Tiki BBQ Barco | Tiki Boats Rental

Our visit to Curaçao is coming to an end but after 6 nights on this beautiful island, the highlight of our trip was booking a self-captained tiki boat for an all-day adventure around the beautiful Spaanse Water area just outside Jan Thiel. The experience was truly one of the best “excursions” we’ve ever done as a family and having been all over the Caribbean, the uniqueness is truly what made it so special. However, if the idea of piloting your own tiki boat around the harbor seems a bit more than you’d like to take on, fear not, the crew at Tiki Boats Rental will put your mind at ease. We arrived a bit early for our 11:30 “sailing” which was recommended so you can complete the orientation video that lasts about 15 minutes. Once complete, you’re now qualified to be Captain for the day. We also opted for the full BBQ experience which they expertly pack into a cooler for you before you set sail. You have the option to enjoy your BBQ right on the boat or, what we chose, motor out to “Tiki Island” which is equipped with a hammock, several sun loungers, a picnic table and a floating pool. We set up on the island, thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely lunch and then still had time to explore more of this amazing slice of earth. While we were on the island, my son decided he wanted to try his hand at fishing. A quick radio call to Tiki Staff (specifically Nelis) and 10 minutes later he delivered a fishing pole and a little tacklebox to get him started. Before we started the day, Nelis told us that the radio was not only for emergencies but feel free to use it for questions or any additional needs throughout the day. The best part was, he meant it. We got ice, additional sodas, some sangria and more pasta salad, all delivered quicker than any room service I’ve ever ordered. 😜. To be honest, I don’t think any request would have been too hard for them to handle. Although we were “on our own”, Nelis was always not too far away to provide guidance, assistance and replenishment at sea. Who could ask for more? The food was great, the drinks ice cold and the scenery, spectacular. The boat is round, as you’d expect a tiki, which added to the social connection to all on board, in this case my wife, 2 teenagers and grandma. The motor is fast enough to get you all around the harbor where we admired sailboats from all over the world, but not so powerful for the inexperienced boater to feel overwhelmed. It was simply perfect. Rob & Mary Jane are amazing hosts and Nelis was “Johnny on the spot” around every turn. We truly could not have asked for a better day on the water doing something that I don’t think you can do anywhere else in the world. Tiki Boats is unique enough but expertly executed and we are so glad we found them. Take a chance, I bet you will too. Thank you Rob, MJ and Nelis.