Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure

Discover the Unique Tiki Bar-Themed Vessel for Crab Island Adventures

The Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure offers a lively and distinctive way to explore Destin’s famous Crab Island. Priced at $95 per person, this half-day tour departs from 288 Harbor Blvd and lasts approximately 3 hours. The tour is highly recommended, with 96% of reviews suggesting it is worth booking, and a perfect 5.0-star rating based on over 900 reviews.

This experience is ideal for families, groups, or anyone seeking a fun, relaxed way to enjoy Crab Island. The vessel’s standout feature is its tiki bar design—a circular boat that creates a festive, tropical vibe. The tour includes coolers with ice and bottled water, but guests are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic beverages, making it a flexible party on the water.

While the adventure is shorter in duration, it packs in plenty of activities like swimming, snorkeling, and visiting floating restaurants. The small group size of a maximum of six guests per boat ensures a personal experience, though larger groups can coordinate with multiple Tikis. The tour’s lively atmosphere and knowledgeable captains make it a popular choice for those wanting a laid-back, social outing.

How to Meet and What to Expect at the Departure Point

The tour begins at the departure point at 288 Harbor Blvd, located conveniently in Destin. The meeting point is near public transportation options, though parking can be challenging, so arriving early or opting for rideshare services is recommended. The mobile ticket system simplifies check-in, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Once onboard, guests will find coolers filled with ice and bottled water ready for use. The vessel’s colorful tiki design immediately sets a festive tone. The max group size of six ensures an intimate experience, but for larger groups, multiple Tikis can be booked, which will anchor side-by-side once at Crab Island.

The Tiki Boat: A Colorful and Recognizable Vessel

The tiki bar-themed boat is one of the most distinctive aspects of this tour. Its circular shape sets it apart from traditional boats, making it easily recognizable and photo-worthy. The design contributes to the celebratory atmosphere, perfect for relaxing, socializing, and soaking in the sun.

Captains are praised for their kindness, expertise, and ability to share local knowledge. Multiple reviews highlight captains like Josh, Easton, Kirk, and Mike for enhancing the experience with their friendliness and storytelling. The vessel’s design and the crew’s personality combine to create a fun, welcoming environment.

Activities at Crab Island and Floating Restaurant Options

The main highlight is reaching Crab Island, a submerged sandbar famous for its vibrant water scene. Guests can swim or snorkel in the clear waters or visit floating restaurants that dot the area. These floating eateries serve food and drinks, allowing guests to enjoy a casual, beachy vibe while relaxing on the water.

The floaties provided for guests, along with the pump on board to inflate additional floaties, enhance the fun. The celebratory atmosphere is perfect for lounging, playing water games like pong, or simply soaking up the sun. The water temp may be cold depending on the season, but the lively environment helps everyone stay comfortable.

The Experience Led by Friendly, Knowledgeable Captains

Captains are noted for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge. Several reviews mention how they share insights about Crab Island, Destin’s history, and even point out dolphins or famous houses and boats during the tour. The crew’s attentiveness ensures guests have everything they need, from inflated rafts to extra ice.

Each captain maintains safe boat operation and boater rules, which guests should respect. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, and the captains’ friendly, informative style is a big part of what makes this tour enjoyable.

Practical Tips: What to Bring and Wear

Guests should wear bathing suits under their clothes, as swimming and snorkeling are key parts of the tour. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended for sun protection. Bringing cash or cards is useful if planning to buy food or drinks from floating restaurants.

Floaties and snorkel gear are not provided but can be brought along. The pump on board makes inflating floaties easy, and guests can inflate their own floaties once anchored. While smoking is not permitted on the boat, it is allowed while in the water at Crab Island.

Alcohol and Food Policies

BYOB is encouraged, as alcoholic beverages such as liquor, beer, and wine are permitted. The cooler with ice provided makes it easy to keep drinks cold. The tour does not include food, so guests should bring snacks or plan to purchase from floating restaurants.

Timing, Pacing, and Group Size Considerations

The 3-hour duration is ideal for a relaxed experience without feeling rushed. Guests should be aware that the tour is limited to six people per boat, adhering to Coast Guard regulations. Larger groups can coordinate with multiple Tikis, which will anchor side-by-side to stay close at Crab Island.

Timing is flexible, but most reservations are booked about 13 days in advance, indicating high demand. The quick check-in process and small group size help keep the experience intimate and avoid crowds.

Weather Policy and Cancellations

This tour requires good weather; in case of poor weather, the full refund or rebooking option is available. The tour is non-refundable if canceled by the guest, so checking the weather forecast is wise before booking. The Captain may cancel due to safety concerns, ensuring guests’ safety is a priority.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is perfect for families, friends, or couples who want a fun, casual day on the water. The small group size and lively atmosphere make it especially suitable for those looking for a social experience. Children are welcome, and the family-friendly environment is highlighted in reviews.

While the tour may not be suitable for travelers with limited mobility, the active swimming, snorkeling, and floating activities appeal most to those comfortable in the water and able to move around freely.

The Cost-Effective, Fun-Filled Trip to Crab Island

At $95 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to enjoy Crab Island aboard a colorful tiki vessel. The included coolers with ice and bottled water are a nice touch, and guests can bring their own drinks to customize the experience.

The 3-hour schedule balances enough time to relax and explore, without feeling overly long or rushed. The friendly captains and the festive boat design elevate this tour from standard boat trips to a memorable, social event.

Final Thoughts on the Crab Island Tiki Adventure

The Original Cruisin’ Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure provides a fun, laid-back experience that emphasizes socializing, swimming, and enjoying the scenery of Crab Island. Its unique tiki boat design and friendly crew make it stand out among water tours in Destin.

While the shorter duration means less time on the sandbar compared to longer excursions, the small group size and personalized service create an enjoyable, intimate outing. This tour suits those seeking a relaxed, party-like atmosphere with plenty of water activities and good company.

The flexibility to bring your own drinks and the availability of floaties add to the fun, while the knowledgeable captains ensure everyone stays safe and informed. For a lighthearted, tropical cruise to Crab Island, this tour hits the right notes for a memorable day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour depart from? The tour departs from 302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, directly in front of The Harbor Tavern.

Is parking available near the departure point? Parking in Destin can be challenging; arriving early or using rideshare services is recommended.

How many people are on each boat? Each boat accommodates up to six guests, as per Coast Guard regulations.

Can I bring larger groups? Yes, larger groups can book multiple Tikis, which will anchor side-by-side at Crab Island.

What activities are included? Guests can swim, snorkel, and visit floating restaurants, with plenty of floaties and water-based fun.

What should I wear? Bathing suits, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are advised.

What should I bring? Bring snacks, cash/cards for purchases, floaties, and snorkel gear if desired.

Are alcohols allowed? Yes, liquor, beer, and wine are permitted; glass bottles are okay to bring.

Is food provided? No, guests should bring their own snacks or buy from floating vendors.

What if the weather turns bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a full refund or rebooking is offered.