Category: Our story

When you step aboard a Palapa Tour, you’re not just booking a boat ride—you’re becoming part of our ohana. What makes Palapa Tours truly special isn’t just our floating tiki bars or the scenic Ottawa River views; it’s the family spiritthat runs through everything we do.

At Palapa Tours, we don’t just run a business—we live it. From captaining the boats to mixing up the perfect tropical cocktails, everyone in the family plays a role in making each tour an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s behind the wheel, behind the bar, or behind the scenes, our kids are just as involved as we are, ensuring every guest gets the full Palapa experience.

Meet Mike: The Visionary Behind the Vibes

Mike has always been an entrepreneur at heart. His background in entertainment and business development has taken him all over North America, but Ottawa has always been home. His passion for creating one-of-a-kind experiences led him to discover tiki boats while traveling. The idea was simple: bring a slice of paradise to the Ottawa River. With his expertise in crafting engaging, immersive experiences, Mike turned Palapa Tours into a standout attraction that blends fun, adventure, and relaxation—all with a signature tropical twist.

Meet Gaby: The Heart and Soul of Palapa Tours

Gaby is the glue that holds it all together. With a background in insurance and customer service, she knows how to connect with people on a personal level. She brings warmth and hospitality to every guest interaction, making sure everyone who boards feels like part of the family. Whether she’s greeting guests, managing operations, or stepping in to lend a hand behind the bar, Gaby’s dedication to exceptional service and memorable experiences is the heartbeat of Palapa Tours.

A Family That Runs on Fun

Our kids aren’t just along for the ride—they’re a vital part of the business. Some are certified captains, while others mix up signature cocktails as bartenders on board. They’ve grown up around the water, and now they’re helping create the same amazing experiences for others.

Ohana Means Family—And We Mean It

At Palapa Tours, family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people we welcome into our lives. Our staff aren’t just employees; they’re our extended family. They come over to our home for game nights, celebrations, and dinners, and we treat them like our own. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a summer BBQ, or just a casual night of board games, our team is always part of our ohana.

This isn’t just a business to us—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a family-first experience. When we say Ohana, we truly mean it.

So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a unique team-building event, or simply wanting to unwind on the water, we can’t wait to welcome you aboard.

🌴 Come experience the magic of a family-run adventure on the Ottawa River! 🌊🚤

🔗 Book your Palapa Tour today: www.ottawapalapa.tours

🌴 Our city. Our family. Our experiences. Listen now at palapa.live 🎧 #OttawaOhana #PalapaPulse #LiveTheVibe

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a tiki boat business, explore Ottawa’s waterways, and create unforgettable experiences on the water? Well, now you don’t have to wonder—you can listen in!

Introducing Palapa Pulse, the podcast where we dive into all things tiki boats, waterfront adventures, and the best ways to experience Ottawa! Hosted by the dynamic duo Peach & Kiwi, this show brings you a mix of:

✔ The history of Palapa Tours & how it all started ⏳🚤
✔ Behind-the-scenes stories from the water 🌊
✔ Insider tips for the best ways to experience Ottawa 🏙️
✔ Live broadcasts (maybe!) straight from the boats this summer 🎙️

🎧 Where to Listen?

Right now, Palapa Pulse is available exclusively on Apple Music, but we’ll be expanding to Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more in the coming weeks! Stay tuned for updates!

📖 Episode 1: How It All Started

We’re kicking off our first episode by taking a deep dive into the origins of Palapa Tours—from a crazy idea to a full-blown operation with boats in multiple cities. How did we go from zero to floating tiki empire? What challenges did we face along the way? And what’s next for us? You’ll find out in this episode!

🎙️ What’s Next?

• During the off-season, we plan to publish biweekly episodes.
• Once the busy season hits, well… who knows?! Maybe we’ll be broadcasting live from the boats while cruising the Ottawa River!

🌴 Want to Get Involved?

Have a fun Palapa story? Want us to cover a specific topic? DM us your ideas, and we might just feature them in an upcoming episode!

👉 Subscribe now on Apple Music and join us as we bring the island vibes to your ears!

🔗 Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/palapa-pulse/id1796418322?i=1000692601889

#PalapaPulse #PodcastLaunch #TikiVibes #OttawaBoatLife #WaterfrontAdventures #LiveFromTheWater #OttawaTours

When you step aboard a Palapa Tiki Boat, you might think you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. With a thatched roof overhead, a drink in hand, and the gentle waves lapping beneath you, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Canada. But here’s the best-kept secret: our tiki boats may have an island vibe, but they are 100% Canadian-made.

Crafted with Canadian Quality

At Palapa Tours, we take pride in supporting local businesses and sourcing materials from right here in Canada. While our boats bring a slice of the tropics to the Ottawa River and beyond, they are built to handle the unique conditions of Canadian waterways.

Here’s what makes our tiki boats uniquely Canadian:

🔹 Built in Quebec: Our pontoon bases are custom made rom a trusted manufacturer based in Quebec, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship that meets all Transport Canada regulations for commercial passenger vessels. Unlike imported tiki boats that often don’t comply with Canadian maritime standards, our vessels are designed specifically for safety and durability in local waters.

