Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I bring?
Bring your own beverages and any food you want to eat. Highly recommend shoes that you don’t mind getting wet…we recommend flip flops. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a government issued ID (will be checked if drinking alcohol), and be ready for a great time.
2. What should I avoid bringing?
Glass bottles, balloons, full size kegs, shoes that cannot get wet, pets, fishing poles, smoking, or other drug paraphernalia.
3. What should I expect?
Expect to board “Rum Shaker” right on time at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (3576 Piedmont Circle). We highly encourage ride share services and parking cost $4 starting April 1st. Parking is extremely limited at peak times and on weekends. We will check ID’s to ensure you are 21 if consuming adult beverages. USE THE RESTROOM BEFORE YOU BOARD. There is no restroom on board for the tour so plan accordingly. We have coolers, ice, small plates, napkins, utensils, cups and a Bluetooth sound system.
4. Is there music or karaoke?
Yes, you can Bluetooth in your phone and play your own mix otherwise the Captain can play tunes as well. We added a karaoke microphone and TV's are coming for the 2024 football season.
5. Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately no for safety reasons.
6. Can children come?
Absolutely, but a maximum of 5 children 12 years of age or younger are allowed. Anyone under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian onboard. Guests 12 years and younger must wear a life jacket at all times per law and USCG regulations. We recommend anyone 12 and younger to bring their own life jacket but we do have some if required.
7. Is smoking allowed?
No smoking or drug use of any kind is allowed.
8. Who is my Captain?
Your Captain is one of five USCG certified Captains at VB Tiki Tours with years of experience….just ask them? If you are renting the boat via a bareboat rental agreement for 7-12 passengers, please see #11 below.
9. Is the boat USCG safety checked?
Yes, the boat meets all safety and USCG regulations with an examination sticker dated May 2024 and supported the USCG with three boardings and zero violations. We have a great relationship with the Coast Guard and Virginia Beach Marine Police. We pride ourselves on setting the highest standards for safety and compliance on the water.
10. Can we stop at restaurants, sandbars, private homes, or tie up to other boats?
Unfortunately we cannot. The boat congestion, insurance liability, and safety concerns do not allow this.
11. How many people can cruise at a time?
We cruise 4-6 people at a time. If you have a special request for less than 4 people, give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate. If you wish to book 7-12 passengers, you will enter into a recreational bareboat charter agreement where you assume ownership of the vessel for the duration of the cruise (like renting a car). You are required to provide a qualified boat operator per our company policies due to the uniqueness and safety of our boat. We provide a list of qualified USCG licensed Master Captains for our specific vessel you may choose from if you desire and must pay them separately. If you wish to provide your own captain, you may do so provided they are qualified on our specific vessel due to it's unique characteristics. Please call us ahead of time if you want to provide your own captain so they can get a review and check out of experience from the owner.
12. What is VB Tiki Tours cancelation policy?
If passengers are a no show or late and miss the tour, they will NOT be given a refund. Additionally, the Captain at any point reserves the right to end a cruise for behavioral reasons without a refund of any sort. For passengers that cancel 72 hours or greater, they can rebook or will be given a voucher or refund. If passengers cancel 72 hours or less, they will only be given a refund or voucher if VB Tiki Tours is able to fill the tour they canceled with the same or greater amount of passengers. Due to high demand especially for some time periods, we must adhere to this policy. If the Captain cancels due to weather or maintenance, we will issue a voucher or refund. We do not cancel just because it is cloudy for the sunset tour. However, we always want your experience on the water to be memorable and feeling the tiki vibe.
13. What if I have a special request or it’s a special celebration?
Please let VB Tiki Tours know in the other requests section when signing up for the tour. We will contact you and do our best to accommodate. We are as flexible as we possibly can be to ensure a memorable experience.
14. Can I extend my tour?
It depends. If there is no one scheduled after you, we will do our best to accommodate based on the Captain’s decision. You must sign up online to extend your tour at the normal price per person however…you will be getting an extra 15 minutes free. NOTE: To extend any tour, Rum Shaker may pull back into our loading area to allow passengers to use the restroom. There is none onboard and almost 4 hours is a long time.
15. What are the booking minimums?
Our minimum booking is four people. However, our sunset cruises have a minimum of six people.
16. What is a yoga cruise?
Starting June 2024, we partnered with a local yoga instructor named Jennifer to provide the best start to your weekend. Spend 45-60 minutes cruising the tranquil Long Creek while being guided through a yoga practice. The last 45 minutes on the water you can break out your favorite beverages and food to start your weekend. Bring your own yoga mats or they are provided.
Still have questions?
Feel free to email Captain Tory at info@vbtikitours.com or send a message through the contact form below!