Two Boats Mean Double the Fun

Two youthful entrepreneurs have cornered the market for a unique segment of the island’s aquatic tour industry.  

Brothers Tarkan and Kayhan Peksen became the owners of Marco Pedal Boat this summer, roughly one year after purchasing their first business, Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises.  

Both feature entertaining excursions that highlight the island’s marine life, architecture, sunsets and overall beauty. Patrons can either propel the festively decorated pontoon catamarans by peddling or simply kick back and cruise as the crafts’ engines do all the work.  

The Peksens are Lely High School graduates who were born and raised on Marco. Operating Paradise Cycle proved to be so enjoyable that expanding seemed like a natural progression when they learned that Marco Pedal Boat was on the market.  

“We always saw the second boat going by, which is basically the same thing that we've been doing,” said Tarkan Peksen. “We knew the owner, Jake Pappas, was local. He opened a new restaurant, the Marco Island Hideout Restaurant (on Marco Lake Drive). So, we went and saw him there. He said he was looking to sell because he was so busy with the restaurant. One thing led to another, and we made a deal come together.” 

While Paradise Cycle is based off Bald Eagle Drive at Rose Marina, Marco Pedal Boat is docked at the Capri Marina, on the Isles of Capri, picking up and discharging passengers at the Collier Boulevard Boating Park, located a short distance north of the S.S. Jolley Bridge.  

At present, the brothers intend to maintain the businesses as separate entities because each has a loyal customer base.  

“They're both beautiful on their own,” said Kayhan Peksen. “We’d like to keep them the way they are because both are really good brands. Both get five-star reviews.”  

Both businesses offer day trips, sunset tours and private tours.  

Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises is located at Rose Marina, Dock A, Slip 17, 951 Bald Eagle Drive. For more information, please visit paradisecycleboat.com/ or call 300-8176. Marco Pedal Boat is located at 3620 Collier Boulevard. For more information, please visit marcopedalboat.com/ or call 920-1230.