Tarkan & Kayhan Peksen

Welcome to Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises – where passion for local waters meets a family tradition of entrepreneurship.

Tarkan and Kayhan Peksen are the dynamic brothers and proud owners of Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises. Born and raised on picturesque Marco Island, these enterprising young men have charted their own course to bring you an unforgettable experience on the island's bays and waterways.

With deeply-embedded roots in the local community, Tarkan, 27, and Kayhan, 23, inherited their entrepreneurial spirit from their parents, Refik and Figen Peksen, who have been successful business owners since the 1970’s. The Peksens took the helm of Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises in October of 2023, following in the footsteps of the previous owners, Mike and Deborah Passero.

Owners & Master Captains

At the heart of Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises is a 35-foot, custom-built pontoon catamaran – the island’s only direct-drive, human-powered, paddle wheel boat. Bedecked in red, white, and blue, and adorned with American flags, this unique boat is a floating celebration of Marco Island's beauty.

Tarkan and Kayhan are also seasoned Master Captains with over 40 years of combined boating experience. Their journey started with dreams of having their own tour boat, nurtured while working for providers of shelling, manatee, and dolphin tours. Both pursued higher education – Tarkan graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, and Kayhan earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Florida State University in 2023.

Passionate about the water and its wonders, the brothers found themselves drawn back to their roots. Tarkan, previously a personal trainer, and Kayhan, a recent graduate, realized that their true calling lay on the water, not in their respective fields of study. Their dream of owning a tour boat became a reality sooner than expected, as they seized the opportunity to take the reins of Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises.

Our Boat

About Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises

What sets Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises apart is the variety of experiences it offers. As an eco-tour, the cruises showcase the island's wildlife and scenic beauty. The 35-foot catamaran is not merely a boat tour; it's a platform for onboard activities – from music and trivia games to cycle stations, ensuring that every moment on board is filled with fun and excitement. Family-oriented and wholesome fun is at the core of Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises. There are no age restrictions; it's an experience where families, kids, couples, and vacationers can come together to enjoy Marco Island’s waters in a memorable way.

As the sun sets, Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises transforms into a floating party, with a thousand LED lights illuminating the night. It's an immersive experience that combines natural beauty, entertainment, and community spirit.

Our team ensures that Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises remains a place where people come to enjoy the ecology, marine life, and create lasting memories with family and friends. With their masterful captaincy, Tarkan and Kayhan bring their extensive boating experience to every tour, making each journey safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Join us at Rose Marina, A-Dock, Slip #17, 951 Bald Eagle Drive, for an experience like no other. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises invites you to embark on a journey that celebrates the love of local waters and the joy of creating lifelong memories on Marco Island. For more information, visit paradisecycleboat.com or call 239.300.8176. Welcome aboard!

Meet the Team

  • Captain T

    Master Captain/Owner

  • Captain Kay

    Master Captain/Owner

  • Jennifer Nitz

    First Mate #1

  • Captain Paul

    Master Captain

  • Captain Mike

    Master Captain

  • Captain Deborah

    Master Captain