Two Hours Afloat: The TikiTap Cruise That Turns Excelsior’s Lakefront into a Floating Island

EXCELSIOR BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Hours Afloat: The TikiTap Cruise That Turns Excelsior’s Lakefront into a Floating Island

A two-hour, tiki-themed pontoon cruise in Excelsior with a private captain, onboard bar-style seating and tropical accents—this guide focuses on what to expect and how to plan a flawless outing.

Two Hours Afloat: The TikiTap Cruise That Turns Excelsior’s Lakefront into a Floating Island.

Duration
2 Hours
Location
Excelsior
Operator
PaddleTap
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Public TikiTap Cruise in Excelsior is a deliberately simple proposition: a two-hour, tiki-themed pontoon ride that transforms a classic boat into a floating island. Bamboo accents, a custom tiki bar, a Bluetooth sound system and a private captain combine with scenic lake views to create a compact, convivial outing built for celebrations and small groups.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

A tiki bar on the water

The Small TikiTap is outfitted with bamboo accents and a custom tiki bar, paired with comfortable bar-style seating and a large canopy for rain-or-shine coverage; the layout is designed for mingling around a central bar area.

THE FLOW

Two hours of laid-back cruising

This is a compact, two-hour escape on the water with a private captain at the helm—music through an onboard Bluetooth system and a BYOB setup make the trip feel more like a short floating party than a standard sightseeing cruise.

THE OCCASION

Built for celebrations and small groups

Whether it’s a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette outing, corporate get-together or an easy day with friends, the Small TikiTap offers the tropical ambiance and practical comforts—like a full onboard bathroom—to keep a small party moving without fuss.

What the day feels like

What it actually feels like on deck

Boarding feels casual: the tiki-themed pontoon departs for a two-hour circuit where the private captain handles navigation and the group sets the tone—playlist, drinks, and conversation. The large canopy moderates sun or light rain, and the onboard bathroom and bar-style seating keep the vibe breezy and social for the short duration.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this cruise suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Groups & PartiesIdeal for small celebrations and friend groups seeking a short, social on-water experience; the vessel is set up for mingling around a tiki bar and shared playlist.
2
Couples & Friend PairsGood for couples or pairs who want a lively, music-forward cruise with BYOB flexibility and a private captain handling the route.
3
Families with KidsPossible for families but subject to the operator’s passenger limits and safety rules; the onboard bathroom and canopy add convenience for younger passengers.
4
Corporate OutingsSuitable for small corporate gatherings that prioritize a relaxed, social atmosphere rather than formal meeting space; confirm passenger capacity and logistics with the operator.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

This is a BYOB-friendly cruise—bring your preferred beverages and a playlist-ready device to connect via the onboard Bluetooth system; dress for sun and lake breeze under the canopy.

Onboard Amenities

The Small TikiTap includes a custom tiki bar, bar-style seating, a full onboard bathroom, a Bluetooth sound system and a large canopy for rain-or-shine coverage.

Logistics & Comfort

The cruise is designed as an easy, social two-hour outing—bring anything you need for a short daytime boat trip and confirm any mobility or special-access needs with the operator ahead of time.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the cruise?

The Public TikiTap Cruise runs approximately two hours.

Can I bring my own drinks and music?

Yes—this is a BYOB-friendly cruise and the boat is equipped with an onboard Bluetooth sound system for your playlist.

Is there a captain onboard?

Yes, the cruise is operated with a private captain who handles navigation and safety for the duration of the outing.

What happens in bad weather?

The boat has a large canopy for rain-or-shine coverage; operational changes for severe weather would be determined by the operator.

Are there restroom facilities onboard?

Yes, the Small TikiTap includes a full onboard bathroom for guest use.

Who operates the cruise and where is it based?

The Public TikiTap Cruise is operated by PaddleTap and departs from Excelsior, Minnesota.