Original Cruisin Tikis Beach & Cruise Adventure

Experience the Charm of Destin on the Original Cruisin Tikis Beach & Cruise Adventure

If you’re looking to enjoy a laid-back yet memorable day on the water in Destin, the Cruisin Tikis Beach & Cruise Adventure offers a refreshing way to do so. For just $99 per person, you’re invited to hop aboard one of the most photographed vessels in the area — a cheerful, tiki-themed boat that’s as photogenic as it is fun. The tour lasts about three hours, making it perfect for those with tight schedules who still want a slice of the Gulf Coast’s beauty.

Imagine cruising through Destin Harbor with a drink in hand, feeling the warm sun, and catching glimpses of shimmering emerald waters. The highlight? Anchoring at a secluded beach where you can relax, swim, and take in the pristine white sands that make Crab Island a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The crew keeps it simple and enjoyable, providing a cooler, water, and plenty of opportunity for snacks and drinks you bring yourself — so you get to keep it casual and personal.

What we love most about this trip is how friendly and accommodating the crew are, especially the USCG-licensed captain—who knows how to keep things fun, safe, and relaxed. Plus, the vessel itself is a gem—bright, colorful, and perfect for snapping photo ops that’ll make your friends jealous. On the flip side, a potential consideration for travelers is the group size — with a maximum of six passengers, it’s ideal for small groups or families but not suited to larger parties.

This cruise is perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a laid-back day on the water with stunning scenery and a friendly vibe. If you enjoy classic boat outings that combine a bit of adventure with plenty of photo opportunities, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Secluded Beach Access: Drop the anchor at Crab Island’s best-kept secret, away from crowds.
• Family-Friendly Experience: Small groups and a relaxed environment make it ideal for families and couples.
• Photo Opportunities Galore: The colorful vessel, harbor views, and sandy beaches provide plenty of camera moments.
• BYOB Flexibility: Bring your own drinks and snacks — glass bottles are allowed, and there’s no alcohol served onboard.
• Expert Crew & Safety: USCG-licensed captain ensures fun and safety, with positive reviews highlighting Captain Sam and Captain Brian.
• Limited Group Size: Only six passengers max, which enhances intimacy but might limit larger groups.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Meeting in Destin Harbor

Your adventure kicks off at 288 Harbor Blvd, right in the heart of Destin’s bustling waterfront. The tour begins at 12:00 pm, ideal for enjoying a leisurely afternoon. The mobile ticket system makes check-in smooth, and the proximity to public transportation means you’re unlikely to face transportation hassles.

The Vessel: A Photo-Ready Tiki Experience

The boat itself is a standout. Bright, cheerful, and styled like a traditional Tiki bar, it’s the most photographed vessel in Destin for good reason. The vessel’s lively appearance enhances the fun vibe, and it’s perfect for capturing the trip’s lighthearted spirit.

Cruising Through Destin Harbor

Once aboard, the captain navigates through the Destin Harbor, showcasing the natural beauty and vibrant energy of the area. We loved the way the captain pointed out local sights and shared tidbits about the harbor’s history and fun facts, making the cruise informative as well as entertaining. The stunning views of the water, shoreline, and boats passing by create an immersive experience.

The Secluded Beach & Crab Island

After about an hour of cruising, the boat drops anchor at a secluded beach—a genuine highlight. Here, the crew sets up the swim ladder and drops the anchor, giving everyone the chance to swim, relax, or play on the white sands. The inclusion of floats and the option to bring your own makes it flexible for fun in the sun.

From reviews, we know many travelers found this part of the trip to be “a great experience” with “amazing time out on Crab Island” and “perfect” for a family outing. The water here is described as “crystal clear,” ideal for swimming and floating. The boat provides a cooler with ice, bottled water, cups, and shot glasses, making it easy to enjoy your drinks.

Snacks, Drinks, and Relaxation

With the boat’s BYOB policy, you can bring your favorite beverages and snacks, which makes for a laid-back vibe. Just remember, no alcohol is sold or served onboard, and alcohol consumption at Crab Island is illegal. Glass bottles are permitted, so bring your preferred drinks responsibly. Many reviews praise the opportunity to relax, sip drinks, and soak up the sun without rushing.

The Return Journey

After relaxing at the beach, your captain will start heading back through the harbor, giving you a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery one more time. The cruise concludes back at the starting point, with most travelers feeling they received excellent value for the three-hour experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is an excellent pick for families with children, as it’s small and intimate, with a maximum of six travelers. Couples looking for a romantic, playful outing will love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and photo opportunities. It’s also perfect for anyone who enjoys a casual, scenic boat ride combined with a beach break.

If you’re someone who appreciates friendly guides, as many reviewers did with Captain Sam or Captain Brian, and enjoys snapping pictures of stunning harbor vistas and sandy beaches, you’ll find plenty to love here. Keep in mind, the small group size means a more personalized experience, but it might not be suitable for larger parties or those seeking a more party-oriented vibe.

The Value of This Experience

At $99 per person, the price aligns well with the quality and intimacy of the experience. For this price, you get three hours of cruising, a secluded beach stop, and the flexibility to bring your own drinks, which adds to the overall value. The inclusion of bottled water, cups, and shot glasses ensures you’re equipped to relax and enjoy the trip comfortably.

Considering the positive reviews praising the stunning views, friendly crew, and fun environment, many travelers feel they received good value for what’s offered—a personalized water adventure with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Final Thoughts

The Original Cruisin Tikis Beach & Cruise Adventure offers a relaxed, friendly, and visually stunning way to experience Destin’s waters and Crab Island. The compact group size enhances intimacy and personalized service, and the secluded beach provides a perfect escape from crowded spots.

This tour shines brightest for families, couples, or small groups seeking a casual day of sun, sand, and scenery. It’s ideal if you love photographing water views, want a flexible drinks policy, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. The cheerful vessel, knowledgeable crew, and peaceful beach stop combine to create a memorable, authentic Gulf Coast experience.

If you’re after a more personalized, small-group adventure with plenty of opportunities for fun photos and relaxing in the sun, this cruise is a choice worth considering. It’s simple, enjoyable, and a wonderful way to see the best of Destin’s harbor and Crab Island.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, including cruising through Destin Harbor and relaxing at a secluded beach.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers the boat ride, a cooler with ice and bottled water, cups, shot glasses, and a float pump. You bring your own drinks and snacks, with no alcohol sold onboard.

Can I bring my own beverages?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks. Glass bottles are allowed, and alcohol is permitted if you bring it yourself.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Absolutely. Children are welcome, but they must be included in the booking. The maximum group size is six, making it ideal for families.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
This experience is not recommended for those with limited mobility due to the nature of the boat and beach stop.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund, so plan accordingly.

This small-group Tiki boat tour in Destin offers a relaxed, scenic, and fun way to enjoy the Gulf Coast’s beauty. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo, seeking a family adventure, or just wanting a peaceful day on the water, it’s an experience that delivers on charm and comfort.