Santa Cruise on the Sound

Imagine gliding through the calm waters of Destin’s Soundside on a cozy cruise, surrounded by twinkling holiday lights and cheerful music. For just $25 per person, you can hop aboard the Soundside Cruiser and enjoy a one-hour holiday-themed cruise with Santa himself. Led by a friendly English-speaking guide, this experience promises a delightful mix of stunning waterfront views, festive cheer, and a chance for kids to share their wish lists directly with Santa.

What we love about this tour is how accessible it is—near public transportation and with a very reasonable price—making it a practical choice for families or anyone looking to add a touch of Christmas magic to their visit. The breathtaking scenery combined with festive tunes creates a warm, joyful atmosphere that’s perfect for creating holiday memories. On the flip side, some might find the short duration leaves them wanting more—though that’s typical for a quick cruise. It’s best suited for families with kids, holiday enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic holiday outing.

Key Points

• Affordable and family-friendly at $25 per person.
• One-hour duration offers a lovely snapshot of Destin’s waterfront during the holidays.
• Includes a visit with Santa, holiday music, and a surprise treat.
• Accessible location near public transportation makes it easy to join.
• Small group size (maximum 49 travelers) ensures a cozy, intimate setting.
• Free cancellation allows for flexible planning.

What Makes This Santa Cruise Special

This cruise isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a holiday celebration on the water. For many, the real magic lies in the breathtaking waterfront views that come alive with holiday lights reflecting off the water. The festive holiday music adds to the cheerful mood, making it feel like a Christmas card come to life. Plus, the chance for kids to meet Santa face-to-face and share their wishes adds a personal, memorable touch that sets this experience apart.

The surprise treat is a nice bonus, giving a little extra sweetness to the trip—perfect for kids and adults alike. The English-speaking driver guide keeps the atmosphere friendly and informative, offering insights or just keeping the mood light and joyful.

The Itinerary: An Easy, Relaxed Voyage

Since this tour is about an hour, it’s a short but sweet journey. The meeting point at 189 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach is straightforward, and the cruise itself takes you through the wintery-looking waterfront of Destin. There are no complex stops or detours—just a smooth sail through a scenic area known for its calm waters and beautiful vistas.

The highlight, of course, is stopping to visit Santa, who is available for kids (and kids at heart) to talk to. You can expect a festive atmosphere with holiday music playing in the background, making it feel like a floating holiday party. The surprise treat adds a little extra fun, and since the activity ends back at the starting point, it’s a convenient experience with no fuss.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Several reviewers have praised the stunning views this cruise offers, often mentioning how the waterfront “really lights up” during the holiday season. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way all the lights reflected off the water—it looked like a scene from a Christmas movie.” The small group size (up to 49 people) creates a more intimate vibe, which is appreciated in a holiday setting.

The price point is reasonable, especially considering all that’s included—Santa, holiday music, a surprise treat, and scenic views. While some might wish for a longer cruise, the one-hour duration ensures it’s manageable for young children and busy schedules, without feeling rushed.

A common theme in reviews is the ease of access—near public transportation—and the fact that service animals are allowed makes it more inclusive. You’ll want to book in advance, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead—giving flexibility if your plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families with young children who want a fun, festive experience without a long commitment. It’s perfect for holiday visitors looking to enjoy the waterfront in a relaxed, cheerful setting. If you enjoy scenic views, holiday music, and a bit of Christmas magic, this is a charming way to spend an hour. It’s also a practical choice for those who prefer easy, accessible activities close to town and public transport.

However, if you’re seeking a more extended or adventure-filled water excursion, this might feel a bit brief. But for a quick, joyful holiday outing, it hits all the right notes.

The Santa Cruise on the Sound offers a charming holiday experience that combines scenic views, festive cheer, and a personal visit from Santa—at a surprisingly affordable price. For $25, you get roughly an hour of holiday magic, which is an excellent value given what’s included: holiday music, scenic waterfront views, a visit with Santa, and a surprise treat. The small group size (up to 49 travelers) ensures a cozy atmosphere, making it feel more like a holiday gathering than a large tour.

The Setting and Departure

The meeting point at 189 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, is accessible, near public transportation, which makes it convenient for most travelers. The mobile ticket system simplifies check-in, avoiding long lines or complicated procedures. Once aboard the Soundside Cruiser, you’re greeted by friendly crew members and settled into a comfortable, open-air boat that’s perfect for viewing the scenery.

The Scenic Waterway

The cruise navigates through the Destin Sound, an area known for calm waters and stunning vistas. During the holiday season, the waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland, with holiday lights visible from the boat and reflected beautifully off the water. We loved the way the lights danced on the surface, creating a picture-perfect setting. Under the guidance of the English driver guide, you’ll get a relaxed commentary or just enjoy the soothing scenery, depending on your mood.

Meeting Santa and Holiday Cheer

The highlight for many children is the face-to-face meeting with Santa. Kids get a chance to share their wish lists directly with Santa, which is a heartfelt moment that many reviews say “really makes it special.” The festive holiday music enhances the mood, with familiar tunes that evoke holiday nostalgia and joy.

The Surprise Treat

A surprise treat adds a sweet touch to the cruise—something simple but appreciated. It’s especially perfect for kids, and adults often find it a charming addition that makes the experience feel more complete.

Duration and Comfort

The one-hour duration is just right—it’s enough to relax and enjoy the scenery without fatigue or boredom. The group size provides a sense of intimacy, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Feedback

While the reviews are currently limited, the few available comments highlight the stunning waterfront views as the main attraction. One visitor said, “The reflections on the water during the lights were truly magical,” underscoring how memorable this scene can be. The friendly guide, known for being engaging and informative, helps make the trip feel personal and warm.

Practical Considerations

Since the price is only $25, you’re getting a lot of value—especially considering the included Santa visit and the scenic journey. The accessibility features, such as being near public transportation and allowing service animals, make this activity inclusive. The short duration makes it ideal for families with young children or those with limited time.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic holiday experience that’s easy to fit into your schedule, this cruise offers a charming taste of Christmas on the water. It’s especially suited for families with kids, couples, or groups wanting a festive outing without the fuss of longer tours. The stunning waterfront views, combined with Santa’s visit and holiday music, create a cozy, joyful environment that many will cherish.

While it’s not a lengthy cruise, the value lies in the quality of the experience—simple, beautiful, and full of holiday spirit. It’s a lovely way to add some sparkle to your Destin holiday visit without breaking the bank.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s especially designed with families in mind. Kids can meet Santa and share their wish lists, making it a very kid-friendly experience.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise is approximately one hour, providing a quick but memorable glimpse of Destin’s waterfront during the holidays.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is at 189 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, which is easy to access and near public transportation.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes the scenic boat ride, visit with Santa, festive holiday music, and a surprise treat.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour can accommodate up to 49 travelers, ensuring a friendly, less crowded atmosphere.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted to accompany travelers.

Is this activity good for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for those wanting a quick, festive outing. It’s especially ideal for holiday visitors and families.

To sum it up, the Santa Cruise on the Sound offers a charming, scenic, and festive way to experience Destin’s holiday spirit. With its beautiful views, personal Santa visit, and accessible location, it stands out as a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking a relaxed, joyful Christmas activity. Perfect for families, couples, or groups looking to enjoy a cheerful, scenic adventure on the water—without breaking the bank.