Every year, many folks travel long distances in order to embark on ocean cruises. Most of these trips are expensive, and they require months to plan.
However, for those who are less ambitious, there is a much more convenient and affordable alternative located here in Sumner County – Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville. Owned and operated by Justin and Andrea Wiater, Cruisin’ Tikis is a unique cruise operation that uses boats configured as floating tiki huts to take passengers on daytime voyages on scenic Old Hickory Lake.
“We got the idea for Cruisin’ Tikis several years ago during a family vacation down in the Florida Keys,” says Justin Wiater. “My wife Andrea spotted one of the boats from afar and pointed it out to me. We were amazed, we knew that we had to bring the tiki boat concept back home.”
The Wiaters began their cruise service in 2021, operating out of a dedicated dock located at the Gallatin Marina. They offer a variety of trip options, including morning, sunset and midday cruises. Cruise lengths vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, and pricing ranges from $70 per seat for individuals to $1,500 for parties up to 18 passengers. Each tiki boat can carry up to 6 passengers, but multiple boats can be used to accommodate larger parties.
The company also offers private charters for groups that can be customized for specific times and destinations. Regardless of the cruise choice, all boats are helmed by U. S. Coast Guard-certified captains.
The cruises do not include any food or drinks, but cruisers are encouraged to bring their favorite refreshments.
“All of our cruises are BYOB, but we allow our guests to bring their favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on board,” says Wiater. “This approach simplifies our licensing, and it reduces the costs for our passengers as they imbibe during their trip.”
Cruisin’ Tikis offers cruises from April to October each year. Departure times begin at 9 a.m. and continue to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week. Reservations can be made from the company’s website or by contacting the operators by phone.
Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville
727 Marina Pvt. Drive,
Gallatin, TN 37066
844.836.8454