Tampa is a city that knows how to have a good time, especially when it comes to its thriving bar scene. Whether you’re into floating tiki bars, craft breweries, or historic dives, Tampa offers something for every type of drinker. We particularly enjoy the Tiki Boat cruise for its unique waterborne vibe and panoramic views of downtown Tampa, plus the Tampa Bar Crawl on a golf cart for a fun, laid-back way to explore multiple neighborhoods. If brewing your own adventure sounds appealing, the Ybor City Private Brewery Tour combines local flavor with a touch of personalized service. The city’s diverse options make it easy to craft a memorable, spirited experience—whatever your style.
Quick Overview
Tampa’s drinking tours range from water-based excursions like floating tiki bars and paddle cruises, to guided pub crawls, brewery tours, and even pirate-themed adventures. Some tours are private, ideal for groups or special occasions, while others are social scavenger hunts that combine drinks with puzzles. Prices vary from budget-friendly pub crawls to more exclusive private tours, and many tours accommodate BYOB policies or include open bars. For a full list of options, see our best drinking tours in Tampa.
1. Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
At number 1, the Tiki Boat offers a 90-minute cruise down the Hillsborough River aboard what’s called the only authentic floating tiki bar in Tampa. You’ll bring your own drinks and snacks, and the boat provides coolers, a Bluetooth sound system, and space to relax with friends. This tour is perfect if you’re after a fun, laid-back water experience with a view of Tampa’s skyline and landmarks like the Amalie Arena and Straz Center. Reviews highlight the friendly captain and the ability to customize the music and drinks, making it a flexible, memorable outing. It’s ideal for small groups celebrating a special occasion or just wanting a different perspective on the city.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, fun way to enjoy Tampa’s riverfront with a personalized touch—bring your favorite drinks and enjoy the city from the water.
2. Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart
Coming in at number 2, this guided bar crawl in a street-legal golf cart covers Tampa’s lively neighborhoods, including Downtown, Channel District, Ybor City, and Tampa Heights. For around $40 per person, you get about three hours of exploration with a friendly driver who takes care of transportation between stops. Each location offers a different vibe, from trendy to historic, and the guide can customize the route to suit your interests. Reviewers love the combination of fun transportation and discovering hidden spots they wouldn’t find on their own.
Bottom Line: This tour is great for groups looking for a social, flexible, way to sample Tampa’s diverse bar scene without the hassle of parking.
3. Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
Number 3 on our list is a private brewery tour in Ybor City, where you can visit up to five breweries in 2.5 hours. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, focusing on the area’s craft beer culture. The breweries are pre-selected, but you can customize the itinerary. This is perfect if you want a personalized experience with a focus on Florida’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Guests have praised the knowledgeable driver and the chance to sample beers like those from Bastet and Coppertail Brewing.
Bottom Line: This private tour offers a personalized, relaxed way to explore Tampa’s craft brew scene, ideal for beer lovers wanting a tailored experience.
4. Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
Position 4 features a private brewery tour in Tampa Heights, with up to five guests. Like the Ybor City tour, it covers up to five breweries, including Magnanimous Brewing and Angry Chair Brewing. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and the route can be adjusted. Guests consistently highlight the friendly guides and the opportunity to try a variety of local beers in a laid-back setting. Tampa Heights is known for its craft beer and historic charm, making it a perfect stop for those who appreciate local flavor.
Bottom Line: For a personalized brewery experience in one of Tampa’s most historic neighborhoods, this tour combines great beer with a relaxed vibe.
5. Pirate Adventure Cruise on Tampa Bay with Open Bar
Number 5 is a family-friendly pirate cruise aboard the Lost Pearl, which combines entertainment with a scenic cruise of Tampa Bay. Adults can enjoy an open bar, while kids partake in pirate games, dancing, and water cannon battles. It’s an engaging way to experience Tampa’s waterfront with a fun, lively atmosphere. Reviewers mention the entertaining staff and the stunning views. It’s best suited for families or groups looking for an interactive, festive experience.
Bottom Line: A playful, scenic cruise that offers both adult drinks and kid-friendly fun—perfect for families or groups wanting to combine sightseeing with entertainment.
6. Tampa Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat Up to 13 people
Position 6 features a private floating tiki bar capable of hosting up to 13 people. Cruise along the Hillsborough River and enjoy spectacular views of landmarks like the University of Tampa and Straz Center. The tour offers flexibility to stop at riverside bars or just enjoy the scenery from the water. It’s ideal for small groups or celebrations who want a customizable, relaxed experience with plenty of space to lounge and enjoy.
