Cruising with Tropical Tiki Tours

Tropical Tiki Tours, the newest tour boat to enter the 10,000 Islands, is more than a sightseeing or eco-cruise – it is the culmination of 22 years of hard work and friendship.

Owner and Captain Jonathan Peel and Master Captain Frank Shay’s journey together began over two decades ago when they met in high school in Naples. Water was always at the root of their lives and being on or in it was second nature.

Their shared marine adventures have given them the ability to wear several hats and dot many maps! Sailing boats to the Keys and back. Working on fishing boats in Alaska. Working in Key West and on party boats there. They were also scuba diving instructors in Central America for some time. They even threw a land base into their repertoire in Tennessee at a luxury resort.

Frank was not much for travel, but with enough friendly prodding from Jonathan, they have travelled their fair share. This has garnered both stories and experiences that helped shape them into the watermen they are today.

“I just kept coming up with new stupid ideas, and Frank always tagged along. But that's how we just became better and better friends as time went on,” laughed Jonathan, as he looked back.

After Frank spent some time as a captain in the yachting industry, and Jonathan spent some time as a sommelier in the hospitality industry, they began to discuss what adventure should come next. Combining the two seemed like a no-brainer and they began to plan their business.

Starting in Punta Gorda, they got their boat, a 26’ catamaran. The bright flamingos decorating the sides, the bar top in the middle, and the theme-appropriate thatched tiki roof make the boat hard to miss. Wanting to focus on a more relaxed, good time, island vibe cruise, they created the ideal boat for beach-tripping families, bachelorette parties, couples wanting a Happy Hour escape, and more for up to 18 people. A floating paradise.

Due to damage from recent hurricanes, they relocated the boat and business. Their new home is nestled on a quiet canal in Goodland across from Stan’s Idle Hour. A private slip, guests can park their car in the large FREE lot and walk right on without a hassle.

‘Frankly Appealin,’ the aptly named vessel, is ready to welcome guests with comfortable seats, plenty of coolers, ice, bottled water, Bluetooth speakers, charging ports, and a bathroom on board. Guests can bring their own food and drinks are BYOB, ensuring every cruise is exactly how they want to enjoy themselves on the water. “Guests just want to have a good time. It's the way around here,” says Jonathan.

Interested parties can book well in advance or within 24 hours’ notice on their website. Cruise times run in the morning, afternoon, and happy hour with the average time at two and a half hours. The ability to customize length or reserve the entire boat is available. Whether you have a private party or want to book per person, friends and memories are made.

“We're always keeping our eye out for all sorts of wildlife, too. We have birds nesting and ospreys being born,” Jonathan added. Being locally raised, they both have a passion for the education and conservation of the many marine and avian animals that live within the 10,000 Islands. “As soon as we hop out of our canal, we're in the National Wildlife Refuge.” Content with their spot in Goodland, they never tire of pointing out their ‘neighbors’ to their guests.

Jonathan shared their business model: “One step forward, no steps back.” The two friends abide by this as they navigate the waters of business ownership, just as they navigated the waters of 22 years of adventures together.

Looking at the future, their goal would be to offer a boat in Marco Island for trips to Keewaydin and surrounding areas. But for now, they are looking forward to the many memories they help make for their guests on the waters that they call home.

To learn more and to book a cruise, visit: tropicaltikitour.com