Original Tiki Suite — Unique Floating Bungalow on the water in Key West, FL

The Space

Taking the best parts of boat life and combining them with the space and comforts of home, the Original Tiki Suite is designed as a unique glamping experience on the water. Enjoy the hammock, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear. In addition to the many bird species regularly sighted around the Tiki, you may occasionally see dolphins, manatees, stingrays, conch, starfish, and many small fish that enjoy the shade beneath the structure. Please note, fishing from the boat is not permitted.

Inside, you’ll first notice the custom oak bed, which adds elegance to the otherwise humble thatched-hut styling. To maximize the beautiful surrounding view from the three sets of French doors, the 65" TV and Blu-ray player are hidden within the footboard of the bed and rise at the press of a button.

The suite’s tropical-themed design also promotes maximum cooling efficiency in the hot Florida sun while providing protection from passing rain showers, all without needing to be fully enclosed. The high vaulted ceiling, nearly 14 feet tall, makes this compact space feel expansive and airy.

For food and beverages, the suite includes a roto-molded cooler capable of keeping ice for up to 9 days (bring ice with you). A microwave and K-cup coffee maker are also available. No other heat- or flame-generating devices may be used onboard, including smoking, though vape pens are allowed.

The bathroom features an electric macerating toilet and a full-height in-room shower with a water heater that heats water in approximately 5 minutes.

Check-In / Check-Out
Check-in: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Check-out: By 11:00 AM

Water Shuttle

This Tiki Suite is anchored in the harbor, away from land, and can only be accessed by boat. We recommend Ship 2 Shore, a local marine services company offering reliable and affordable shuttle service. They also provide free parking at their shuttle dock.

Guests may use other charter companies, but these typically cost more and are harder to coordinate for this type of service. Tiki Suites participates in Ship 2 Shore’s discount program, offering a coupon code for 50% off all General Seating shuttle rides, excluding extra baggage fees, during your reservation.

General Seating Shuttle Rates (with discount): $27.50/person (2-person minimum per ride)

Private Shuttle: $150 for up to 6 passengers

Important Notes on Shuttle Use:

General seating shuttle rides have baggage allowances similar to airline policies: one carry-on and one personal item. Light packing is recommended to avoid extra fees.

We provide information on baggage storage if you prefer not to bring all luggage to the Tiki.

General Seating Shuttle Times (to Tiki): 8:45 AM, 10:40 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM

General Seating Shuttle Times (to Land): 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:20 PM, 5:20 PM, 7:20 PM

Private Shuttle Times (dock start and end): 6:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:15 PM, 4:15 PM, 6:15 PM, 8:30 PM

Reservations for general seating shuttles must be made by 3:00 PM the day they are needed and at least 2 hours in advance. Private shuttle rides must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Ride times are subject to availability and may be delayed 30–60 minutes depending on passenger volume, weather, or other conditions.

Please arrive early at the dock — shuttles depart on time. Late arrivals will be left behind without refunds. Guests driving from Miami should allow an extra 2 hours for traffic. Shuttle services are independent businesses and are not affiliated with Tiki Suites.

Things to Consider

This is off-grid living. While modern conveniences are provided, some must be sacrificed, and others require adjustment.

Air conditioning is installed but recommended only during sleeping hours or if you plan to stay inside. Running A/C requires the generator, which can be noisy outside. Cooling may take up to an hour depending on outside temperatures.

The TV is a smart type, but streaming services are not officially supported. A Blu-ray player is available, with a small selection of videos included. Guests may bring their own media.

Private vessels such as jet skis and powerboats are not permitted. Kayaks and paddleboards are allowed.

Fresh water is extremely limited (about 20 gallons) and must be conserved.

Electricity for lights, water, and small devices is supplied by battery and power inverter. Leaving lights on for extended periods can drain the battery, requiring generator use for recharging. Only two appliances may be run simultaneously to prevent overloading the generator (including air conditioning).

Guests must bring food and drinks. Soap, shampoo, towels, and toilet paper are provided.

Maximum occupancy is 2 passengers per Coast Guard approval.

A boat rental agreement is required for check-in.

Florida law requires guests born after 1987 to possess a Boating Safety Card, or be accompanied by someone born before 1988 or who already holds a card. Assistance is available for obtaining the card if needed.