Set Sail the Smart Way
To help us create the best possible experience for you and your crew, we kindly ask that all guests take a moment to review our Policies & Guidelines before their cruise. These guidelines are in place to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable time on the water for everyone aboard, while helping your private cruise run on schedule.
By booking and boarding, you acknowledge and agree to follow these policies. They cover important details such as safety expectations, boarding procedures, timing, and what to expect during your trip — all designed to protect your crew, our vessel, and our captain, so you can relax and fully enjoy your time on the water.
For your convenience, you will also receive a confirmation email after booking that includes these Policies & Guidelines, along with helpful reminders and important details to prepare for your cruise.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to review this information. It truly helps us focus on what matters most: Tiki Time, All the Time — cruisin’ island style.
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard and share an unforgettable private cruise experience with you and your crew!
If you have any questions at all, feel free to text us at 252-489-6165 – we’re happy to help!
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Before we set sail, all guests will need to sign a waiver. Every person 18 years and older must sign their own waiver, and parents or legal guardians must sign for any minor under 18. Please make sure everyone in your crew is prepared to complete this step before your cruise departs so we can get you on the water quickly and start the fun!
Our Captained cruises are licensed for a maximum of six passengers per boat according to US Coast Guard regulations. Both children and adults, regardless of age or size, are considered passengers. We cannot accommodate seven or more passengers on a charter package. NO EXCEPTION!
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We DO NOT put strangers together on any of our cruises. Your booking is private, and only your party will be on the boat with you. As the person who booked, please make sure your crew is aware of all the important information, including arrival times, policies, and safety guidelines, so everyone is prepared for a smooth and fun adventure on the water.
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Please be prepared to sign a release on behalf of your party upon arrival.
Our Captained cruises are licensed for a maximum of six passengers per boat according to US Coast Guard regulations. Both children and adults, regardless of age or size, are considered passengers. We cannot accommodate seven or more passengers on a charter package. NO EXCEPTIONS.
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For reservations, a $100 deposit is required to secure your cruise. We understand that sometimes plans change, and life’s tides can be unpredictable. If you need to cancel your Tiki Cruise reservation, here’s our fair and friendly policy:
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Cancellation within 48 Hours: If you cancel your reservation at least 48 hours before your scheduled cruise, we’ll gladly provide a full refund of your payment.
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Cancellation within 24 Hours: If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled cruise, we’ll offer a 50% refund of your payment.
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No-Show Policy: In the event of a no-show or failure to cancel, no refund will be provided.
For any cancellations due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances on our end, rest assured, we’ll work with you to reschedule or offer a full refund.
Yo-ho-ho, we value your trust and understanding!
To cancel or reschedule, please contact us at [email protected] or give us a jingle at (252) 489-6165.
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To ensure the best experience for all our guests, please plan to arrive on time — but not too early! We have only a 1-hour window between departures, and we need that time to clean and prepare the boats from the previous cruise so everything is ready and safe for you.
Tiki Cruise, Tubing Charter, or Tiki & Skiff: Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Sandbar Party & Tubing Adventure: Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
If you’ve chosen our shuttle service, we’ll pick you up at the address you provided 15 minutes before your cruise departure. If we need to arrive earlier, we’ll send you a text message so you’re in the loop.
Arriving within these windows allows us to keep everything running smoothly and ensures you get the full experience without any rush. Thank you for helping us make your day on the water as enjoyable as possible!
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A deposit has been charged to the card used by the person who booked the cruise. For the remaining balance, you have a few easy options :
- We can charge the card on file after your cruise.
- You can pay with a different card with our Square card reader (Please note: we do not slip payments between multiple cards).
- You can pay Cash
You may receive an invitation to pay your balance before the day of your cruise, but we recommend waiting until the day of your trip to complete your payment.
While the weather in the Outer Banks is usually beautiful, Mother Nature can sometimes have other plans. If we have to cancel your cruise due to weather, we’ll issue a full refund – but please not that the refunds can take a few business days to process through the bank.
Waiting to pay ensures everything goes smoothly and saves you the hassle of waiting for a refund if conditions don’t cooperate.
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Gratuities are never expected but always greatly appreciated. Your captain and crew work hard to make sure your adventure is safe, fun, and unforgettable, and there’s a lot of work that happens before and after your cruise that most guest never see!
If you feel your crew went above and beyond to make your day special, tips are a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Thank you for supporting our hardworking team!
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For your convenience, we provide a cooler. If you bring your own we prefer soft or hard-sided coolers over Styrofoam ones, which can be messy and split open. Please no black bottom shoes on deck. Just board barefoot – that’s how we roll! To ensure everyone’s safety, smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and vape is permitted on the boat and island, but illegal drugs or substances are strictly prohibited. You are welcome to bring your own beverages as listed above.
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For fishing enthusiasts, you are allowed to fish or trawl from the boat. However, you must bring your own fishing gear, bait, and a valid State of North Carolina fishing license. We are not experts in fishing regulations, so please be sure to check those before your trip.
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Parents with children aged 12 years and younger should ensure their little ones wear personal flotation devices while walking around the dock and during the boat ride. Safety first! Children under 30lbs must provide their own USCG approved personal flotation device.
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Pet owners are welcome to bring their furry companions – We absolutely LOVE pets! They’re more than welcome to join the adventure! Your furry first mate will be treated like royalty from the moment they step aboard. Best part? They don’t have to follow any of the rules – in fact, they can even take the wheel if they want! Bring their favorite treats, towel, and maybe a little sailor hat – We’ll take care of the rest!
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- Sunscreen is a must to protect yourself from the North Carolina sun.
- We provide coast guard approved life jackets.
- Staying hydrated is crucial, we got you covered with bottled water on ALL cruises
- We provide orange juice on the morning cruises – Perfect for mimosas!
- We provide soft drinks on the Sandbar Party & Tubing adventure.
- You’re also welcome to bring your favorite beverages to enjoy during your cruise! Beer, hard seltzers, champagne (especially for the morning cruises), wine (just please, no RED wine – it stains the deck!), juices, and other light drinks.
- Please note : NO HARD LIQUOR is permitted on board, per NC law.
- We provide light snacks, or feel free to bring your own sandwiches, or any other food you’d like to enjoy during the trip, as there are no restaurants or snack bars on board.
- Don’t forget your camera! Our crew is more than happy to add some lively atmosphere to your pictures.
- Bring your beach towels and a change of clothes if you prefer not to sit in a wet swimsuit after swimming. In the summer, you’ll dry off quickly!
- In the fall months, it’s a good idea to bring something warm to wear, as chilly sea breezes can still be felt despite the warm land temperatures.
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For those who love to capture memories with music, our boat has Bluetooth capabilities, and we do offer six USB charging ports on board.
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If you tend to experience motion sickness, you might consider alternatives to Dramamine, such as Ginger pills or Ginger Root, which can be found at natural food stores and won’t make you drowsy.
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Lastly, remember to leave the kitchen sink at home! Pack lightly, as the crew will handle any luggage or belongings you bring on board. We want you to have the best time, so focus on enjoying the sailing, swimming, and fun!
Arr, shiver me timbers! Now that ye have read our policies and guidelines, let’s set sail and get ye booked for a jolly cruise on the high seas!