🔹 Locally Sourced Lumber: The wooden elements of our boats, including structural supports and bar counters, are crafted using locally sourced, high-quality lumber. This ensures not only durability but also supports the Canadian forestry industry.

🔹 Made-in-Canada Tropical Roof: Yes, even our thatched roofs—a signature of the tiki boat experience—are sourced in Canada! We work with local suppliers who provide high-grade synthetic palm thatching, designed to withstand both summer sun and unpredictable Canadian weather.

A Multicultural Canadian Business

Our commitment to Canada goes beyond our boats—it extends to the people who operate them. Palapa Tours is proudly Canadian, run by a Ukrainian and a Mexican!

🇲🇽 Gaby Saucedo brings the warmth of Mexico’s hospitality and tourism experience to our operations, ensuring every guest feels like they’ve stepped into a tropical getaway.

🇺🇦 Mike Karpishka combines a love for boating with his entrepreneurial spirit to create a unique experience on Canadian waters.

Together, we are proud to bring a truly unique, locally made, and internationally inspired experience to the heart of Canada’s capital and beyond.

More Than Just a Boat Ride – It’s a Canadian-Made Escape

Palapa Tours isn’t just about floating on water—it’s about creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a private event, or simply looking to unwind with friends, our boats offer a one-of-a-kind experience that blends Canadian craftsmanship with tropical fun.

So next time you step aboard, raise your glass to a proudly Canadian tiki adventure—made here, enjoyed everywhere!

🚤🍹 Book your tour today and experience Canada’s own floating paradise!

What’s in a Name? The Story Behind Palapa Tours

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – William Shakespeare

When we first started brainstorming names for our company, Tiki Tours seemed like the obvious choice. But let’s be honest—the world is already full of Tiki bars, Tiki boats, and Tiki drinks. We wanted something original, something that stood out while still capturing the tropical, laid-back experience we were creating.

That’s when the word Palapa came to us. And once it did, we knew it was perfect.

What is a Palapa? A Blend of Culture and Tradition

A palapa is a traditional open-sided structure with a thatched roof made from dried palm leaves. Found throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, these structures provide natural shade while allowing cool breezes to pass through—creating the ideal tropical escape.

For Gaby Saucedo, our co-owner, the word palapa is more than just a name—it’s a connection to her Mexican roots. Palapas are woven into the fabric of coastal life in Mexico, symbolizing relaxation, gathering, and celebration. Whether shading fishermen on the beach, hosting a beachfront fiesta, or serving as a laid-back bar with hammocks swaying beneath, palapas embody the spirit of fun, warmth, and hospitality—just like our tours.

Palapas on the Ottawa River? Absolutely!

You might not expect to find a palapa in Ottawa, but that’s exactly what makes Palapa Tours so unique. Instead of a beachside hut, our boats are floating palapas! Each vessel is topped with a giant palapa umbrella, providing the perfect amount of shade as you cruise down the river sipping tropical cocktails.

And here’s a fun detail—our logo and mascot, Kiwi the Pineapple, was inspired by a palapa too! A pineapple has that same thatched-roof look, making it the perfect representation of our brand: tropical, fun, and a little unexpected.

A Name That Represents an Experience

Much like Shakespeare’s musings on names, we believe that Palapa Tours is more than just a catchy title—it’s a feeling. It’s about transporting you to a tropical state of mind, even in the heart of Canada’s capital. It’s about originality, cultural roots, and creating a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

So whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a team-building event, or just looking for a fun way to unwind, step aboard and experience the magic of a Palapa Tour—where every ride feels like a mini vacation.

Ready to set sail under the shade of a palapa? Book your tour today and let’s make some waves! 🚤🍹🌴

A question many ask us is “How did Dragons Den go?” What they mean is… did you get a deal for your Ottawa Boat Tour Business? Yes! We got a great deal! But it’s not what you think. Of course, prior to the episode being broadcast we knew the results, but we were under a non-disclosure agreement until the episode aired. So, was there a handshake? No, we didn’t get one, but we still did get great deal and we are thrilled with the overall results and experience. Our only disappointment is that with sixty minutes of filming it has been edited down to 7 minutes leaving lots of good stuff on the cutting room floor. If you tune in to the episode and blink, you may miss the video clip of our Boat Tours in the water. We were hoping for at least 30 seconds. As for the dragons and their comments – see below for our thoughts.

Truth be told, we really don’t need any funding and we are debt free. Adding an investor to our Ottawa Boat Tour location would have complicated our future plans. In due course, we want our children to oversee the Ottawa Palapa business operation unencumbered by outside investors. Gaby and Mike in turn will focus on expansion with investor/operators in other cities with Palapa Tours International. So how is this still a great deal? Keep reading…

What we enjoyed most about the Dragon Den Experience is that they not only did they validate the business idea, but two of the Dragons said that this is the BEST lifestyle business they have ever seen. That’s powerful!

So, what exactly is a lifestyle business?

A lifestyle business (also referred to as a lifestyle venture) is a business set up and run by its founders primarily with the aim of sustaining a particular level of income (ie net 300k) and no more; or to provide a foundation from which to enjoy a particular lifestyle.

