate planning.