Destin: Cruisin Tikis Beach & Harbor Cruise

If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back way to see some of the best bits of Destin, Florida, the Cruisin Tikis Beach & Harbor Cruise offers an inviting glimpse into the area’s natural beauty. This 3-hour tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine a scenic boat ride with some downtime on a secluded beach — all with a small-group vibe that feels personal rather than crowded.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love how smoothly it balances stunning views with relaxed leisure, making it suitable for families, friends, or couples wanting a low-key day. Second, the opportunity to bring your own drinks and snacks adds value and flexibility, allowing you to customize your experience without added costs. On the flip side, a consideration is that this tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions, so plan accordingly.

This cruise would suit travelers who appreciate authentic, relaxed experiences with plenty of photo-worthy moments. If you’re after a laid-back adventure that mixes sightseeing, swimming, and socializing on a charming tiki boat, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Scenic Harbors and Beaches: Offers a relaxed cruise through Destin’s beautiful harbor with a stop at a quiet, sandy beach.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (limited to 6 participants) ensures a more intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible Bring-Your-Own: Guests can bring their own drinks and snacks, adding to the relaxed, casual vibe.
• Ideal for Photos: Plenty of opportunities to snap pictures on the most eye-catching boat and at the secluded beach.
• Swim and Relax: Crystal-clear water and provided floats make cooling off and lounging easy.
• Family-Friendly (with restrictions): Best suited for those without mobility or heart issues, as well as service animals only.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Check-in
The tour begins at a convenient meeting spot between the Boathouse Oyster Bar and the Edge Sky Bar, with check-in at a kiosk (coordinates: 30.392822265625, -86.50569915771484). The friendly staff will check you in, then the captain — who holds a USCG license — will give you a quick rundown before heading out on the water.

Cruising through Destin Harbor
The journey kicks off with a laid-back cruise through the heart of Destin Harbor. You’ll be on a tiki boat — a cheerful, eye-catching vessel that perfectly matches the fun, tropical vibe of the area. As you glide over emerald-green waters, you’ll enjoy the sun on your skin and fantastic views of the coast. Several reviews highlight how “the views are simply stunning,” making it a highlight for photography buffs or anyone who loves soaking in scenery.

Drop Anchor at a Secluded Beach
One of the tour’s best features is the anchor stop at a secluded beach. Here, the boat drops anchor, and you’re free to relax on pristine white sand. Unlike crowded public beaches, this spot offers quiet and privacy. You can lounge, play games, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Swimming and Floating
The crystal-clear water invites you to take a dip, and the provided floats make cooling off especially easy. Multiple reviewers mention how “refreshing the swim was” and appreciate the opportunity to cool down after lounging on the boat or the sand. Keep in mind, the water is generally calm, perfect for a leisurely swim, but it’s always wise to stay within eyesight of your group.

Snapping Photos and Relaxing
Since the boat is particularly eye-catching, it’s the perfect setting for group photos or selfies. The tour’s relaxed pace encourages socializing and taking in the moment. With no rush, you’ll have plenty of time to capture memories, especially with the beautiful backdrop of Destin’s natural beauty.

Return and Free Exploration
The tour concludes where it started, leaving you free to explore more of Destin or unwind at your leisure. Whether you want to grab a bite, stroll along the waterfront, or keep enjoying the sunshine, you’ll leave with a relaxed, happy feeling.

What to Know Before You Go

Cost and Value
While specific prices aren’t listed here, the fact that you bring your own drinks and snacks means you save on alcohol costs, making the overall experience more budget-friendly. The three-hour duration offers a good balance of sightseeing and leisure, especially considering the intimacy of the small group size.

What to Bring
Make sure to pack swimwear, a towel, camera, food, drinks, and sunscreen. Since alcohol isn’t served or sold on the boat (and alcohol on Crab Island is illegal), bringing your own is the way to go.

Group Size and Accessibility
With only six participants max, this is an intimate way to enjoy Destin. However, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or certain health issues. Only service animals are permitted, so plan for that if needed.

Language and Cancellation
The activity is offered in English, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for last-minute changes.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The stunning views of Destin’s harbor and surrounding waters are what most travelers rave about. The combination of a scenic cruise, a peaceful beach stop, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear water makes for a laid-back yet memorable outing. The boat’s cheerful design and the opportunity to bring your own provisions foster a relaxed, personalized vibe you might not find on larger, more formal tours.

Real reviewers have called the experience “beautiful,” “refreshing,” and “a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.” Many appreciate the small-group setting, which feels more like a private outing rather than a crowded tour.

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Who Is It Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a gentle, scenic escape without a lot of fuss. It suits families (with no mobility issues), couples, or small groups looking to enjoy Destin’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for those who value authentic, intimate experiences over big crowds or high-energy activities. If you love taking photos, swimming in clear water, and soaking up sunshine, you’ll find this tour hits all the right notes.

However, if you or someone in your party has mobility or health concerns, or if you prefer a tour with alcohol included, this might not be the best fit. It’s also worth noting that longer or more elaborate excursions may offer different experiences, but for pure relaxation and photo ops, this cruise is a standout.

The Destin Cruisin Tikis Beach & Harbor Cruise offers a relaxed, visually stunning way to enjoy the area’s waters and beaches. Its small-group size, flexibility, and focus on natural beauty make it a good pick for travelers who want a personal, low-key adventure. Whether you want to splash in the water, capture photos of a cheerful tiki boat against a scenic backdrop, or just unwind on white sand, this tour delivers a straightforward, enjoyable experience. It’s well-suited to those who appreciate simple pleasures and scenic serenity in a charming coastal setting.

If your idea of a perfect day involves cruising emerald waters, taking photos of a colorful boat, and relaxing on a quiet beach, this tour could be just what you need — with a bit of Florida sunshine on top.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are included in the passenger count, and it is family-friendly, provided they can handle a boat ride and swimming. Remember, children with mobility issues or medical conditions might find it less suitable.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Absolutely. The tour expressly allows guests to bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol (glass bottles are permitted). No alcohol is sold or served on the boat.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including cruising, beach time, and swimming.

Where do I meet the boat?
You’ll check in at a kiosk located between the Boathouse Oyster Bar and the Edge Sky Bar, at the coordinates 30.392822265625, -86.50569915771484.

Are there any restrictions for people with health issues?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, heart problems, or pre-existing medical conditions. Only service animals are allowed.

What kind of boat is used?
A colorful, eye-catching tiki boat that amplifies the tropical, fun vibe of Destin.

Is gratuity included?
The provided information doesn’t specify, so it’s customary to tip your captain if you enjoyed the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby