Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh return for 5th season of sightseeing tours

A brand-new boat joins two others for the fifth season of Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh, a company that offers sightseeing tours on their unusual little boats on the Allegheny, Ohio and Monongahela rivers.

They’re recognizable by their thatched roofs and bamboo poles gliding along the river, like a floating Hawaiian-style hut.

The newest member of the fleet arrived Wednesday, coming from Pompano Beach, Fla.

Look for them out on the water starting Sunday.

“We don’t take you to a destination, because we are the destination,” said Dale McCue, of Eighty-Four, Pa., who co-owns the tiki boat company with fiancee Joa Campise.

“It’s casual, and it’s relaxing. You get amazing views. It’s more than something to do. It’s an experience.”

Boats are 16-foot, octagonal-shaped and can do a 360-degree turn in one spot.

The boats are made of authentic bamboo and treated lumber. Each weighs 4,500 pounds and run on a Suzuki 30-horsepower motor, traveling at about 6 mph.

They’ve hosted everything from engagements to birthday celebrations — even a wedding at Point State Park.

Guests are not required to wear a mask.

“We practice tropical distancing,” McCue said.

The business has continued to grow the past four years, according to Campise, who handles the reservations. The additional boat allows them to accommodate parties of 18 people.

The cost starts at $410 for up to six people.

Cruises, which run through October, last two hours. They’re available seven days a week, beginning at 8 a.m., weather permitting.

Guests board at the Landing and Marina at Station Square on Pittsburgh’s South Side or Riverfront Park near PNC Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

The boats can be connected when not in motion.

The newest boat has improved railings and an updated stereo system. There’s a new ladder for access into the water for those who wish to go swimming — if conditions allow. The other two boats have new motors and the decks have been refinished.

“We get a lot of repeat customers,” Campise said. “They love this because it’s a unique way to feel like they are on a vacation, even if they aren’t on a vacation. We put smiles on people’s faces one cruise at a time.”

Guests may bring their own food and drink.

There’s a regular sightseeing route.

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

Jason Ruhle, a captain for Cruisin’ Tiki Pittsburgh, ties down one of the company’s boats at the marina at Station Square along the Monongahela River in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday, April 29.

But riders also can ask their captain to stop in a spot such as close to Point State Park or near the Rivers Casino or one of the stadiums and just hang out there on the water.

The boat can be the perfect place to listen to a concert at one of the stadiums or the casino.

“You don’t have to be in motion the entire time,” McCue said. “You can hear the music great when you are out on the water. And for fireworks, it’s the best seat in the house.”

There’s a roof and guests are somewhat protected if it rains.

They still cruise in the rain and can take cover under one of Pittsburgh’s many bridges to wait out a thunderstorm.

The vessels don’t have a rest room. There’s a scheduled stop at Point State Park for pictures or bathroom breaks.

Safety is most important, said McCue. Each boat is equipped with a marine radio to monitor other boats and commercial river traffic.

Boats are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. The captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed and knowledgeable of Pittsburgh landmarks. Safety equipment is on board, including life jackets.

The captains have radar on their phones to monitor conditions.

The tiki boat owners are members of the Pittsburgh Safe Boating Council. They’ll be part of an event on boat safety on Thursday, May 26 at the Landing and Marina at Station Square. It’s during National Safe Boating Week which is May 21-27.

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

Dale McCue, of Eighty-Four, pilots a tiki boat along the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday, April 29.

McCue said he has an appreciation for weather forecasters.

He watches the reports in real time to view the water level to determine whether it’s safe to go out.

If a trip needs to be canceled due to unsafe weather or river conditions guests are given a refund or can reschedule to a future time. Guests can also cancel within 72 hours notice to receive a full refund.

The idea originated in Florida. There are 42 franchises. Pittsburgh was the fourth.

Group reservations can be found here.

“We are the most photographed boat on the water,” McCue said as he rang the bell on the boat as it glided past onlookers on the shore at Point State Park – most who waved and some who took cell phone pictures. “We provide a safe, intimate, and unique way for those who don’t have access to a boat to get out and enjoy the Pittsburgh rivers.”

Now, even more so with a third boat.