Bottom Line: A large private tiki boat that combines scenic river cruising with the option to make stops along Tampa’s beautiful waterfront.
$450 per group up to 13
7. Tampa’s Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart
Number 7 is perfect for dive bar enthusiasts wanting to explore Tampa’s iconic, long-standing bars. This 3-hour tour visits five dive bars with an average age of over 50 years, including Tiny Tap Tavern and The Retreat Tampa. The tour offers 25-minute stops at each bar, with the flexibility to end in Ybor City if you wish to continue on your own. Guests love the authentic vibe and affordable drinks, making this a favorite for those craving a local, unpretentious experience.
Bottom Line: An authentic look at Tampa’s historic dive bars, ideal for anyone wanting to experience the city’s rough-and-tumble drinking culture.
$275.00 per group (up to 5)
8. Tampa: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Open Bar
Number 8 is another pirate-themed cruise, this one slightly shorter at 1.5 hours, aboard the Lost Pearl. It features water cannon fun, dolphin sightings, and lively pirate entertainment. The open bar includes domestic beers and spirits, making it a lively adventure for those who love a themed experience with scenic views. It’s a more compact option for a pirate adventure with plenty of entertainment.
Bottom Line: A short but lively pirate cruise, perfect for families or groups wanting a fun, scenic outing with drinks included.
9. Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl
Number 9 offers a scavenger hunt-style bar crawl, where you solve clues and complete challenges at popular Tampa pubs. It’s a cheap way to explore, costing just over $12 per person, but food and drinks are not included. The game is only for ages 21+, and it’s ideal for groups looking for a competitive and interactive experience that mixes drinking with puzzles.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, hands-on way to discover Tampa’s bar scene while engaging in a fun game.
$12.31 per person
10. Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Position 10 is a haunted pub crawl through Tampa’s most eerie and historic bars. The tour visits four haunted spots like The Hub Bar and Tampa Theatre, sharing spooky stories and ghostly legends. While reviews are mixed, the tour offers a unique atmospheric experience for those fascinated by Tampa’s darker side. It’s perfect if you’re into ghost stories and historic haunts.
Bottom Line: An atmospheric and spooky way to experience Tampa’s haunted taverns and learn eerie tales—best suited for thrill-seekers.
$30 per person
11. Tampa: 2 hour Paddle Pub River Cruise
Number 11 combines paddling with socializing in a paddle pub. Bring your own drinks, pedal along Tampa’s river while enjoying the sunset and skyline views. It’s a perfect relaxed activity for groups wanting outdoor fun with a social twist. Many enjoy the breezy ride and the chance to customize their experience with music and drinks.
Bottom Line: A laid-back, interactive water activity that blends exercise with social drinking, especially appealing at sunset.
$53 per person
12. Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
At number 12, this private tiki boat for up to 6 people offers a 3-hour cruise past downtown Tampa landmarks. You can hop on and off at local bars, enjoying your own drinks onboard. It’s an excellent way to combine bar hopping with scenic views of the Hillsborough River, perfect for small groups or intimate celebrations.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private option for those who want to enjoy Tampa from the water with the freedom to explore different bars.
$595 per group up to 1
13. Naples Bar Crawl Experience
Number 13 is a more casual app-led adventure, designed to discover Tampa’s bars with puzzles and trivia. Priced affordably at around $15, it’s ideal for spontaneous outings or bachelorette parties. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous groups wanting an inexpensive, interactive way to explore Tampa’s bar scene.
$14.99 per person
14. Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Last on our list is another haunted pub crawl, focusing on Tampa’s spooky side. You’ll visit four haunted bars, hearing ghost stories and enjoying drinks along the way. This tour offers a darkly fun twist on Tampa nightlife and is suited for those intrigued by local legends.
Bottom Line: A fun, spooky experience for those who love ghost stories and historic legends, providing a different take on Tampa’s nightlife.
$27.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Tampa
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, group size, and interests. For a relaxed water experience, the Tiki Boat is hard to beat, but if you’re into craft beer, the Ybor City Brewery Tour offers local flavor. Those seeking nightlife exploration will enjoy the golf cart bar crawl, while families might prefer the Pirate Cruise. Always check if drinks are included or BYOB, and book early—especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Tampa’s drinking scene is diverse, whether you want a scenic water cruise, an authentic dive bar experience, or a guided brewery tour. Both the Tiki Boat and the Private Brewery Tours offer unique ways to explore the city’s local flavor, while lively pub crawls make for a fun, social night out. No matter what your style, Tampa makes it easy to enjoy a good drink with great company. Just pick the tour that suits your mood and interests, and remember to book early to secure your spot.