Original Cruisin Tikis Christmas Lights Cruise

An Enjoyable Holiday Water Tour in Destin for $79

The Original Cruisin Tikis Christmas Lights Cruise in Destin, USA offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. Priced at $79 per person, this 1 hour 30 minute cruise takes place on the most photographed vessel in the harbor, providing memorable photo opportunities and festive fun on Destin Harbor. The tour is designed to be intimate, as it’s a private activity with only your group participating, ensuring a personalized experience.

This cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed holiday outing with friends, family, or colleagues. It includes a mobile ticket and departs at 5:30 pm from 288 Harbor Blvd. What makes this experience particularly appealing is its vibrant holiday décor — the tiki bar is decorated with twinkling Christmas lights and garland, creating a tropical yet festive atmosphere. A notable strength is the opportunity to bring your own beverages and snacks, with provisions like a cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, and bottled water provided onboard.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Price: $79 per person
• Departure time: 5:30 pm from 288 Harbor Blvd
• Decor: Festive tiki bar with Christmas lights and tropical holiday décor
• Inclusions: Cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, bottled water, and float options available
• Beverages and snacks: Guests are encouraged to bring their own for a personalized experience
• Booking: Most bookings are made 5 days in advance, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior
• Unique features: Private tour with only your group, lively holiday atmosphere, and friendly guide

Embarking on the Festive Tiki Bar Experience

The tour starts at 288 Harbor Blvd, where the floating tiki bar is decked out with twinkling lights, garland, and tropical holiday cheer. The vessel itself is known as the most photographed in Destin harbor, adding an extra layer of charm for photo enthusiasts. As the boat gently cruises through Destin Harbor, you’ll enjoy views of the sparkling waters illuminated by the vibrant holiday decorations.

This cruise’s length of 1 hour 30 minutes ensures plenty of time to soak in the scenery, enjoy drinks, and take photos without feeling rushed. The private nature of the tour means your group won’t be disturbed by strangers, making it ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a relaxed holiday evening.

The Atmosphere and Decor on Board

The floating tiki bar is transformed into a holiday paradise with twinkling Christmas lights, tropical garland, and festive accents. The cheerful ambiance is complemented by the colorful lighting that dances across the water, creating a lively yet cozy setting. Guests are encouraged to wear Santa hats or holiday-themed attire to embrace the island holiday spirit fully.

The friendly crew provides a relaxed environment, and the guide, notably Captain Bailey, is recognized for her knowledgeable and engaging presence. Her friendly demeanor and local insights contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere of the cruise.

Food, Drinks, and Customization Options

While the tour does not include food or beverages, guests are invited to bring their own drinks and snacks. The vessel provides a cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, and bottled water, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their favorite beverages comfortably. There is an option to call ahead and choose food and beverage add-ons, allowing some level of customization for a more tailored experience.

The availability of float options on board provides fun ways to relax or add activity, though guests are also welcome to bring their own floats with pumps, adding flexibility to the holiday celebration.

Convenient Location and Timing

The meeting point at 288 Harbor Blvd makes it easy to access via public transportation or by car. The departure time of 5:30 pm aligns well with sunset hours, allowing guests to enjoy dusk lighting effects and the transition to night on the harbor.

Since this is a private tour, only your group participates, which enhances the sense of exclusivity and comfort. The activity concludes back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward for participants.

Flexibility and Booking Policies

Booking typically occurs about five days in advance, reflecting good availability for most travelers planning ahead. The tour’s free cancellation policy offers peace of mind, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Any cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable, so timely planning is advisable to secure your preferred date.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Destin

What truly makes the Cruisin Tikis Christmas Lights Cruise special is its combination of tropical charm and holiday festivity. The decorated tiki vessel creates an inviting scene that feels both relaxed and celebratory. The personalized experience—with only your group participating—sets it apart from larger, more generic tours.

The friendly guide, Captain Bailey, receives praise for her local knowledge and personable approach, adding authenticity and warmth to the cruise. The ability to bring your own drinks and snacks means you can tailor your holiday celebration exactly as you like it, whether that’s a toast with champagne or festive cocktails.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is designed to be inclusive and accessible, it does require guests to bring their own beverages and snacks, which might be less convenient for some. The duration of about 90 minutes is suitable for most, but those seeking a longer or more activity-packed tour may find this experience on the shorter side.

Since the lights and décor are a central feature, weather conditions can impact the visibility of decorations, so checking the forecast for clear skies is recommended. Also, most travelers can participate, but guests should be comfortable on a boat for the duration of the cruise.

Who Would Enjoy This Holiday Tiki Cruise?

This tour is perfect for families, friends, or colleagues looking for a festive, relaxed way to celebrate the season in Destin. The private setting makes it ideal for small groups wanting a personalized holiday experience. It is especially suitable for those who enjoy decorative lights, tropical vibes, and casual socializing.

Guests who love photo opportunities will appreciate the beautiful harbor views and the photogenic nature of the decorated vessel. The friendly captain and crew add a warm, welcoming touch that makes the cruise memorable beyond just the scenery.

Final Thoughts on the Destin Christmas Lights Cruise

The Original Cruisin Tikis Christmas Lights Cruise in Destin delivers a charming blend of holiday cheer and coastal relaxation. For $79, guests enjoy a beautifully decorated vessel, private atmosphere, and flexible food and drink options. The friendly service, especially the reputation of Captain Bailey, enhances the overall experience.

While it’s a shorter cruise, its festive décor, personalized nature, and stunning harbor views make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a cozy holiday celebration on the water. This tour is particularly well-suited for small groups seeking a fun, intimate, and memorable holiday activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the relaxed, family-friendly environment makes it appropriate for children, especially with the festive decorations.

Can I bring my own beverages?
Absolutely. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and snacks, and the vessel provides a cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, and bottled water.

What is included in the price?
The $79 per person fee covers the cruise itself, the decorated vessel, and onboard amenities like coolers, ice, cups, shot glasses, and water.

How early should I book the tour?
Most bookings are made about five days in advance, but early reservations are recommended, especially during peak holiday times.

Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but holiday-themed attire or Santa hats are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, providing ample time for enjoying the lights and scenery.

What makes this tour different from other Destin water tours?
Its holiday decorations, private group setting, and flexible beverage options distinguish it from other tours, offering a cozy and personalized festive experience.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but guests should be comfortable on a boat for the duration of the cruise.

Can I choose specific food or drink add-ons?
Yes, you can call ahead to select additional food and beverage options to tailor your experience.