Sunset & Tiki Boat Tours with Seaside Tiki Tours in NJ - New York City

Sunset & Tiki Boat Tours with Seaside Tiki Tours in NJ

New York Cityeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5–2.5 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and fitness levels

Overview

Seaside Tiki Tours offers laid-back tiki boat cruises on New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay, blending scenic waterways with sunset views, food, drinks, and good company. Discover why locals and visitors alike return for private and public tiki tours that transform the coastal experience.

Details

Seaside Heights, New Jersey, is best known for its lively boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean views, but its quieter side unfolds across Barnegat Bay and the inland waterways. Seaside Tiki Tours taps into this hidden waterway charm with a fleet of authentic tiki boats that offer a unique way to experience the region’s coastal landscape. From private dinner cruises to breezy sunset voyages, their tours turn the casual boat ride into an event, blending laid-back vibes with personalized service.

The heart of their offering is the private 2.5-hour Dinner & Sunset Cruise, perfect for special occasions or an intimate evening on the water. Imagine a slow glide past expansive bayfront homes and marshy inlets while the sun dips low, coloring the sky with apricot and lavender. The tiki boat’s floating bar setup invites guests to bring their own food and drinks, making every trip flexible and personal. Captains Larry, George, and Mike have earned sterling reputations not just for their smooth piloting skills but for the festive and welcoming atmosphere they create, handing out Hawaiian leis, curating music playlists, and capturing memorable photos.

Besides the longer cruises, there are shorter options like 1.5-hour public and private Tiki Tours or a private 2-hour Sunset Cruise, each showcasing the same pristine scenery without needing a full evening commitment. These tours weave through peaceful salt marshes with eelgrass beds and occasional views of osprey and great blue herons. While the Atlantic side buzzes with surfers and beachgoers, these bay tours offer something different—a chance to slow the pace and appreciate New Jersey’s coastal ecology from the water.

Seaside Tiki Tours stands out in the local outdoor recreation scene by combining a classic tiki boat experience with attentive, knowledgeable guides who emphasize safety and fun. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, or a quiet getaway, their immersive, BYOB boating adventures invite travelers to connect with Seaside Heights from a fresh perspective, one tiki-style raft at a time.

Adventure Tips

BYOB Welcome

Bring your own food and drinks to fully customize your cruise experience and enjoy the onboard floating bar setup.

Book Private for Special Occasions

Reserve a private tour for events like birthdays or bachelorette parties for personalized attention and a festive atmosphere.

Arrive Early Weather-Dependent

Weather can shift quickly on the bay; captains provide updates and flexible scheduling to avoid storms and maximize comfort.

Dress for Breeze and Sun

Wear layers and bring sun protection—bayside cruises can feel cooler than on land, especially at sunset.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet salt marsh channels away from the main bay
  • Secluded cove spots ideal for wildlife watching

Wildlife

  • Ospreys nesting on nearby poles
  • Great blue herons fishing in the shallows

History

Barnegat Bay has long served commercial fishing and recreational boating, with Seaside Heights evolving from a small fishing town to a vibrant shore community.

Conservation

Local operators encourage catch-and-release fishing and minimize fuel use to protect water quality and marine habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (sunset)
Early evening
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Bayfront homes along Barnegat Bay
  • Sunset horizon over the water
  • Salt marsh edges with bird activity

What to Photograph

Colorful skies at sunset
Tiki boat details and onboard celebration
Waterfowl and marshland scenery

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Expect changing temps and wind off the water, especially in spring and fall.

spring specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin during daytime tours exposed to direct sunlight.

summer specific

Bug Spray

Helpful during the evening hours when mosquitoes frequent the marshlands.

summer specific

Waterproof Phone Case

Protect electronics from spray or unexpected rain showers on the bay.