Experience Unique Floating Tiki Houses in the Florida Keys

These floating huts take social distancing to a whole new level.

Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan

After a few rum runner cocktails, it would be easy to assume that the two tiki huts bobbing in the waters near Key West, Florida, like a pair of shore birds, were a sun- and libations-fueled illusion.

But they’re neither a mirage nor a mistake — they’re a set of one-of-a-kind, floating bungalows.

Both iterations, the original Tiki Suite, created in 2019, and the Grand Tiki, created in 2021, are thatched cabanas with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, king-sized beds, and three French doors that open up to the ocean — guests can potentially spot dolphins, manatees, sting rays, conch, starfish, and other saltwater denizens.

The newer, slightly more luxurious version, the Grand Tiki, also has a 50″ LED TV and Blu-ray player hidden in the footboard of the bed, a mini refrigerator (the OG edition has a roto-molded cooler so you must bring your own ice), and underwater lighting.

To get out to the suites, guests have to hire a water taxi — they recommend using local service Ship 2 Shore, which allows you to schedule public and private shuttle services online.

Although the abodes are only 50 feet from shore and anchored in water that’s only about three or four feet deep, the closest land is military property and they aren’t keen on civilians wandering around on their beach.

For that reason, Tiki Suites, the company that owns the accommodations, recommends patrons bring everything they need for their trip, including food and toiletries.

“It’s intended to be more of a glamping experience,” explained co-owner Altah Petrov, adding that because the stay is more removed, it makes for easy social distancing.

Vacationers aren’t left to their own devices, though. Both suites come with matching sets of inflatable paddle boards and snorkeling gear — fishing is not allowed, however — or if you’re a landlubber, a double hammock for reading or watching the sunset.

Each suite also comes with voice-activated lighting (courtesy of Alexa by Amazon), a Keurig coffee maker, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (strong enough for browsing, not streaming), air conditioning and heat (recommended for nighttime use), an in-room shower, and toilet facilities.

A few other things to be aware of: There’s a limited amount of fresh water on board, so be prepared to use it sparingly. A generator must be turned on if you wish to use the coffee maker, hot water tank, or air conditioner. Pack shampoo and soap, which are not provided.

Only two guests are permitted to be on board at a time, as per the U.S. Coast Guard’s rules, and you must fill out a boat rental agreement prior to your arrival. Florida law also stipulates that guests booking a stay who were born after the year 1987 must obtain a Boating Safety Card in order to stay here, which can be completed online — if, however, the person booking was born before 1988 or already possesses a Boating Safety Card, you’re all set.

Note that Tiki Suites only uses the Airbnb platform to fill any unbooked dates that are available within the next six months. “If you’re looking to book beyond six months and you’d like to use the Airbnb platform, then you’ll need to wait until that time, no exceptions,” its Airbnb description reads. That said, it is still possible to schedule dates well into the future through the company’s website.

For those in search of a unique, off-the-grid experience on the water, the floating tiki houses offer just that — and the perfect opportunity to unplug and be fully surrounded by nature.