Imbibe crushes on the creek on this must-try tiki cruise
Pack your cooler and embark on a boozy ride aboard Rum Shaker, a bar-laden and thatch-roofed vessel operated by the skilled captains of VB Tiki Tours. Rum Shaker is the sole watercraft in the Tiki Tour’s fleet and carries guests through the glistening waters of Long Creek and Broad Bay 365 days a year.
Owner and Head Captain Tory Hegrenes is excited to return for his second summer season and looks forward to inviting new guests to experience this entirely BYOB cruise.
While traversing the no wake-zone, guests are encouraged to pop corks, chug beers or belt out a tune on Rum Shaker’s karaoke machine. Cruisers can also indulge in snacks they brought aboard or pre-order a TASTE party tray curated specifically for VB Tiki Tours.
At the helm of Rum Shaker you may also find Hegrenes’ fellow captains, Ben, Ron and Taylor. “[Running] VB Tiki Tours has been a lot of fun and it is the perfect retirement [gig],” says Hegrenes, a retired Navy fighter pilot. “We even claimed the Best Beach Theme award in the Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights last winter.”
Hegrenes hails from the Florida Keys, where tiki-inspired vessels carry locals and visitors across the Sunshine State’s crystal blue waters. After relocating to Coastal Virginia, Hegrenes was determined to recreate the party paradise here in Virginia Beach. In 2023, he launched VB Tiki Tours and it has since remained the only expedition of its kind in the 757.
New this season are yoga tours. Upon request, up to five yogis can reserve Rum Shaker for a meditative morning cruise led by local instructor, Jennifer Wolfe. All other one hour and 45-minute excursions can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Cruise themes include Daytime, Lunch, Happy Hour, Sunset and the aptly named It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.
Learn more at vbtikitours.com.
Photo Courtesy of VB Tiki Tours
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
