Santa Cruise on the Sound

Imagine cruising through Destin’s beautiful waters with holiday lights twinkling around you, kids excitedly sharing wish lists with Santa, and festive tunes filling the air. That’s what you can expect from the Santa Cruise on the Sound — a straightforward, family-friendly experience that offers a cozy way to celebrate the season on the water. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on available info, it sounds like a simple, cheerful outing that makes the holidays feel extra special.

What we genuinely like about this cruise: First, the stunning waterfront views are a real highlight, giving you that holiday glow on the water. Second, the chance for kids to meet Santa in a relaxed, intimate setting sounds heartwarming. But, a possible downside? With only about an hour of cruise time and a modest price, it’s not a long adventure, so if you’re craving something more elaborate, this might feel a bit limited. This tour feels best suited for families, small groups, or anyone looking for an easy, cheerful holiday activity without a hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Affordable and family-friendly at $25 per person.
• Short and sweet, lasting about an hour.
• Includes a visit with Santa and a surprise treat.
• Beautiful waterfront views and festive holiday music.
• Easy to find meeting point with nearby public transportation.
• Service animals are welcome, making it accessible for more travelers.

What Is the Santa Cruise on the Sound?

This experience is a one-hour holiday cruise offered by the Soundside Cruiser in Destin, designed to bring the Christmas spirit to the water. For just $25 per person, you get to sail through a wintery landscape with festive music playing in the background, creating a cheerful atmosphere that both kids and adults can enjoy.

What makes this cruise stand out is the chance for children to meet Santa directly — not just see him from afar, but actually share their wish lists. The cruise also promises a surprise treat, which adds a sweet touch to the festive outing. The whole experience is delivered via a mobile ticket, making it simple to organize and easy to access.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The itinerary is pretty straightforward: you meet at 189 Brooks St SE in Fort Walton Beach, hop aboard the Soundside Cruiser, and settle in for your hour-long cruise. The tour itself is a loop that keeps you on the water, offering breathtaking waterfront views that are especially charming with holiday lights reflecting on the water.

The highlight, of course, is the visit with Santa. Kids (and the young at heart) get an opportunity to share wish lists with Santa himself, which can be a memorable moment. While the tour doesn’t list multiple stops or elaborate activities, the focus is on creating a cozy, holiday atmosphere with music, scenery, and Santa’s personal visit.

The Included Features and What They Mean

• Visit with Santa: For many, this is the main draw—an intimate opportunity to meet Santa without big crowds or long waits.
• Surprise Treat: A small, sweet bonus that could be anything from candy to holiday-themed snacks, adding to the festive vibe.
• English Driver Guide: Helps keep the atmosphere friendly and informative, plus, knowing your guide speaks clear English adds a layer of comfort.

The tour’s simple inclusions make it accessible and straightforward. You won’t find elaborate extras here, but that’s part of its charm — a no-fuss, holiday-themed boat ride.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

Starting at 189 Brooks St SE, the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easier for visitors to access without hassle. The activity ends back at the same spot, so you don’t have to worry about transfers or complicated logistics.

Service animals are allowed, which is a considerate touch, especially if you’re traveling with a service animal. The tour can accommodate up to 49 travelers, so it maintains a cozy, manageable group size.

Practical Considerations

The confirmation is received at the time of booking, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute surprises. The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, giving some flexibility if plans change.

Since the tour is relatively short (about an hour), it’s ideal for those who want a quick, joyful holiday activity without investing a half day or more. The price tag of $25 per person makes it a cost-effective way to add some Christmas cheer to your trip without breaking the bank.

How Does It Compare to Other Experiences?

While this cruise isn’t a lengthy or grand adventure—think of it more as a festive water ride—it offers a relaxed, joyful setting for holiday cheer. It’s less about elaborate scenery or extensive sightseeing and more about creating holiday memories with Santa in a scenic environment.

Other tours, like dolphin cruises or snorkeling adventures, tend to be more involved and longer, but this one captures a simple holiday spirit that’s perfect for families or couples looking for a quick festive escape.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re in Destin during the holiday season and want a lighthearted activity that combines scenic views with the magic of Christmas, this cruise is a solid choice. The price point makes it accessible, and the quick duration fits well into a busy travel schedule.

This experience is best for those who love waterfront scenery, want a personal interaction with Santa, and are looking for a festive activity that doesn’t require a big time commitment. It’s not a grand tour, but rather a charming, small-scale holiday outing that can add some extra sparkle to your trip.

Keep your expectations in check—if you’re after a lively, elaborate Christmas event, you might find this a little understated. But if you’re seeking a sweet, scenic, and memorable holiday moment, this cruise hits the mark.

FAQ

Is the Santa Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the visit with Santa is geared towards kids, making it a family-friendly activity. Kids can share their wish lists directly with Santa.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately one hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views and Santa’s visit without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, the visit with Santa, a surprise treat, and the guidance of an English-speaking driver guide.

Can I cancel this activity if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance aren’t refunded.

Is this experience accessible for travelers with service animals?
Absolutely. Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities or special needs.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at 189 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, which is near public transportation options.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on children sharing wish lists suggests it’s suitable for kids of all ages, especially families.

Is the tour available year-round?
Given the holiday theme, it’s likely seasonal, but the info doesn’t specify. Check with the provider for exact dates.

If you’re searching for a small, cheerful holiday water adventure that offers water views, a visit with Santa, and a cozy atmosphere, this cruise might just be the little holiday highlight you’re looking for.