Drifting Into Sunset: A Night on Drift & Sol Tiki Co. in Newburyport, MA

Kate Curcio

5 minutes ago

5 min read

Good friends, lobster rolls, Tom Petty, and a sunset cruise on the Merrimack River. What more could you ask for?

If you know me, you know that if there's an opportunity to get out on the water, I'm taking it. So when I was planning a stay at the beautiful Cutwater Inn in Newburyport, Massachusetts, I started looking for something a little different and fun to do while I was in town.

That's when I came across Drift & Sol Tiki Co., a brand-new tiki boat excursion celebrating its first season in business.

A tiki boat in Newburyport? Count me in!

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to check it out. And I'm so glad I did because this ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the summer.

A few friends and I spent the day exploring Newburyport, popping into shops, walking around downtown, and enjoying everything this beautiful coastal town has to offer.

Before our cruise, we grabbed some drinks to bring aboard since Drift & Sol is BYOB. Then we headed down toward the waterfront, where the boat docks right near Michael's Harborside.

The second I spotted the boat, I got SO excited.

It looked incredibly cool from a distance, but as we got closer, I started noticing all the little details that made it special. This wasn't just a boat with a few tiki decorations thrown on it. It was an entire floating experience!

The first thing that caught my attention was the huge, beautifully crafted bar right in the center of the boat. Surrounded by bar stools, it created the perfect setup for everyone to sit together, enjoy a drink, and actually have a conversation.

I loved the design. It felt fun, inviting, and thoughtfully put together.

The boat accommodates up to 14 guests, which makes it such a great option for a bachelorette or bachelor party, birthday celebration, girls' night, or really any excuse to get your favorite people together.

And if you don't have a big group? No problem!

Drift & Sol also offers public cruises, where couples, friends, or smaller groups can book individual spots and share the experience with other guests. I actually love that option because you don't need to organize an entire party to enjoy a beautiful evening on the water.

Once we stepped aboard, we met the owners, Oliver and Jennifer, who couldn't have been sweeter. From the moment we arrived, they were welcoming, friendly, and genuinely excited to have us there. They had coolers ready for our drinks, and waiting for us were fresh lobster rolls from Michael's Harborside! Now, if there's one way to make a boat ride in New England even better, it's adding lobster rolls.

One thing I thought was especially clever about Drift & Sol is that they've partnered with local businesses to offer catering options for guests. You can choose from shareable boards, coastal favorites, and other easy-to-enjoy bites that go perfectly with your BYOB drinks. And the best part? Their partners can deliver the food right to the boat! I love seeing new businesses support other local businesses, and this is such a great way to make the experience even more special without having to worry about packing your own food.

After a quick safety talk from our captain, it was time for one of the most important decisions of the evening. The music. Our choice? Tom Petty Radio on Pandora.

I mean, could there be a better soundtrack for drifting along the water on a beautiful evening? And just like that, we were off.

I grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts, only about 30 minutes from Newburyport, and I've spent plenty of time visiting this area over the years. But somehow, this was my very first time experiencing Newburyport from the water. And wow, was it beautiful.

We chose the sunset cruise, which I would absolutely recommend.

There's something really special about seeing a familiar place from an entirely different perspective. Buildings, shorelines, boats, and waterfront landmarks that I've seen so many times before suddenly looked completely different.

The water was peaceful, the evening light was beautiful, and the whole experience felt incredibly relaxing.

Oliver and Jennifer pointed out different sights along the way, sharing little details about the area that made the cruise even more enjoyable.

I could have stayed out there all night.

I've spent a lot of time on boats over the years, and one thing I've noticed is that not every boat excursion is designed for actually spending time together.

Sometimes the engine is so loud that you can barely hear the person next to you. Other times, the seating arrangement makes it difficult to have a conversation unless you're sitting directly beside someone.

That's one of the things I loved most about Drift & Sol.

The ride was quiet, the seating was comfortable, and the bar setup made it incredibly easy for everyone to talk and enjoy each other's company.

We weren't shouting over an engine or constantly moving around to talk to different people. We could just sit back, enjoy our drinks and lobster rolls, listen to Tom Petty, and take in the scenery.

It was exactly the kind of relaxing evening I was hoping for.

And honestly, I think that's what makes this experience so appealing. It can be whatever you want it to be. A fun afternoon with friends? Absolutely. A romantic sunset cruise for two? Perfect. A birthday celebration or bachelorette party? I can't think of a much better setting. Or maybe you're like me and simply love being on the water.

That's reason enough.

I always get excited when I discover a new business doing something different in New England, especially when it involves getting people out on the water.

For their very first season, Oliver and Jennifer have created something really special with Drift & Sol Tiki Co.

The boat itself is beautiful, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and the entire experience feels personal rather than overly touristy.

I also love that they're working with local restaurants and businesses to give guests an even better experience while supporting the Newburyport community.

We had such a wonderful evening, and I'm already planning to get back aboard next season.

If you're visiting Newburyport, staying at one of the local inns, planning a celebration, or simply looking for something different to do with friends, add Drift & Sol Tiki Co. to your list.

And take my advice: book the sunset cruise.

Grab your favorite people, bring some drinks, order the lobster rolls, put on some Tom Petty, and enjoy one of the prettiest ways to experience Newburyport.

I promise, it's a good one.

Until next time, what's the Scuttlebutt?