If you’re planning a day on the water, one of the first decisions is simple but important: do you book a public cruise (individual tickets) or reserve a private charter (the whole boat for your group)?
Both options can be an awesome experience, but they’re built for different goals. This guide breaks down the practical differences so you can book the option that fits your group, your occasion, and the kind of vibe you want.
On Tiki Boat Long Island, cruises take place aboard The Enchanted, a custom tiki party boat that cruises the Great South Bay and departs from Oakdale, Long Island.
Public cruise vs private charter at a glance
Choose a public cruise if you want:
- A fun outing without planning a full event
- A smaller group or a spontaneous plan
- A “just show up and enjoy” experience
Choose a private charter if you want:
- The boat is reserved only for your group
- A hosted celebration (birthday, bachelor/ette, corporate, etc.)
- More control over the experience and pacing
If you’re unsure what’s included with each option, check the Packages page while you’re planning.
What stays the same either way
No matter which route you choose, the foundations of the experience are consistent:
- You’re on The Enchanted tiki boat, built for group experiences.
- The boat includes a full-service bar.
- You’re cruising the Great South Bay from Oakdale.
So the decision is less about “which boat is better” and more about which booking style fits your group.
1) Privacy and group vibe
Public cruises
Public cruises are best when you’re happy sharing the experience with other guests. The vibe is typically social, energetic, and easy. If your group is small or you’re trying something new, it’s a low-commitment option.
Good for:
- Couples
- A few friends
- Visitors looking for a fun activity
- People who like a social environment
Private charters
Private charters are for groups that want the boat to feel like “their event.” You don’t need to coordinate with strangers, and the whole cruise flows around your group.
Good for:
- Birthdays
- Bachelor and bachelorette groups
- Anniversaries
- Company outings
- Family celebrations
If you’re planning a celebration, the Special Events page is the best place to start.
2) Planning effort: simple outing vs hosted event
Public cruises = minimal planning
Public cruises are straightforward. You pick a time that works, book, and show up ready to have fun. They’re perfect when you do not want logistics.
Private charters = more control, more structure
Private charters give you more control, which is great, but it also means you’ll make a few decisions up front (like the kind of event you’re hosting and what experience you want your guests to have).
If your group is the type that wants:
- a defined “start to finish” celebration
- a clear plan (arrivals, photos, drinks, moments)
- a host-led vibe
Private is usually the better fit.
You also don’t need to invent anything complicated. A simple plan is usually best:
- arrive, board, settle in
- cruise, enjoy the bar, take photos
- celebrate, toast, and wrap up
3) Guest count and comfort
This is one of the biggest decision drivers.
The Enchanted accommodates up to 29 guests (plus crew), which makes private charters a strong option for mid-size groups that want to stay together.
Use this quick rule:
- If your group is small, the public is often perfect.
- If your group is large enough that splitting up would ruin it, go private.
Also, comfort matters. If you want easier movement, more space for photos, and a smoother flow, booking private with a headcount that does not push the limit usually feels better.
4) Occasion fit: which one matches your event?
Choose public when the goal is:
- “Let’s do something fun on Long Island this weekend.”
- “We want a cool activity, not a formal event.”
- “We’re not sure yet, just want to try it.”
Choose private when the goal is:
- “This is a celebration.”
- “We want our own music and our own vibe.”
- “We want the experience to be about our group.”
If you’re planning a company outing, start on the Corporate Events page so you’re looking at the right option from the beginning.
5) Food, drinks, and expectations
The simplest way to keep planning stress-free is to avoid guessing. Use the Packages page to confirm what’s included and what the best fit is for your group.
Practical rule of thumb:
- If you want the simplest experience, choose public.
- If you want a planned celebration, choose private and confirm the details during booking.
If you have a specific request or you’re booking for a larger group, use the Contact Us page to ask your questions in one message (date, headcount, and the type of outing you want).
6) “We just want the best experience” decision checklist
If you’re still undecided, answer these:
Book a public cruise if:
- Your group is small
- You do not care about sharing the boat
- You want the easiest plan with minimal coordination
Book a private charter if:
- You want privacy and full control of the vibe
- You’re celebrating something meaningful
- You’re organizing a group that needs to stay together
If your event is clearly a group celebration, start with Special Events. If it’s for work, start with Corporate Events.
FAQs
Is a public cruise or a private charter better for birthdays?
If it’s a milestone birthday or a group event where you want everyone together, private is usually the better fit. If it’s a small group that just wants a fun outing, the public is an easy win.
What’s better for corporate groups?
Corporate outings usually benefit from the structure and privacy of a private booking, especially if you want your team in one shared space. Corporate Events is the best starting point.
Where do cruises depart from?
Tiki Boat Long Island departs from Oakdale, Long Island, and cruises the Great South Bay.
Conclusion
Public cruises are ideal when you want a simple, fun outing with minimal planning. Private charters are the move when you’re hosting a real event, want privacy, and want the whole experience to revolve around your group.
If you’re ready to choose, head to Packages to compare options, then use Special Events or Corporate Events if you’re booking for a celebration or a team. If you’re not sure, Contact Us is the fastest way to confirm what’s best for your group.
