Local guide · Surf City
Tiki Tours
The Tiki Queen began life as a paddlewheel tour boat in Ohio, and her canopy was cut down so she could fit under the old Surf City swing bridge. Today she cruises Topsail Sound on history and nature tours, and smaller pontoons carry families to uninhabited Lea-Hutaff Island to hunt for shells.
Why families go
Families single out the captains’ stories and how they keep teenagers engaged. Ospreys nesting up close and dolphins are the wildlife highlights. The private shelling charters to Lea Island, with time to swim and hunt for shark teeth, are many guests’ favorite part of their trip. The live-music sunset cruise is a BYOB party, so the history and nature tours are the better family pick.
Don’t miss
- The Tiki Queen history and nature tourA guided cruise on the sound and waterway.
- Shelling charter to Lea-Hutaff IslandA private 3- to 4-hour pontoon trip for up to six people to an undeveloped island.
- A private pontoon charterEasy boarding for kids and grandparents.
Photo: Tiki Tours
Before you go
- Book online ahead; arrive 15 minutes early, because late arrivals lose their fare.
- Children under 12 wear life jackets on pontoons. No pets. Lightning ends a trip early.
- Bring sunscreen, hats and towels; Lea Island has no facilities.
Plan your visit
- Where: 412 Roland Ave., Surf City, NC 28445 (Topsail Island Marina docks)
- From Topsail: On the island in Surf City.
- Hours: Scheduled tours and charters in season; see the booking page.
- Admission: Paid per seat (paddlewheel) or per charter.
- Tickets: Book a tour
- Official site: tikitoursnc.com
- More nearby: more family fun in Surf City
Staying nearby? Browse our Surf City vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.
Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.