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Bon voyage! We’re going on a ♫ three-hour tour ♫. If you’re too young to get that “Gilligan’s Island” reference, don’t fret, I am too—I’m just a weirdo who’s more drawn to the aesthetic and nostalgia of my mother’s childhood than my own.

Speaking of age, let’s talk real quick about the two types of people in the world: those who hate birthdays and those who take full advantage of the annual you-fest. It’s the latter for yours truly. Each year brings another opportunity to force my unsuspecting friends into a different situation. Luckily for them, it usually ends up being a good time (right guys?).

Normally, I like to try to drag my friends on an adventure. Last July, it was to Mexico City. Many years in a row before that, it’s been camping. But this year, turning 30 for a second time and all, I decided to keep it local—sort of.

The plan? Celebrate on a Duffy boat touring Alamitos Bay for a couple of hours while (loosely) dressed as characters from “Gilligan’s Island.”

The television show piloted in 1964 and followed the adventures of seven characters who end up stranded on an island after getting caught in a storm on their three-hour sightseeing charter boat.

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Fun fact: The opening scene to the show was filmed in Alamitos Bay, not far from where we picked up our own small charter. And, Bob Denver, who famously starred as Gilligan, graduated from our very own Jordan High School.

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But where was the island in all this? I’m sure you’re dying to know. It was my apartment. We had a small post-celebration there, complete with tropical beverages, flower leis—the works. Then, we were supposed to make our way to the Bamboo Club to really drive home that nautical theme, but our humble makeshift island proved fulfilling enough.

What I’d like to share with you, dear Off the Clock reader, is that this was actually a surprisingly affordable group activity and a great way to see Long Beach from another vantage point, and I’d love for you to try it to—’60s costume party or not.

Here’s what you need to know:

• First, we confirmed 10 people for the boat ride.
• Then we made a reservation for a two-hour tour with Anchor’s Away at Marina Pacifica (I know I said three-hour earlier, but that’s only because I was singing the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song). There are other rental options nearby like London Boat Rentals.
• At Anchor’s Away, the rate is $250 for two hours. Split between 10 people, that’s $25 a head. Of course, you do not have to assemble 10. If you’ve got the cheddar, you could do it with as little as two people or even solo, if people aren’t your thing.
• Duffy Boats typically offer a very cozy seating area around a table big enough to fit snack platters, charcuterie, drinks, etc. We brought chips and salsa, a giant veggie platter and plenty of libations in our respective coolers. But even if you arrive ill-prepared, there’s a Ralphs right next to Anchor’s Away, where you can grab whatever it is you need for your boat ride.
• You will need someone capable of driving the boat itself, but don’t worry, it’s not difficult, and they do give you instructions before sending you off.
• Make a playlist or bring someone with good music taste. All boats have Bluetooth capabilties and surprisingly, the sound inside the boat is *chef’s kiss*—so don’t forget to bring a charged phone.
• Obviously, you do not have to come up with a wacky costume requirement like I did, but if you are celebrating a birthday or another momentous occasion, a theme makes it just a little more fun.
• Also, if you want to be super extra, or you are just really enthusiastic about the “Barbie” movie, Anchor’s Away offers hot pink Duffy deck boats for $350 per two hours.

Fair winds!