Today we’d like to introduce you to Azeem Sultan
Hi Azeem, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Freaky Tiki Boat Charters began as a college dream—a vision of creating a career that would bring joy every day, rather than feeling like a tedious chore. Initially conceived as a jet ski rental business with some friends, the idea evolved through many iterations until it finally found its place in the party boat industry, specifically catering to events like bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, and booze cruises.
While the reality of owning a business isn’t always smooth sailing, the overwhelming majority of our journey has been incredibly rewarding. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to live in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, where people come to celebrate their happiest and most exciting moments. It’s an absolute honor to share in those memories with our guests, whether they’re enjoying a party boat experience with friends or hosting a special event like a bachelor or bachelorette party.
After moving past the initial plan of starting a jet ski rental business, we considered yacht charters. However, we quickly learned that safety regulations, inexperienced captains, and dangerous practices, especially in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, imposed a firm limit of 12 passengers on all “bareboat charters.” Realizing that the market was saturated with bareboat charters in our area, we saw an opportunity to carve out a niche by catering to groups larger than 12.
The only way to accommodate larger groups was by obtaining a Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the Coast Guard. Becoming an inspected vessel is no small feat—it’s a lengthy, expensive process requiring extensive modifications, multiple structural safety and flotation inspections, the use of specific building materials, high-end lifesaving equipment, and adherence to many detailed regulations. Most boats are ineligible to even begin this process, with the majority requiring custom builds to meet these stringent standards.
After a long search for the perfect boat (a former water taxi), a significant investment, and a whole lot of hard work, the first vessel in our fleet—the Freaky Tiki—was born. From the initial dream of starting a business to finally seeing it come to life, I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved and the incredible product we’ve created. We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the Freaky Tiki as much as we do
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Freaky Tiki Boat Charters has been far from a smooth journey. When I first moved to Fort Lauderdale, I naively believed that I could establish and run a successful business within a few short months. While we are now a smoothly operating business, I definitely underestimated the time and effort required to get here.
We encountered numerous challenges along the way, starting with the need for custom parts and extensive hull modifications to tailor the boat to our clientele’s needs. One of the most nerve-wracking experiences was picking up the boat from Destin, Florida, and towing the 40’ x 12’ vessel across the state—an ambitious task that, thankfully, I managed to pull off successfully.
However, the most difficult aspect of starting the business was finding a vessel with a Certificate of Inspection (COI). I quickly realized that purchasing a COI-certified boat outright was beyond my budget. Instead, I decided to search for a boat that either previously held a COI or was built to similar specifications and then go through the certification process myself.
To anyone considering this route, I have one piece of advice: think again. The COI process is one of the most challenging and grueling tasks I’ve ever undertaken. Navigating hundreds of pages of Coast Guard regulations, each detailing every imaginable aspect of the vessel, and securing approval for every single requirement was a nightmare—especially for someone not operating with a large team or factory backing.
Despite the challenges, the end result has been absolutely worth it. The COI process ensures that we provide a safer, more stable, higher-capacity, and more versatile vessel for our customers. But make no mistake—getting there was no easy feat.
As you know, we’re big fans of Freaky Tiki Charter Boats LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Freaky Tiki Charter Boats LLC is dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences on the water, offering a range of unique and fun-filled party boat charters that cater to a wide variety of events. Whether you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, corporate event, birthday celebration, or simply a lively booze cruise, our mission is to create an atmosphere where guests can relax, have fun, and make lasting memories.
What truly sets us apart in the industry is our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. We proudly operate one of the few party boats in the Fort Lauderdale area that is Coast Guard-certified, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all of our guests. The extensive process of obtaining a Certificate of Inspection (COI) underscores our dedication to meeting the highest standards in safety and service.
Our flagship vessel, the Freaky Tiki, is a former water taxi that has been meticulously transformed into a unique, tiki-themed party boat. With its spacious layout and ability to accommodate larger groups, it’s perfect for celebrating special occasions in style. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a corporate event, or a casual booze cruise, the Freaky Tiki offers the ideal venue for any occasion.
In addition to our standards sandbar charters we offer waterway tours and visits to Lighthouse Point. These excursions offer a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in the Fort Lauderdale area, where you can anchor, swim, and enjoy the stunning scenery. These tours are perfect for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their celebration, or simply to spend a relaxing day out on the water.
We’re incredibly proud of the unique experiences we offer—a blend of fun, adventure, and relaxation that you won’t find anywhere else. Our brand is synonymous with creating a carefree and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing our guests to enjoy the best that Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have to offer.
When you choose Freaky Tiki Boat Charters, you’re not just booking a boat ride; you’re selecting a full-service experience. We can work with guests to incorporate everything from professional DJs and catering to themed decorations and any other special requests. We’re here to ensure your event is everything you dreamed it would be, whether it’s an intimate gathering, a grand celebration, or an adventurous tour.
At Freaky Tiki Boat Charters, we’re in the business of creating memories, and we’re excited to share that experience with you. You can easily book us at freakytikicharters.com or by calling (754) 328-9387
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone considering starting their own business, my absolute advice is to go for it. But as you take the plunge, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I quickly learned that there’s no guidebook or “correct” path to follow when launching a business. It’s a journey that must come from a place of creativity, ingenuity, and most importantly, hard work and determination.
Be prepared to sacrifice weekends, free time, and moments with family and loved ones. Owning a business isn’t a 9-to-5 job—you never really clock out, and you’ll often find yourself on call around the clock. But the rewards are worth it. All the time and effort you put in goes towards building your own future, not someone else’s, where your hard work might only yield minimal rewards.
We live in an era of abundant information, and there’s a wealth of advice available online for any type of business. Some of it is good, and a lot of it isn’t, but it’s important to absorb as much as you can to figure out what works for others and what doesn’t. Ultimately, only you can decide how to run your business and how to start it.
The only thing that every successful business has in common is hard work and relentless effort. So, come up with your idea, chase it with everything you’ve got, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path. The journey is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment and the freedom it brings are unparalleled.
Pricing:
- While we only offer full boat private charters, with 22 passengers renting the boat can be as cheap as $30 a person before taxes and fees
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freakytikicharters.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freakytikicharters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562256722901
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/freaky-tiki-boat-charters-fort-lauderdale
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34227-d28011809-Reviews-Freaky_Tiki_Boat_Charters-Fort_Lauderdale_Broward_County_Florida.html
Image Credits
Azeem Sultan
