New Port Tiki boat sailing from Glen Cove this summer

Escape the rigors of Long Island and enter a tropical state of mind aboard Port Tiki, a two-hour, island-themed private cruise line launching a new boat in Glen Cove this summer.

“We will be running up to five trips a day out of Garvies Point Marina behind Garvies Point Brewery,” says owner Captain Ken Tokar. The first Port Tiki boat launched in Port Washington in 2022. “Our brand new, custom-built Palapa boat, which is 26 feet long by 12 feet wide with twin outboard engines, can hold up to 18 passengers. Everyone on board gets a flower lei to wear.”

Each trip will travel on Hempstead Harbor in Glen Cove at a slow speed. The new boat is set to launch Memorial Day weekend and run through the end of September, 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). 

“We came to Glen Cove because our customer Matt Bittner, who rented out Port Tiki a few times, wanted to get involved,” says Tokar, of Williston Park. “He bought into the brand and will head up that location.”

Each cruise is a bring-your-own venue as passengers provide all food and drinks for their party.

“We have a server/bartender on board to prepare, serve and clean up whatever you bring,” says Tokar. “All the flatware, cups, plates, napkins and forks are provided by us. This way you can just kick back and relax.”

Similarly to the Port Washington ride, the new boat has a grass hut roof plus a Bahama, Hawaiian and French Polynesian decor. There’s even a playlist of island music ready to set the mood.

“People get out of it whatever they put into it,” says Tokar. “Our customers keep coming back and their guests end up booking their own parties. We do everything from birthday parties to anniversaries to team building corporate events.”

All cruises, out of both ports, are private and run $450-$675 depending on the time. The base price includes six people and additional passengers are $35 per person after that up to 18. The experience is suggested for those 16 and older.

To book a Glen Cove cruise, call 516-566-7011 or visit porttiki.com. Port Washington trips launch mid-May.  

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday’s exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.