FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of the questions we frequently get asked! Have a question that’s not on here? Just hit the Contact Us button up top and we’ll be happy to help you out!
How many people can fit on the boat?
We can fit up to 16 people on the Paddle Tavern boats, 12 people on the Duffy boats, and 26 people on the Nauti Tiki Tavern boats. Need more? We have 3 Paddle Taverns, 2 Duffy Boats, and 1 Nauti Tiki Tavern. Call us to book two or more boats, (414) 436-2709. Need even more room? We can fit up to 96 on our Pedal Tavern (bike pub crawl) tours – same phone number can help reserve boats or bikes.
Is Pedaling difficult on the boat?
No, it’s pretty easy, if you have done our bar bike tours before, you know that small hills can be a bit of a workout, the boats are considerably easier. The river is flat, and we have a 20 HSP motor assisting, bring Grandma along for the ride.
Alcohol / Food / Cooler / Music Situation.
Where do we launch? How long are the tours?
Paddle Tavern trips are 1 hour and 45 minutes long. We start and end the trips from the docks behind the Harp, 113 E Juneau Ave.
Duffy Rentals launch from the Cooperage Building (new home of Boone and Crockett) @ 820 S Water St. and are 2 hours long.
We do allow for customization for the length of the tour, and custom drop off on non-peak days.
Do you provide the driver? Can we tip them?
Paddle Taverns are staffed with a licensed captain and even a first mate, you guys relax and have fun, we will take care of all the “boat stuff”. And yes they love tips.
Duffy Boats can be self-drive rentals, or you can hire a third party captain service here. Price is $40 per hour.
How does the trip work? Do we stop at bars along the way?
The Milwaukee River is a gem and full of great river bars to make a quick pit stops. Most of our groups make one stop so they can maximize the “on water time”, but we will make stops determined the day of based on your preferences, dock availability and the river traffic that day!
Can we drink while on board?
How old do riders need to be?
This is a drinking tour, and our insurance policy and the state law requires all riders to be 21+ for the Paddle Tavern. We do allow under 21 on our Duffy Boats!
How do we know if the Paddle Tavern is available when we want it?
Click the Book Now button on the tour you are interested in and select the Available Dates box. First come, first served!
How many people can fit on the Paddle Tavern?
The Paddle Tavern can fit up to 16 passengers, and up to 26 on the Nauti Tiki Tavern! We have 3 boats if you need more than one boat. Please call us @ (414) 436-2709 to make this type of reservation!
What if it rains?
We have roofs and free ponchos. If it’s light rain we party on. If it’s a nasty weather day we will connect with you on the morning of your tour to game plan options: rain checks, delayed start time, or a refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel 30 days prior to your booking for a full refund, no questions asked. You can cancel 15-29 days prior to your booking to receive your down payment as a credit to use with us any time in the future- never expires. If you do not cancel 15 days or more before your tour with us, there is no refund or reschedule.
If something comes up, give us a call/shoot us a text and we are happy to discuss options to reschedule your party before the cutoff date or issue a credit to rebook when you can.
What are the hours of operation?
We run 7 days a week from Mid-March through the end of October. First tours start at 10:00 AM and the last tours of the day go out at 8:30 PM.
How do we pay?
Click the Book Now button to see open time slots – you can see them before entering payment. Our online booking option takes full payment or you can pay half over the phone and the other half upon arrival.
What is the least amount of people needed to operate this thing?
We like to have at least 6 on a boat so it’s not too hard to pedal!