Looking for a fun adventure in Hernando Beach, FL? I had the chance to ride the Freaky Tiki and it was such a blast! This post is my genuine, not-sponsored review so you know exactly what to expect.
Booking Experience
Originally we had been planning on going on Da Freaky Tiki on a Friday evening but decided last minute to actually go on Thursday instead due to the weather radar. Since we had not booked yet we found out that Da Freaky Tiki Website does not accept payment on day of bookings, but we were actually able to call and speak to the Captain of the cruise, Captain Norman Soucy and reserve over the phone to pay in person.
Captain Norman was super nice and understanding when we got lost and gave clear directions how to find the docking location. We arrived 15 minutes before the cruise like the website says and loaded onto the boat without problem.
What to Bring
Da Freaky Tiki DOES NOT serve alcohol or any drinks aboard. But encourages you to bring your own drinks\cooler for the cruise. We brought a small cooler which fit about 6 bottles, cans, water and other snacks.
Optional Bathing Suit: If the tide is right Captain Norman will take you to a local hangout spot out on the water called “The Flats” with crystal clear water, Knee deep water and a beautiful view to the sunset. Docking for a couple of minutes so you can hop out and take a dip.
Thats it! Drinks and Bathing Suits super easy checklist!
What to Expect
After Captain Norman picked us up off the dock we departed and started the tour by going around the Canals and sightseeing the different waterfront properties for around 15 to 20 minutes as we rode the channel out towards the sea. Captain Norman allows you to hook up via Bluetooth to his boat and play whatever music you would like during your cruise. He also gave us a brief history on Hernando Beach and gave knowledgeable insights about the different storms, currents, fishing experiences and tides. He was very knowledgeable through out the trip and made sure we were comfortable the entire time, even bringing out an extra chair so my mum could also sit at the front of the boat to enjoy the view with the rest of my family.
Once your out of the channel the cruise makes a stop at “The Flats” a local hang out where the boat will dock giving you an opportunity to swim. This is entirely optional, my family and I opted out of swimming and chose just to cruise around the flats taking in the gorgeous sunset.
After the sun sets you will then travel the canals back the way you came. Captain Norman will slow down next to the green lights in the canal so you can spot fish that are attracted to the light in the channel. Lastly he will play his famous Freaky Tiki theme song to close the night out.
How we Enjoyed it
The overall experience was amazing! My family is actually planning on gifting cruise gift cards to friends and family this year for Christmas because of how memorable the experience was. Take a look below at the unedited gorgeous view!
Payment
Since we weren’t able to book online due to their online system not allowing day of bookings (you can call to schedule if their online system is not working and if the Captain is available he can take you out!) since it was day of, we ended up paying when we arrived at the boat. He accepted pretty much any payment type, credit card, cash and even Zelle.
Summary
All around this experience was a 10/10 and I cannot wait to come back again. Highly recommend taking a ride on the freaky tiki, not only was the view exquisite but the customer service was fantastic.
You can book either Captain Norman and The Freaky Tiki here: https://dafreakytiki.com
