St Augustine Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option

St Augustine Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option: A relaxed water adventure

If you’re exploring St. Augustine and looking for a fun, laid-back way to see the city from the water, the Floating Tiki Boat Cruise offered by Cruisin Tikis might just be your new favorite way to unwind. While I haven’t personally hopped on this cruise, reviews and details paint a picture of a cozy, customizable experience perfect for friends, couples, or small groups seeking scenic views and good vibes.

What really draws attention is how flexible and intimate this trip seems—offering private or shared options, with the chance to bring your own drinks. Plus, dolphin sightings and waterfront vistas make it appealing whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a chill day on the water. However, keep in mind that this is a short outing, roughly an hour and a half, so those expecting a lengthy tour might want to supplement with other activities.

Overall, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise with a friendly atmosphere and the flexibility to BYOB, this experience could fit the bill. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a low-key vibe, stunning waterfront views, and the chance to create a personalized outing in historic St. Augustine.

Key Points

• Flexible private or shared experience: Choose what suits your group best, with options for privacy.
• BYOB friendly: Bring your favorite drinks; cooler and ice are provided, making it easy to relax and toast.
• Scenic views and wildlife: Spot dolphins, cruise past historic landmarks, and enjoy waterfront vistas.
• Short, manageable duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a great quick escape.
• Limited group size: Max of 6 travelers, creating an intimate setting.
• Excellent reviews: The one review highlights a fun experience, with a captain noted as especially friendly and cool.

An in-depth look at the floating tiki cruise

Setting the scene on the water

This cruise is centered around exploring St. Augustine’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, with extra stops at notable landmarks like Hospital Creek, Fountain of Youth, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Bridge of Lions. The boat itself is a floating tiki bar, which immediately conjures a laid-back, island-style vibe—think relaxed, tropical, and playful.

The tour takes you along scenic waterways, offering views of historic structures and natural wildlife. As you cruise past the Castillo de San Marcos, you’ll get a glimpse of a 17th-century Spanish fortress crafted from coquina, which has stood the test of time. The Bridge of Lions, another highlight, connects the downtown area to Anastasia Island and is famous for its elegant design and history.

The itinerary and stops

The main activity is the private tiki boat ride that’s perfect for sunset cruises or group celebrations. The experience is highly customizable—whether you’re after a romantic sunset or just a chill day with friends. The boat’s route includes cruising around the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas Bay, areas well-known for scenic views and dolphin sightings.

One of the stops takes you along Hospital Creek, which offers a close-up look at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park on one side and the historic waterfront on the other. This adds a touch of local history and natural beauty to your cruise, making it more than just a boat ride.

What to expect during the cruise

The boat is equipped with a cooler and ice, so you can BYOB, and a bluetooth sound system ensures your tunes set the mood. The relaxed environment means you can sip your drinks while soaking in the views and watching for dolphins. The private experience offers the chance to truly unwind without feeling crowded, and the smaller group size (max 6 travelers) fosters a cozy atmosphere.

Notable features and extras

• The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes — a comfortable length that doesn’t overcommit your day.
• The price is $75 per person, which, considering the private nature and included amenities, offers good value.
• Guide service is included, adding a layer of local knowledge and safety.
• You’re permitted to bring service animals, and the tour is accessible via public transportation nearby.

The experience from reviews

While there’s only one review, it’s glowing: “The tiki boat was fun and Capt Warren was so nice and cool! Will request him EVERY Time! I am scheduling my next adventure very soon.” This highlights what many will appreciate—the friendly captain and the fun, easygoing vibe.

Why this cruise works well

This trip excels in scenic views and dolphin watching—two major highlights. The waterfront scenery, historic landmarks, and wildlife sightings create a memorable, relaxing outing. The flexibility to customize the experience with private or shared options, plus the BYOB policy, makes it stand out among typical water tours.

Practical considerations and tips

• Booking ahead is recommended, as most travelers reserve roughly 16 days in advance.
• The cost per person ($75) is reasonable, especially given the private or semi-private setting and supplied amenities.
• The duration makes it perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day without feeling rushed.
• The small group size (up to 6) ensures an intimate experience but also means booking early to secure your preferred time.
• Keep an eye on the weather; since the tour is outdoors, poor weather cancels the cruise, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• The start point is at 3737 Harbor Dr, a convenient location in St. Augustine.

Who should consider this experience?

This cruise suits travelers looking for a laid-back, scenic water adventure with a personalized touch. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or friends who want to enjoy the waterways with minimal fuss and maximum relaxation. If you’re into wildlife spotting—especially dolphins—and enjoy the idea of bringing your own drinks in a friendly, informal setting, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s probably less suitable for those expecting a long, narrated tour or heavy historical commentary, as the focus is more on the scenery, wildlife, and good vibes. Families with older children might enjoy the wide-open space and dolphin sightings, but younger kids might find the short duration too tame.

FAQs about the Tiki Boat Cruise

Is this a private or shared experience?
You can choose between a private or shared cruise; private options are perfect for smaller groups seeking exclusivity.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely. This is a BYOB cruise, and the cooler and ice are provided for your convenience.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll cruise past St. Augustine’s waterfront, including the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Bridge of Lions.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a relaxing but not overwhelming outing.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, a guide is included, providing local insights and safety.

Are there dolphin sightings?
Yes, dolphin watching and wildlife spotting are part of the experience, adding to the fun.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is small and outdoor, so older children who enjoy water and wildlife could find it enjoyable.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather; it’s an outdoor water activity, so layers and sun protection are recommended.

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

How early should I book?
Booking about two weeks in advance is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a casual, scenic way to see St. Augustine from the water, this floating tiki boat cruise offers a great balance of fun, relaxation, and stunning views. The chance to bring your own drinks, combined with dolphin sightings and historic backdrops, makes it a memorable little outing that doesn’t take up your whole day. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who want a chill, personalized experience with a friendly captain at the helm.

While it’s not a long tour and doesn’t come with in-depth narration, the focus on laid-back enjoyment, scenic beauty, and wildlife makes this a charming way to soak in the city’s waterways. Just remember to book early, keep an eye on the weather, and prepare for a comfortable, fun ride across one of Florida’s most historic and picturesque waterways.