long humpback whales and playful dolphins while still being able
to see the Manhattan skyline. Plus, the treks include presentations
and exhibits by naturalists.
Anchored at the Jacob Riis Landing in the Rockaways, Captain
Paladino’s cruises last about four hours. The seven-year-old
company’s sighting percentage (trips versus whale sightings) is
almost exactly 90 percent.
The American Princess is a 95-foot-long aluminum cruising
vessel. The United States Coast Guard has certified it for up to
250 passengers at a time. Equipped with a high output stereo/
PA system with speakers, the vessel has a large upper deck with
a canopy and removable side curtains. It also has a large main
deck and cabin with cushioned seating, movable tables for casual
dining, a bar station, and a separate buffet area.
More info is at www.americanprincesscruises.com and
718.474.0555.
TARZAN BOAT
It showed up in August 2016, and Jamaica Bay has never been
the same. The Tarzan Boat is a floating jungle gym with a
14-feet-above-water platform, diving boards, two trampolines,
a curvy slide, various swinging ropes, and even a sun deck. As
many as 40 people can bounce around (and off) the structure at
the same time.
Also referred to as the “Jungle Float,” there are only a few of
these mini-playgrounds in the world. Mitt Romney, the former
governor of Massachusetts and Republican candidate for
president in 2012, owns one of them. He keeps it in a pond near
a property he owns in New Hampshire.
For $25, customers get two-hour sessions of playtime.
Participants must be age 8 or older and be able to swim. Life
jackets are suggested and provided.
In addition to the Tarzan Boat, Rockaway Water Park (https://
rockawaywaterpark.com/) rents other sea crafts, including jet skis
and paddle boards.
SURF SCHOOLS
Rockaway has some of the best swell on the Eastern Seaboard.
The peninsula also has some great surf schools featuring native
instructors who beam with enthusiasm for the sport and can teach
all skill levels. Each one has an interesting story.
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