Yes, Ottawa Palapa Boat Tours is exactly that. But is that something the Dragons want to invest in? The answer is no… they want to see something bigger and although we have ambitious plans of 100 boats within the next 10 years, Palapa Tours International has yet to derive revenue from the licence partnerships it is establishing.

The Dragons love franchise models because it mitigates risk on their investment. Although we are not a Franchise our business license model (www.palapa.boats) will derive a significant revenue source, but not yet and that’s where they got stuck. A Lifestyle business in a single location did not “float their boat.”

So, although no handshake, Dragon’s Den exposure is worth well over 125,000K of free advertising across Canada. Entrepreneurs who are interested in doing what we do and being part of “The Best Lifestyle Business” the Dragons have ever seen now know about us… tell us that’s not a GREAT DEAL!

We had the honour and privilege to meet up with Wes Hall from Dragons Den prior to our episode airing. Immediately upon seeing us, he said, “Hey the Tiki Boat Tour People” and went on to say we had a great pitch. He gave some insight about no deal, and it was something we never considered. One of the stumbling blocks for an investor was the “seasonality” of the business. Despite great revenue, he felt that if we were a year-round operation, then it would have been more in line with an investors ROI. He did reiterate that our pitch was great and he remembered his FunGlasses!

We chatted about our plans to go south and establish expansion of Palapa Boat Tour river cruises in Mexico. Wes owns the Harbour Club Resort in St. Lucia and he gave us the name of his managing director. The Harbour Club has a fantastic Bay area… so stay tuned 🙂

Looking Ahead: Once Palapa Tours International has solid revenue numbers from expansion, we do plan on revisiting the Den and possibly Shark Tank. Why not! The exposure is amazing, our business model is solid, and we love our clients. As we grow, we want to help as many people as we can gain the lifestyle we are building.

We want to thank all the Dragons for their enthusiasm, and feedback. We want to thank our producers and those who have been with us each step of the way including our children. Palapa Tours has marked many special occasions, from birthday parties and engagements to bachelorette parties and weddings. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives.

What’s next? As mentioned, Gaby and Mike are preparing to spend 2 months in Mexico, relaxing and visiting Resorts for expansion. We are also looking for solid investors to partner with us in their respective cities as well as at the Palapa Tours International level. We can’t wait for next season and hope you enjoyed the episode.

https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/m_pitches/palapa-tours

If you would like to read about our journey to the Den; The Ottawa Business Journal has some articles published about the experience. You can find theme here:

1. Applying for Dragons Den
2. Preparing for the Pitch
3. Facing the Fire
4. What Happened

COMMENTS ON EACH DRAGON:

ROBERT HERJAVEC – During our entire presentation Robert was the most excited. Why? Because he sees Tiki Boats on the water in front of his house in California all the time. He validated our business and said the ones in front of his home are always full. However, Robert said he saw it as a limited size market for himself. We think he missed the boat in understanding the overall expansion plan vs just a business in Ottawa. Nonetheless, we loved his overall excitement and enthusiasm.

WES HALL – Also validated that this is a great “lifestyle business” but not one for him. We shall see what the future holds with the resort down in St. Lucia. A deal may still be made for a single location vs investing in our corporate expansion plans. Time will tell and we agree with what Wes said when we met him the 2nd time… to keep knocking on doors and never give up.

MANJIT MINHAS – She was excited, but said that we should focus on booze sales as she felt they were low. Yet, we don’t want to be focused on only selling more drinks as the experience in our opinion is more important. Manjit went on to say that it is a “Fun Idea” but that there are no real barriers to entry. We wholeheartedly disagree. The American boats never came to Canada, because there is a barrier to craftsmanship and safety as per Transport Canada Regulations – which we have meet. We are not simply a “raft with a bar”. We built a better boat than what is available in the States. We don’t think competition will come easily because there is a HUGE barrier to entry.

MICHELE ROMANOW – Michelle said that she felt the ticket price at $85 was expensive. We are not sure where she grabbed that number from? On average our tickets are $60 with $45 on Tuesday’s and $75 on Saturdays. If you charter the boat it’s $50pp. Michelle believes we will expand with many boats, it’s a great business but not an investment for her.

VINCENZO GUZZO – Booze cruise? Sees it as a risk. He was comparing us to larger boats of 150 people where safety mosquito nets are in place, so people don’t fall off. Yes, we limit our alcohol sales for the safety of all, yet Manjit felt the sales were too low. Can’t have it both ways. Either we focus on being a cool experience attraction or we focus on being a booze cruise. Risk is part of Business but we choose safety first. Sorry Manjit!

ARLENE DICKINSON- Notice no answer from Arlene. Why? Is there something missing? The truth is that our pitch was supposed to be over when ALL the Dragons opt out or we do a deal, but Arlene vanished from any answer. So, we will allow this to remain a mystery 🙂

Our takeaway is that what you see on TV is very far from reality. We are thrilled with the experience, we are thankful to everyone and we already have expansion contracts in place for other cities. Thanks for taking the time to be on this journey with us and our doors are open for any future entrepreneurs seeking to face the Dragons.

Malaho!