Tampa Tiki Cruises with Cruisin' Tikis Tampa - St. Petersburg

Tampa Tiki Cruises with Cruisin' Tikis Tampa

St. Petersburgeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities as you’ll be seated most of the time

Overview

Cruisin' Tikis Tampa transforms downtown Tampa’s waterways into a floating bar hop adventure. Discover how these private tiki cruises offer a unique blend of city sights and social vibes on the water.

Details

Tampa Bay is a lively waterfront city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its vibrant skyline, bustling port, and picturesque waterways. Cruisin' Tikis Tampa puts a unique twist on experiencing this urban waterfront by offering private, three-hour tiki bar hop cruises through downtown Tampa’s waterways. This isn’t your typical boat ride — with tiki-themed pontoons designed for socializing, sipping, and taking in the Florida sunshine, these cruises provide a laid-back yet lively way to see the city from the water.

The route winds along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay, passing under bridges, past downtown skyscrapers, and alongside the historic Tampa Riverwalk. You get a front-row view of the area's industrial charm mixing with modern development, including glimpses of cargo ships and waterfront bars. The water scene offers a refreshing perspective on Tampa’s outdoor culture, where the bay’s sea breezes cool the air and the sun sets in vivid hues over the cityscape.

What makes Cruisin' Tikis Tampa stand out is the combination of private charters and a self-guided bar hopping experience right on the water. Guests can bring their own drinks or enjoy onboard coolers, making it a great moveable party for groups, special events, or a memorable day out with friends. Beyond the fun, it’s a chance to connect with Tampa’s thriving outdoor and recreational lifestyle in a way that’s easygoing but distinctly local.

Whether you’re a visitor looking to mix sightseeing with social time or a local wanting a fresh way to celebrate, these tiki cruises add a splash of tropical flair to the city’s vibrant outdoor scene. It’s a hands-on way to experience Tampa Bay’s waterways – social, scenic, and undeniably sunny.

Adventure Tips

Bring your own refreshments

Most cruises allow you to bring your own drinks, so pack your favorites and keep cool.

Use sunscreen generously

Even on the water, Florida sun is strong—apply sunscreen to avoid burns during the trip.

Wear non-slip footwear

Boat decks can be slick, so comfortable shoes with good traction help maintain balance.

Plan your pickup location ahead

Confirm your boarding point in downtown Tampa beforehand to avoid delays or confusion.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Marina Jack’s dock for waterfront dining just a short ride away
  • Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, a green space visible along the cruise route

Wildlife

  • Ospreys nesting on light poles near the water
  • Occasional dolphin sightings in Tampa Bay

History

The Hillsborough River was a key waterway for Tampa's development and historic shipping routes.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to keep Tampa Bay’s waters clean to protect marine life and recreational water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour before sunset
Late morning with clear skies
Twilight for city lights

Best Viewpoints

  • Under the Platt Street Bridge for framing city skyline shots
  • Along the Tampa Riverwalk looking back at the docks
  • Mid-bay for wide water and distant downtown views

What to Photograph

Urban skyline
Reflections on water
Tiki boats and social groups

Recommended Gear

Sunglasses

Essential

Protect your eyes from bright sun reflected off the water.

summer specific

Light jacket or windbreaker

Keeps you comfortable during cooler evening cruises.

winter specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated while enjoying your time on the water.

Non-slip boat shoes

Essential

Provide stable footing on potentially wet deck surfaces.