Original CRUISIN TIKIS 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar

Imagine floating comfortably on a handcrafted tiki vessel, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, with dolphins occasionally swimming close by. This is what you can expect from the Cruisin Tikis Panama City Beach experience — a laid-back, fun-filled cruise that combines sightseeing, swimming, and socializing in just three hours.

While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy the waters of Panama City Beach in a relaxed, intimate setting.

What really draws travelers are the friendly, knowledgeable captains, the chance to spot dolphins, and the opportunity to float or snorkel at a shallow sandbar. Plus, the ability to bring your own drinks makes it ideal for celebrations, couples, or families looking for a memorable day out.

However, it’s worth noting that some guests felt the trip was somewhat limited in snorkeling options, and floaties aren’t always provided unless you request them. So, if snorkeling is your main goal, double-check the current stops and amenities.

This tour suits those who love small-group adventures, casual fun, and good scenery — whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a laid-back escape on the water.

This experience made our article of 13 Top-Rated Panama City Beach Cruises And Boat Tours.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: With a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s intimate and personalized.
• Bring your own drinks: Ice, coolers, and cups are provided, so you can BYOB responsibly.
• Flexible itinerary: Time at the sandbar for swimming, floating, or photos, with dolphin sightings likely.
• Knowledgeable captains: Guides are friendly, fun, and eager to help you capture memories.
• Great for celebrations: Perfect for couples, families, or bachelor/ette parties.
• Value for money: At around $80 per person, it offers a fun, relaxed day on the water with plenty of options for customization.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting at 3605 Navy Blvd, Panama City, the tour lasts about three hours, making it a manageable addition to your day without feeling rushed. The small size of the group (up to 12 guests) helps keep things personal, and you’ll be back at the start point by the end of your cruise.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Lower Grand Lagoon
Your adventure kicks off with a gentle cruise down the Lower Grand Lagoon, led by a licensed USCG captain. The vessel, a charming tiki boat, adds a playful touch to the experience. Guests can relax, listen to music through the sound system, and sip drinks from their coolers. The captain will help you capture photos, so don’t worry about missing out on memories.

The highlight here is drifting into shallow waters near Sandy Point, where you can swim, float, or snorkel. The floating deck and pump make it easy to enjoy the water, and guests are encouraged to bring their own floaties or equipment if they want. One reviewer shared that they loved floating near the sandy beach, and the captain happily took photos to memorialize the moment.

Sandbar Stop
Most guests rave about the sandbar stop—a perfect setting for lounging or exploring. With clear, shallow waters, it’s easy to get in a few swims, float around, or simply relax with a drink in hand. Some reviewers mentioned that it’s a crowd-free zone, creating an ideal atmosphere for unwinding.

Additional Activities
Water sports like paddleboarding or skiing are available, and the captain is happy to assist with capturing photos or videos. One guest noted that their captain was “incredibly friendly, professional, and made sure they had a fun and relaxing experience,” which speaks volumes about the level of service.

Snorkeling and Swimming

While snorkeling is on offer, some reviews suggest that the snorkeling stops may vary, and the tour at Shell Island didn’t include particularly standout snorkeling spots. Nevertheless, guests loved the opportunity to swim and float in the calm, shallow waters and appreciated the floating deck setup.

Dolphin Sightings & Scenic Views

Dolphin sightings are common, with guests often describing dolphins swimming up to the boat, which adds a magical touch to the trip. The views of spectacular homes and the surrounding waters are also a highlight, with some reviewers mentioning they enjoyed cruising past beautiful waterfront properties.

Food, Drink, and Extras

Guests are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages and snacks, as alcohol isn’t provided but is allowed onboard. The boat is equipped with ice, coolers, cups, and shot glasses, enabling you to enjoy your drinks responsibly while soaking in the scenery. One guest noted that the music and relaxed vibe made it a perfect setting for celebrating a bachelor trip.

Captain & Crew

From multiple reviews, the captains stand out as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Captain Dalton, Captain David, and Captain Edward are frequently praised for their professionalism and ability to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. They’re happy to help with taking photos and sharing interesting tidbits about the area.

Pricing & Value

At $80.25 per person, the tour offers solid value considering its inclusions—a personalized, small-group experience with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and relaxing at a scenic sandbar. The flexibility to bring your own drinks and snacks further enhances the value, especially for groups celebrating or just wanting a fun, casual day.

Compared to larger, more commercial boat trips, this experience hits a sweet spot of intimacy and fun, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and interactive outing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for couples seeking a romantic yet casual outing, families wanting a safe, shallow water adventure, or group celebrations like bachelor or bachelorette parties. Its small size makes it perfect for anyone wanting a personalized experience without the crowds. If you’re eager for dolphin sightings, scenic views, and the freedom to enjoy water activities, this tour checks all the boxes.

However, if snorkeling is your main goal, and you’re expecting multiple, high-quality snorkeling stops, you might want to confirm the current itinerary with the operator, as some reviews mention limited snorkeling options.

Final Thoughts

The Cruisin Tikis Panama City Beach experience offers a charming, laid-back way to enjoy the water and scenery of Panama City Beach. Its small-group setting, friendly guides, and flexible approach to drinks and activities make it a fantastic choice for those looking to relax and have fun in a scenic, intimate environment.

While it might not be the most intense snorkeling trip, the combination of dolphin sightings, beautiful views, and the opportunity to float or swim at a shallow sandbar makes it a memorable outing. Plus, the relaxed vibe, music, and photo opportunities ensure everyone leaves with plenty of great memories.

Whether celebrating a special day or just treating yourself to a different perspective of PCB, this cruise offers honest fun and a chance to create lasting moments.

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, providing a relaxed yet fulfilling water adventure.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages and snacks. The boat provides ice, coolers, cups, and shot glasses.

Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling is part of the tour, with stops near sandy areas. However, some reviews suggest snorkeling spots can vary, and snorkeling options may be limited at certain stops.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

Are there any age restrictions for alcohol?
Yes, you must be 21+ to consume alcoholic drinks onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider whether children are comfortable with water activities and the small boat setting.

What should I bring?
Bring your own drinks and snacks. If you want floaties or snorkeling gear, bringing your own is recommended, as the boat provides floats only if requested.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this small-group tiki cruise shines for its friendly guides, scenic water stops, and relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for groups wanting a fun and flexible day on the water — a true highlight in Panama City Beach’s ocean adventures.