Meet Mike & Gaby – The Duo Behind Palapa Tours! 
Hi everyone! We’re Mike and Gaby, the co-founders of Palapa Tours, a unique floating Tiki Bar experience operating in Ottawa, Toronto, and soon… Mexico!
We come from very different backgrounds—Mike was a kids' entertainer, and Gaby was an insurance broker, but our shared passion for creating unforgettable experiences led us to launch Palapa Tours in 2021. It all started when we saw a similar concept in Lake George and thought, why not bring something fresh and exciting to Canada’s waterways?
Since then, we’ve expanded not only geographically but also in impact—bringing tourism dollars into local economies, collaborating with hotels, restaurants, and event planners, and even taking on Ottawa’s Aqua Taxi, Canada’s first net-zero water taxi service. Sustainability, fun, and hospitality are at the core of everything we do.
Our boats are giant floating Palapa umbrellas, inspired by Gaby’s Mexican roots and the welcoming symbolism of a pineapple
(which is why our mascots, Kiwi & Peach, resemble little pineapples!). We’re all about making every tour memorable—whether it’s a birthday, corporate team-building event, or even a celebration of life.We love connecting with fellow travel industry pros and are always open to collaborations, partnerships, and new ideas. If you’re looking for an experiential tourism product that blends fun, culture, and the beauty of Canada’s waterways, we’d love to chat!
Looking forward to engaging with you all and sharing more about our journey.
Ready to set sail? Check us out at Palapa.Tours!