By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
SOMERS POINT — Somers Point’s motto is “The Shore Starts Here,” a phrase used to promote the bayfront location of a city steeped in maritime history.
It was settled by British immigrant John Somers in 1693 and adopted the name Somers Point in 1750, when it was known as a seafaring town where sloops, schooners and other vessels were built along the shores of Great Egg Harbor Bay.
Between 1720-26, descendent Richard Somers built a mansion on the bluff overlooking the bay that still stands today, while another Richard Somers, a commander in the U.S. Navy, lost his life during a fire ship attack in Tripoli Harbor during the Barbary Wars.
Now, new offerings at the municipal marina at Higbee Avenue will help add to the city’s long history of boating on the bay.
City Council approved a contract Thursday, May 13, with Beachy Tiki LLC owner Tom “TJ” Heist V to operate the transient marina, where boats can tie up for a limited stay.
Heist also will operate a water taxi service between the marina and Totally Tubular Watersports and Aqua Park at 228 Bay Ave. in Ocean City. He also owns Jet Drive Exchange, a watercraft sharing company also based out of the resort, OCNJ Banana Boat and Beachy Tiki tours.
Heist will lease the marina from the city for $10,000 and be able to offer sailing, kayaking and paddleboard rentals off William Morrow Beach through Oct. 15.
The approval also set up a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, May 14, for Pau Hana Tiki Boat Tours.
Owners Brian and Jennifer Toner call the business “an authentic Caribbean experience … on board a tiki-style boat with barstool seating, a thatched straw roof and open-air layout.”
The Toners established Pau Hana earlier this year. After more than 25 years of cruising the seas of the U.S., Bahamas and Caribbean, they decided to drop anchor at the city marina.
Toner, 46, said he and his wife, 44, grew up in Garden Valley, Pa. They vacationed in Ocean City while growing up and lived on their boat at Seaview Harbor Marina for the past four or five summers.
Living the boating lifestyle led to the idea for the company.
“We wanted to bring that culture and that vibe to the people of the Ocean City and Somers Point area,” Brian Toner said.
The coronavirus pandemic also contributed to the decision. The Toners own a special events production company in Philadelphia and when the pandemic hit last year, found all of their work come to a halt.
“When COVID hit, we were looking for somewhat of a pivot because we essentially can’t do anything,” Toner said, adding that the concept is perfect for social distancing.
“The benefit is when you rent the boat it’s your own bubble, it’s your own people, there’s no one else on board. It’s outside, so in another COVID summer, it’s the perfect outdoor solution for people,” he said.
“Pau Hana embodies Brian and Jennifer’s love of warm water, blue skies, tropical beach bars, music and delicious cocktails,” the business’ marketing material states. “The couple’s experience exploring hundreds of beach bars, deserted islands and tropical outposts makes them uniquely qualified to guide you along an authentic experience on their floating tiki boat charters.”
Pau Hana offers a floating BYO experience for as many as six guests aboard the 26-foot boat.
“Pau Hana, a Hawaiian phrase meaning ‘the time after work,’ is the embodiment of the Pau Hana Tiki Boat experience in which guests are whisked away for a sunrise, afternoon or sunset cruise alongside the picturesque views of the Ocean City back bays,” the marketing material states.
Guests will have the option to bring their own food and beverages or choose catering packages from Pau Hana’s local food partners.
“We are thrilled to bring this concept to Ocean City. As locals who have spent many years on the waters of the Jersey shore, we wanted to bring a tropical energy and a new way for people to experience the beauty of the bay,” Brian Toner said. “Especially after this challenging year when we have been separated, Pau Hana is the perfect escape for small groups looking to celebrate life’s precious moments in a distanced, outdoor setting that’s unlike any other in the region.”
The tours will be offered seven days a week for celebrations of all kinds, including birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, proposals, engagements and graduations, to small corporate group outings and those just looking to celebrate the sun, fun and fresh air.
Those interested can browse charter packages, view FAQs and book tours at pauhanatikiboat.com.
The tours offer multiple DJ-curated playlists to fit the vibe of any tribe, or guests are welcome to pair with the boat’s Bluetooth, audiophile sound system and play their own personal playlists.
Charters can be booked for two hours at a time, with special tour options for events such as Ocean City’s popular Night in Venice boat parade and Independence Day fireworks cruises. Additional tour themes include sunrise, private island tours, sunsets and more.
In response to COVID-19, strict safety and sanitation procedures are being followed to ensure guests’ comfort and enjoyment while prioritizing the safety and health of employees and guests.
“We are excited to bring something new to the area,” he said.
Different tours will be offered. Most are two hours and start at $350. The sunset tours cost a little more and there will be 4-hour tours starting at $700.
For more information, visit tiki@pauhanatikiboat.com.
City Administrator Jason Frost said “A lot of exciting things are going on down at the bay.”
Following the ribbon-cutting, Toner said he is pleased to finally weigh anchor.
“This was kind of a dream in the making for two years. We spent a lot of time cruising around the islands and thought we could do a cool thing,” he said, noting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also made this kind of venture smart “because it is a small amount of friends and family out on a boat having a good time. That’s kind of how it started. We’re excited to be here.”
Jennifer Toner said they’ve already seen a lot of interest.
“We booked a whole lot of different celebrations. We’ve booked anniversaries and bachelor parties. We had someone put in their comments they were excited to see their friends again. We’ve booked a hundred-year birthday party on the boat. We’re super excited,” she said, adding that they are partnering with the Cheeseboard in Linwood to provide food for customers.
“We are so excited that they’re here,” City Council President Janice Johnston said. “It’s just going to create so much positive activity for our town. It’s another reason for people to come to Somers Point to have some fun. And it’s outside and you’re in the fresh air and we’re over COVID.”
Councilman Mike Owen called it “just another good piece of the puzzle as things come together here in Somers Point.”
“It’s fantastic. It’s all part of a Renaissance. As things open up, it’s a plus in our favor,” he said.
Councilman Joe McCarrie said the new offerings at the marina would be a great complement to the city’s summer concert series.
“For years we’ve been known as the music capital of south Jersey. Always the music flows here,” he said. “Now we have another added attraction here which is incredible. We really want everyone to come out and spend a great day here, take a ride on this little beautiful boat, come out and have dinner at a number of great restaurants, listen to the music on the beach. We have it all. Why don’t you stop by Somers Point and see what you’re missing.”
Staff writer David Nahan contributed to this story.