West Palm Beach: Sip & Dip Cruise

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to cool off and enjoy a scenic cruise around West Palm Beach, the Sip & Dip Cruise is worth considering. This 3-hour adventure offers a mix of sailing, water activities, and tropical drinks, making it a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of the beachside life without leaving the city.

We like that this cruise combines the fun of being on the water with opportunities to swim, paddleboard, or kayak—activities that allow you to fully embrace the Florida vibe. Plus, cruising past Palm Beach Island and the Port of Palm Beach provides some pretty impressive scenery. On the flip side, a common concern is that some expectations—like visiting Peanut Island or enjoying included kayaks—may not always be met. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re hoping for specific experiences.

This cruise seems best suited for those who want a relaxing day on the water, enjoy light water activities, and appreciate a good mix of socializing and sunbathing. It’s also a great pick if you’re traveling with friends or a couple, but perhaps less ideal if you’re after a more structured tour or family-focused adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic cruising past Palm Beach Island and the Port of Palm Beach offers beautiful views.
• Water activities like swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking are included, adding a fun, active element.
• The tropical cocktails and snacks available for purchase help elevate the relaxing vibe.
• The tour is generally well-reviewed for staff friendliness and the overall experience, with a solid 4.7-star rating.
• Some reviewers mention disappointments regarding activity availability, like the absence of kayaks or the inability to visit Peanut Island as originally expected.
• The price of $81 per person is fair considering the inclusions but does not cover food and drinks.

If you’re picturing a laid-back day out on the water—think gentle breezes, sun on your skin, and a cocktail in hand—this cruise aims to deliver just that. Operating from downtown West Palm Beach, the tour lasts about three hours, making it manageable for most day-trippers or those wanting a quick escape to the water.

The Itinerary: What Happens During the Trip?

The cruise begins with a departure from downtown West Palm Beach, where you’ll step aboard a comfortable catamaran. From there, the boat slowly makes its way along the coast, offering stunning views of Palm Beach Island. As you cruise past the Port of Palm Beach, the scenery becomes increasingly picturesque, giving you a chance to soak in the lavish seaside mansions and busy shipping activity.

Once you arrive at Peanut Island—the designated “play time” spot—things get lively. The boat will drop anchor, and that’s when the fun truly begins. You’ll have options: swimming in the clear waters, trying out paddleboarding or kayaking (if available), or hopping on the Inflate-a-BULL for some bouncing fun. According to reviews, the ability to relax and soak up some sun is a highlight, with plenty of space to lounge on the boat or dip into the water whenever you like.

Water Activities: What’s Included and What’s Not?

One of the main draws of this cruise is the inclusion of water activities. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are advertised as part of the package. However, a review from April 2024 notes that some guests found the kayaks and paddleboards were unavailable at the time they went, which was disappointing. It’s worth keeping in mind that availability may vary, and you might want to confirm in advance if these activities are essential for your enjoyment.

Swimming is always an option, and the shallow, calm waters around Peanut Island are perfect for a quick dip. The Inflatable-a-BULL adds a playful touch for the active or young-at-heart, though it’s not a major focus of the trip.

The Scenery: Why It’s Worth It

Cruising past Palm Beach Island, you’ll see some of the most upscale properties in Florida. The views are quite a treat, especially for those who love coastal scenery. The calm water and the gentle sway of the boat create a peaceful atmosphere. For anyone who enjoys photography, this trip offers plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

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Food and Drinks: What’s Available?

While the cruise doesn’t include food or drinks, there’s a cash/credit bar onboard offering a selection of beers, wines, rum punches, and cocktails like margaritas and mojitos. Sodas, bottled water, chips, and cookies are also available for purchase. The drinks menu, especially the tropical cocktails, helps to set a relaxed, vacation vibe.

One thing to consider is that if you’re someone who prefers an all-inclusive experience, this might not tick all boxes. However, the prices for drinks are reasonable, and having the option to choose your own refreshment adds flexibility.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed day on the water with some light activities thrown in. It’s especially good for those interested in scenic cruising, swimming, and sunbathing. The boat crew tends to get high marks for their friendliness and professionalism, making the trip more enjoyable.

It’s less suited for travelers who want a strictly structured tour with set stops or for those with mobility issues, as the tour isn’t designed for accessible transportation or activities. If you’re traveling with kids, they might enjoy the water play, but keep in mind that some reviews mention the experience might feel short or less activity-rich than expected.

At $81 per person, this cruise is a fairly good deal for a scenic, activity-packed afternoon. It offers a mix of cruising, water fun, and social time, which many travelers seem to appreciate. The inclusion of activities and the opportunity to relax with tropical drinks elevate the experience beyond just a boat ride.

However, the value depends a lot on your expectations. If you’re hoping for a trip to Peanut Island itself, you might find this tour a bit limited, especially if activities like kayaking or snorkeling aren’t available. Some reviews reflect this sentiment, noting that the actual experience fell short of descriptions.

The overall positive reviews—highlighting friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and good value—suggest that most who go in with realistic expectations walk away satisfied. It’s a casual, fun way to enjoy the water without over-committing or breaking the bank.

This cruise is ideal for those who want to unwind on the water, enjoy simple water activities, and sip tropical drinks. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a quick water escape that doesn’t require a full day or complex planning. If you enjoy scenic views, light adventure, and socializing, you’ll find plenty to like here.

It might also appeal to travelers staying in West Palm Beach who want an easy, local experience that captures the essence of coastal Florida. If you’re traveling with family or children, consider their ages and interests, as the tour isn’t specifically designed for kids, but they might enjoy swimming or bouncing on the Inflatable-a-BULL.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
No, the tour isn’t designed for mobility-impaired travelers, so keep that in mind if you or someone in your group has mobility issues.

What’s included in the tour?
The main component is the catamaran cruise along with opportunities for water activities like swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, although availability of some activities isn’t guaranteed.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase on board. The bar offers beers, wines, cocktails, sodas, and snacks.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable outing without needing a full day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it possible to visit Peanut Island?
While the tour description mentions Peanut Island as a stop, some guests have reported that they only viewed it from a distance and couldn’t actually go ashore. Confirm with the operator if visiting the island is a priority for you.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for drinks and snacks, and don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, kids who enjoy water activities may have fun. However, the tour is more suited for adults seeking a relaxing day on the water.

What’s the overall value?
Considering the scenery, water activities, and drinks, many travelers feel it’s a good value for the price, especially if you appreciate a casual, scenic cruise experience.

The West Palm Beach Sip & Dip Cruise offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to spend a few hours on the water, soaking up sunshine and getting a taste of tropical Florida. Its highlight is the balance between scenic cruising and casual water fun, all wrapped in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Though it may not deliver every activity promised—like guaranteed kayaking or a visit to Peanut Island—the majority of reviews point to a pleasant, worth-it experience.

If you’re someone who relishes a laid-back day with friends or a loved one, enjoys scenic boat rides, and appreciates the chance to swim and lounge in the sun, this cruise will likely hit the mark. Just keep your expectations in check regarding specific activities, and you’ll be all set for a fun afternoon in West Palm Beach.

Remember, always check the current availability of activities before booking, and bring cash for on-board purchases. With a solid rating and mostly positive reviews, this tour can be a memorable part of your Florida adventure—just go with an open mind and ready for some relaxing fun on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: