Family Tiki Boat Ride in Ocean City NJ: Kids & Grandparents

Family Tiki Boat Ride in Ocean City NJ: A Guide for Kids and Grandparents

Getting three generations on the same outing is the hard part of a shore week. The toddler needs a bathroom, Grandpa needs a real seat and some shade, and the teenagers need music that is not yours. The Big Beachy Tiki out of 228 Bay Ave handles all of that in one 1.5-hour cruise through the Ocean City back bays.

Why the Big Tiki works for mixed-age families

• All ages. The Big Tiki tour is listed for all ages, and the crew's own FAQ says children are absolutely welcome.
• A real restroom. The boat has a fully plumbed restroom with a flushing toilet and a fresh water sink. No hunting for a public bathroom mid-trip.
• Seats and shade. It is a custom 40-foot catamaran with cushioned bench seating, rail bar-top seats, and a roof over the whole deck.
• Rain or shine. That same roof keeps everyone covered if a shower rolls through, and the tour runs either way.
• Nobody gets soaked. Bathing suits are optional because you will not get wet on the tour.

The pace is a cruise, not a thrill ride. One TripAdvisor reviewer who took the 6:30 PM sunset run with a three-year-old said the speed was comfortable for him, and another said the boat was great for kids and perfect for a family reunion.

Public tour or private charter?

Public Big Tiki tour. You buy seats for your group and may share the boat with other guests. Tickets are sold as adult (ages 13+) and child (12 and under), so check the current rates on the Big Tiki page. This is the easy pick for a family of four to ten.

Private Big Tiki charter. The whole boat is yours for up to 32 people. That is the move for a family reunion, a milestone birthday for Grandma, or two families sharing a rental. On a private charter you control the music, and catering is available if you would rather not pack food for 30.

Little Tikis. Smaller private tiki boats for up to 6 people, bookable for 1, 2, or 4 hours on the Little Tikis page. Good for grandparents and one family's kids. Ask about age guidelines for the Little Tikis when you book.

What to bring with kids and grandparents

• Drinks and snacks in a backpack or soft shoulder cooler. Food and drinks are not provided, BYOB is allowed for adults, and wheeled or hard coolers are not allowed on board.
• Juice boxes and a snack the little ones will actually eat
• Closed-toe shoes for everyone, for grip on the docks and deck. Skip high heels.
• A light layer for the evening runs, when the bay cools off
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for the walk down the dock
• Your playlist requests. Tell the mate a song and they will work it into the rotation.
• Tip money for the captain and mate. Tipping is up to you; the crew suggests 20%.

Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the boat, the docks, or the property.

Tips for a smooth family cruise

• Pick the time slot around naps and dinner. Morning and midday runs are easy with little kids, and sunset is the one everyone photographs.
• Count heads before you book. Big Tiki capacity is 32, and open public seats depend on other reservations.
• Give Grandpa or Grandma the bench seats near the middle of the boat, and let the kids have the rail.
• Meet at 228 Bay Ave, Ocean City, NJ and leave extra time for parking and check-in.
• Planning next summer's reunion? The Big Tiki runs seven days a week from May through September, so lock in a private charter early for a busy July or August weekend.

Make it a full family day

Pair the cruise with The Yard at 741 West Ave (609-398-3345). The outdoor Sky Net is for ages 2 and up, Under the Net is for ages 1 and up, and children under 3 need a parent with them in the net. If the weather turns, The Yard's indoor sports simulator keeps the older kids and adults busy.

Looking ahead to summer 2027: Totally Tubular Aqua Park reopens in June 2027 and Shark Bait fishing charters reopen in May 2027, so save them for next year's trip.

Book your family tiki boat ride

Check open dates and departure times on the Beachy Tiki site or the FareHarbor booking calendar. Questions about a big family group or a private charter? Call 609-398-9000.

Book the Big Beachy Tiki for your crew, pack the soft cooler, and let the captain handle the bay while the whole family rides together.