It won’t be hard to imagine you’re on a Hawaiian or South Pacific vacation this summer on Lake Wallenpaupack, relaxing on a covered boat fashioned in Polynesian tiki style. The new cruise open to the public is hosted by Pocono Action Sports and Silver Birches Resort with a varied schedule that started May 2.
Samantha “Sam” Sopko, director of Pocono Action Sports rentals and charters, said during the media cruise held on May 1 to introduce the attraction that there are no other tiki boat rentals in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Polynesian flavor seen during this outing comes from the design of the boat canopy, fashioned like a grass-roofed hut, Polynesian music playing, and a flowery lei handed to every passenger to wear if desired.
The boat is docked at Silver Birches (205 Route 507, Hawley) a Settlers Hospitality resort that includes The Dock on Wallenpaupack, a dining establishment, and TJ’s Lakeside Bar & Grill. TJ’s sells prepackaged food and beverages that can be taken aboard the tiki boat. No outside food and beverages are permitted, and orders need to be made in advance through TJ’s.
Sopko said that Pocono Action Sports has rented a smaller tiki boat for private excursions for the past two years. The public cruises expand the tiki boating experience to everyone, at less cost, she said.
Each boat has a two-person crew.
Pocono Action Sports’ website, where reservations are made, lists the full schedule of themed cruises through Labor Day. They go rain or shine, except when a thunderstorm is expected.
Some cruises offer swimming, when the crew drops anchor. There are trivia cruises where passengers may win prizes. Sunset cruises are offered. Most cruises are open to all ages. The Party Cove cruise, offered on weekends, is open to adults only. The most economical cruise offers swimming and karaoke and is ticketed $50 per adult and $30 per child.
Departure and return times and pricing for each cruise are listed online.
The public tiki boat is 37 feet long and carries 30 passengers. The boat has a restroom on board. It is 10 feet longer than the private boat. Sopko said that the boats are equipped with personal floatation devices and follow all state and federal guidelines.
“This is an easy way to get out on the lake,” said James Hamill, director of public relations for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Lake Wallenpaupack, 14 miles long and overlapping Wayne and Pike counties, is a major part of the regional economy as well as storing water for hydroelectric power.
Inaugurating tiki boat cruises, Hamill said, is another way to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lake Wallenpaupack in 2026. Settlers Hospitality kicks off plans to mark the centennial starting in May, he said. The Fourth of July fireworks are expected to be bigger and better than ever, he said. The Chamber of the Northern Poconos is planning a centennial event at the lake July 24 to 26 complete with a decorated boat parade; and then there is the annual Wally Lake Fest, Aug. 28 to 30.
