A Fun, Relaxed Way to Experience St. Petersburg: The 3-Hour Private Tiki Cruise

If you’re looking for a way to see St. Petersburg from a fresh perspective, a 3-hour private tiki cruise might just be the ticket. This tour offers a laid-back, personalized experience, cruising around the lively St. Pete Pier and along Tampa Bay on a floating tiki bar. It’s perfect for those who want to combine a relaxed water adventure with drinks, great scenery, and a touch of Florida’s signature laid-back vibe.
What we love about this experience is how it turns the water into your personal lounge — bringing your own beverages in and enjoying the city’s views from the water’s perspective. Plus, a coast guard licensed captain keeps everything safe and smooth, letting you focus on soaking in the scenery. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that alcohol isn’t included, so you’ll need to bring your own favorites.
This cruise is ideal for friends wanting a fun, social outing, or anyone interested in seeing St. Pete from the water without the hefty price tag of land-based bars. It’s also a good pick if you’re after a flexible, private experience that you can tailor with your drinks and timing.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points

- Private experience for your group, ensuring an intimate, customizable outing
- Bring your own drinks — no overpriced cocktails here, just your favorites
- Stunning views of St. Pete Pier and Tampa Bay’s waterscape
- Relaxed, informal vibe that’s perfect for unwinding with friends
- Includes essentials like coolers, ice, a Bluetooth speaker, and a licensed captain
- Flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, or evening options
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What’s the Deal with the Tiki Cruise?

This cruise offers a taste of Florida’s favorite pastime — being on the water with a drink in hand. The floating tiki bar is the main attraction, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: a lively, fun vessel that mimics a beach bar but with the added bonus of unique water-level views. The vessel is a private, group-focused experience, making it a more exclusive way to relax and explore.
The price of $595 per group is a fair deal when you consider the private, customized nature of the tour. It covers the boat, the cooler with ice, Bluetooth speaker, and the captain — the only thing not included is your own alcohol. This setup allows you to skip overpriced drinks and, instead, enjoy your personal selection while cruising.
The Itinerary and What to Expect

The cruise generally lasts around three hours, giving you plenty of time to settle in, sip your drinks, and enjoy the scenery. The meeting point is conveniently located at the back left of Demens Landing Park, right near the St. Pete Municipal Marina. Once onboard, your captain will navigate around the legendary St. Pete Pier, giving you a close-up view of this iconic spot, along with the surrounding waters.
Cruising along Tampa Bay, you’ll have the chance to spot marine life — some reviews mention looking out for dolphins or other sea creatures, which adds a nice touch of nature to your trip. The boat is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker, so you can set the perfect playlist, adding to the relaxed beachy vibe.
While the tour doesn’t include any stops, the cruise itself is the highlight — the stunning water views of the city skyline and the bay, especially at sunset or in the evening, create a picturesque backdrop that’s hard to beat.
What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews highlight the stunning views as a standout feature, with many mentioning how the cityscape and water scenery create a terrific setting for a leisurely day. One reviewer said, “We loved the way the boat glided along with the skyline in the background — it’s just perfect for unwinding.” Others appreciated the personalized nature of the private tour, noting that it felt more exclusive and relaxed than group tours.
People also particularly enjoyed the flexibility — bringing their own drinks meant they could customize their experience and avoid costly land-based bars. One reviewer mentioned, “Bringing my own drinks saved me quite a bit, and I still had a blast cruising around with friends.”
Some reviews mention that the experience is very laid-back, which is exactly what most visitors are after: a chill, scenic cruise with friends, good drinks, and no rush.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for groups of friends or couples who want to enjoy Tampa Bay at a leisurely pace, with the freedom to bring their drinks and relax. It’s also suited for anyone who appreciates stunning water views and prefers an informal, private outing rather than a crowded party boat.
If you’re looking for a quick, fun way to see the city’s waterfront and enjoy a few hours on the water, this tour hits the spot. It’s less about sightseeing and more about relaxing, socializing, and soaking up the Florida vibe.
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in St Petersburg Florida
The Value of the Experience

At $595 for a private group, this cruise offers good value, especially considering the personalized, flexible nature of the tour. You’re not just paying for the boat — you’re paying for an experience that you control, with the comfort of a licensed captain and all the essentials provided.
While it’s not included, bringing your own drinks keeps costs down, making it more affordable than fancy land-based bars or larger boat tours. Plus, with the capacity to accommodate up to one group per booking, you get the whole vessel to yourselves — a real plus for privacy and customization.
Final Thoughts

The St. Petersburg 3-hour private tiki cruise is a straightforward, enjoyable way to see the city’s waterfront from a different angle. Its relaxed vibe, combined with the opportunity to bring your own drinks and enjoy the views at your own pace, makes it a great pick for friends, couples, or even small groups celebrating something special.
While it’s not a party boat with entertainment included, it’s perfect for those who want a peaceful, scenic cruise with the freedom to set their soundtrack and relax in a private setting. Expect some stunning vistas, a calm atmosphere, and the chance to spot marine life along the way — all in just a few hours.
If you’re after a chilled, customizable water experience in St. Pete, this cruise offers a no-fuss, enjoyable escape with plenty of chances to unwind and enjoy the Florida scenery.
St. Petersburg, FL: 3 Hour Private Tiki Cruise
FAQs

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, you can bring your own drinks, but alcohol isn’t included. Just remember to bring enough for your group to enjoy during the cruise.
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately three hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, chat, and take in the sights.
Where do I meet the boat?
The meeting point is at the very back left of Demens Landing Park, near the St. Pete Municipal Marina Office & Store.
Is this a private experience?
Yes, it’s a private group tour, so you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers unless you choose to.
What’s included in the price?
Your booking covers the boat, a cooler with ice, a Bluetooth speaker, and the licensed captain. You provide the drinks.
Is there a particular time of day that’s best?
Availability generally includes morning, afternoon, and evening options. Sunset cruises tend to be especially stunning.
Is it suitable for families or children?
The tour is more geared toward adults who want to relax and enjoy drinks, but children can join if accompanying adults prefer. Just keep in mind this is primarily a social, beverage-focused outing.
If you value scenic water views, a private, laid-back vibe, and the chance to bring your own drinks, then this tiki cruise could be your next favorite St. Pete experience. Just remember to plan ahead with your beverages, and you’re set for a memorable few hours on Tampa Bay.
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