Easy Breeze Cruises
BackWhen seeking out boat tours in Montauk, travelers are met with a variety of options, from high-speed fishing charters to large party vessels. Positioned uniquely within this market is Easy Breeze Cruises, a travel agency and cruise operator that has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on relaxed, scenic, and highly personalized water-based experiences. Rather than promising high adventure, this company delivers serene outings marked by exceptional comfort and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a distinct choice for a particular type of client.
The operational philosophy of Easy Breeze Cruises, located at West Lake Drive, appears to center on creating a casual, living-room-like environment on the water. Customer testimonials consistently praise the boat's cozy interior, which includes thoughtful touches like pretty rugs, soft couches, and available blankets. This deliberate focus on comfort immediately sets it apart from more utilitarian tour vessels and aligns the experience more with a private yacht charter. The service is helmed by owner Steve Houston, who, along with his wife Meghan and a small crew, is repeatedly mentioned for providing personable, interactive, and attentive service. Guests frequently note that Steve goes the "extra mile," a testament to the hands-on, owner-operator model that often defines superior customer service in the tourism services industry.
Offerings and Onboard Experience
Easy Breeze Cruises offers a curated selection of sightseeing tours, with their sunset cruise being a particularly popular option. However, their offerings extend to sunrise excursions and other daytime trips designed for relaxation and enjoying the sun. The boat itself, a renovated 80-foot former ferry, is impressively equipped with two full bars—one in a fully enclosed main deck and another on the open-air upper deck—ensuring guest comfort in various weather conditions. This setup allows the company to promise a pleasant trip regardless of the forecast. The bars serve a range of beverages, including creative, locally-inspired cocktails.
A significant strength of this tour operator is its capacity and willingness to host private events. The vessel can accommodate up to 130 people for a private charter, making it a versatile venue for corporate events, parties, and special celebrations. One notable example was a themed "rumrunning cruise" for the Montauk Historical Society, where the crew even dressed in 1920s attire to enhance the event. This level of customization and enthusiasm for specialized events demonstrates a flexibility that is not always available with larger, more rigid tour companies. They offer catering options through partnerships with local businesses, further emphasizing their community integration and commitment to providing a full-service experience.
Points to Consider
While the feedback for Easy Breeze Cruises is overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should consider a few key aspects to ensure the experience aligns with their expectations. Firstly, the emphasis is squarely on leisure. For those seeking adrenaline-fueled activities like sport fishing or high-speed water sports, this is not the right venue. The company's identity is built around a calm, "easy breeze" experience, which may be too slow-paced for thrill-seekers. It is a non-fishing vessel, a deliberate choice by the owners to create a unique social cruising experience.
Secondly, most public cruises have an age restriction, with passengers required to be 21 or older. This makes it an ideal choice for couples, groups of friends, or adult-focused events, but families with young children will need to look elsewhere unless booking a private charter where all ages are welcome. Finally, the popularity of these cruises, especially the sunset slots, means that advance booking is highly recommended, particularly during Montauk's peak season. The combination of high ratings and a unique offering can lead to limited availability for last-minute planners.
The Crew and The Company's Ethos
The story behind Easy Breeze Cruises adds to its appeal. Founded by Steve Houston and J.R. Gibson, both of whom have extensive maritime experience from their time with the Viking Fleet, the company was born from a desire to offer something different. They acquired the boat in South Carolina and undertook significant renovations to create the comfortable, yacht-like aesthetic it has today. This background provides them with both the professional credentials and the local knowledge to deliver a safe and engaging tour.
The consistent praise for the crew underscores that this is more than just a business; it's a passion project. Guests feel less like passengers and more like welcome guests, an intangible quality that elevates the entire experience. This personalized approach is a cornerstone of their brand and a key reason for their high customer satisfaction. For travelers planning their leisure travel, the assurance of a friendly and accommodating crew can be a deciding factor.
Conclusion
Easy Breeze Cruises has successfully identified and filled a specific gap in Montauk's tourism market. By focusing on comfort, personalized service, and a relaxed ambiance, it provides an excellent alternative to more common boat-based activities. The strengths are clear: a beautifully appointed and spacious vessel, a highly dedicated and personable crew, and the flexibility to cater to both individual ticket holders and large private boat charters. The potential downsides are less about flaws and more about fit; the 21+ age policy on public tours and the leisurely pace are defining features that will appeal to some and deter others. For those looking to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of Montauk in a serene and comfortable setting, Easy Breeze Cruises stands out as a premier choice that consistently delivers a memorable outing.
