Sunset, Stand Up Paddle and Sip

Imagine gliding over glassy, golden waters as the sun dips toward the horizon, casting warm hues across the sky. For those seeking a peaceful yet engaging way to end a day in Panama City Beach, the Sunset SUP & Sip tour offers just that—an hour and a half of gentle paddling, wildlife watching, and unwinding in a quiet cove with a drink of your choice. Guided by a local instructor, this experience is designed to be beginner-friendly, making it accessible for most travelers, whether you’ve never stood on a paddleboard before or just want to enjoy a relaxed evening on the water.

The tour takes place on Lake Powell, a rare coastal dune lake, one of only a few in the world, which glows beautifully at dusk. What we love most are the glowing skies and serene surroundings—a perfect setting for photos, reflection, or just soaking in the peaceful Florida evening. Plus, the chance to bring your own drinks (or enjoy provided non-alcoholic beverages) while floating on your paddleboard adds a personalized, laid-back touch that makes this tour stand out.

One possible consideration is the limited group size—only up to 12 travelers—so it might feel a bit intimate or crowded during peak times if you prefer larger tours. Also, since the experience is weather-dependent, poor conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. This tour is perfect if you’re after a gentle, scenic activity that combines outdoor adventure with relaxation, and it’s especially suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a calm, scenic sunset without too much exertion.

Key Points

• Peaceful Sunset Views: Experience the calming beauty of a Florida sunset over coastal dune lakes.
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy, guided paddling suitable for all skill levels with safety at the forefront.
• Wildlife & Nature: Spot local wildlife like egrets and otters as you paddle past lush shoreline.
• BYOB Flexibility: Bring your favorite drinks to enjoy while floating; provided coolers and floating cup holders make it easy.
• Limited Group Size: Small tours foster a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Weather Sensitive: The experience depends on good weather; cancellations are possible.

The Sunset SUP & Sip tour is more than just a paddleboard adventure; it’s a chance to connect with a less-traveled side of Panama City Beach. Most visitors know the bustling beaches and lively nightlife, but this experience offers a peaceful retreat on Lake Powell, a coastal dune lake that’s rare worldwide. This shallow, calm body of water is ideal for relaxed paddling and creates a reflective mirror at sunset that’s perfect for photographs or quiet contemplation.

Guided by a knowledgeable local instructor, we loved the way the tour balances safety with freedom. The paddle is described as “beginner-friendly,” which means we didn’t have to worry about complicated techniques or strenuous effort. The instructor keeps it relaxed—perfect for those with moderate physical fitness or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to paddleboarding. The calm waters and accessible setup make it a good choice for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a tranquil experience.

What’s Included and What You Should Bring

For $98 per person, the tour offers a paddleboard, drybag, waterproof phone case, and non-alcoholic drinks. The flexibility to bring your own alcohol (BYOB) is a real plus, especially for those looking to toast the sunset with a favorite beverage. The tour provides coolers and floating cup holders—small touches that elevate the experience, making it easy to relax and enjoy your drink while floating peacefully.

Travelers should note that alcohol is not provided, so if you want to sip on a favorite wine or beer, you’ll need to bring it along. The meeting point is conveniently located at 23104 Lakeview Dr, and the tour starts promptly at 6:30 pm, aligning perfectly with the sunset time during warmer months.

Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Part Special

The Paddle Across Lake Powell

We loved the ease of paddling across the mirror-like surface at golden hour. The initial part of the tour involves a gentle, guided paddle that feels almost meditative. The calm, shallow waters are forgiving for beginners and provide fantastic opportunities to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. As we glided along, we could see lush shoreline, and our guide pointed out local wildlife such as egrets and otters—adding a touch of natural wonder.

Anchoring in a Quiet Cove

Once in a peaceful cove, the real magic begins. Here, we anchored our boards and had the chance to sit back, sip, and soak in the sunset views. The experience of floating on the water with a drink as the sky turns pink and orange is unforgettable. The guide emphasizes no rush, no pressure, which is exactly what we loved—this is about relaxation and connection.

The Sunset Moment

As the sun dips lower, the glowing skies turn the lake into a shimmering mirror. The stillness of the water combined with the vibrant colors of dusk creates a mood that feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Photography buffs will find plenty of chances for stunning shots, although the main focus is simply being present in the moment.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

While there are currently no reviews posted, the description hints at a quiet, soulful experience that most travelers would find memorable. The fact that the tour is limited to 12 participants suggests a more personalized experience—something you can truly savor, rather than just another crowded group.

Practical Details and Considerations

• The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time for a relaxed paddle and sunset viewing without feeling rushed.
• The price of $98 is reasonable considering the included gear, guidance, and the exclusivity of the small group.
• The meeting time at 6:30 pm aligns with the golden hour in summer months, but always check the sunset time for your visit.
• You should have moderate physical fitness, but the guided nature and calm waters keep it accessible.
• This activity is weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t favorable, it might be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.
• The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere but means early booking is advised, especially during busy seasons.

This Sunset SUP & Sip tour is a rare find for anyone looking to enjoy unspoiled Florida nature in a relaxed setting. If you’re after stunning sunset views, a gentle outdoor activity, and the chance to bring your own drinks for a personalized toast, this is an excellent choice. It’s especially well-suited for couples celebrating a special moment, friends seeking a unique shared experience, or solo travelers wanting a peaceful escape with scenic views.

For those who love wildlife or photo opportunities, the chance to see egrets and otters as the light dims makes it a memorable outing. The small group size and local guidance ensure a laid-back, authentic encounter with Panama City Beach’s coastal dune lakes—something you won’t find on the crowded beaches or high-energy boat tours.

FAQs

• What is the tour duration?
  Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including paddling and time to relax in the cove.

• Can beginners participate?
  Yes, the paddle is described as beginner-friendly and guided by a local instructor, making it easy for most fitness levels.

• Is alcohol allowed?
  Alcohol isn’t provided, but you can bring your own beverages to enjoy while floating on the water.

• What should I bring?
  Bring your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and dress comfortably for moderate activity. The tour provides a waterproof phone case, drybag, and coolers.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Where does the tour start?
  At 23104 Lakeview Dr, Panama City Beach. The guide will meet you there at 6:30 pm.

• How many people will be on the tour?
  Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a small, relaxed group.

• Is there any age restriction?
  The description doesn’t specify, but moderate physical fitness is recommended; consider age and comfort with water activities.

To sum it up, the Sunset SUP & Sip tour offers a peaceful, scenic escape into the natural beauty of Panama City Beach’s coastal dune lakes. It’s an ideal activity for those wanting to unwind, enjoy stunning evening views, and connect with nature at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to end your day on a high note, this experience delivers a memorable, authentic glimpse of Florida’s quieter, more enchanting side.