Is the Holiday Lights & Caroling Cruise suitable for children?

Yes, the cruise is designed for all ages, including children under two who ride free.

What beverages are provided on the cruise?

Guests can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and eggnog during the ride.

Are reservations required?

Yes. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the busy holiday season.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the cruise?

The captain may delay the cruise for up to 30 minutes or cancel if conditions don’t improve. Refunds or rescheduling options are available.

Where do I check in for the cruise?

Check-in is at 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL, at the Salty Sam’s Cruises departure point.

Can I bring my own refreshments onboard?

Outside food and drinks are generally discouraged as complimentary beverages are provided.

Holiday Lights Cruise with Salty Sam’s Cruises | Events

Fort Myers Beach, Florida, transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season, and Salty Sam’s Cruises offers a unique way to experience this seasonal magic. Their Holiday Lights & Caroling Cruise invites travelers to glide through the calm back bay waters on a 90-minute journey showcasing some of the area’s most beautifully illuminated homes. This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a seasonal celebration with hot cocoa, eggnog, and spirited caroling that brings family and friends together in a joyful atmosphere.

The cruise navigates through the tranquil back bays typical of Fort Myers Beach, an environment defined by flat coastal waters and mangrove-lined shorelines. This setting offers a peaceful contrast to the holiday lights that adorn waterfront properties, creating a vivid reflection on the water that doubles the visual impact. The mix of twinkling multicolor bulbs, wreaths, and inventive nautical-themed decorations unique to coastal communities turns each home into a seasonal spectacle.

Salty Sam’s Cruises, operating from 2500 Main Street, has earned its place as a favorite local outfitter by blending authentic local flavor with family-friendly excursions. Their holiday cruise extends beyond mere sightseeing—it’s rooted in community spirit and tradition, making it a standout destination among Florida’s many water tours. The festive caroling invites participation, encouraging a communal experience that enriches the usual cruise format.

Beyond the bright lights and holiday cheer, Fort Myers Beach itself is a gateway to southwest Florida's outdoor adventure, with access to estuarine ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The cruise offers a seasonal perspective on this environment, where you might glimpse local birdlife or spot nocturnal creatures in the mangroves.

For those seeking a warm-weather holiday outing with a twist, Salty Sam’s Holiday Lights & Caroling Cruise presents an accessible, joyous option that casts familiar festivities in an unforgettable waterside frame. It's a holiday tradition reimagined—one that delivers both relaxation and connection beneath Florida’s winter skies.

About Salty Sam’s Cruises

Salty Sam’s Cruises operates out of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, offering themed pirate cruises, wildlife eco tours, shelling excursions, and seasonal holiday sails. The company runs a fleet that includes the Pieces of Eight pirate ship and the Sight Sea-R catamaran, presenting experiences for all ages as well as adults-only departures.

Guests can choose from family-friendly pirate adventures with interactive comedy and treasure hunts, dolphin and wildlife cruises through Matanzas Pass, longer shelling and eco trips to Sanibel and Lover’s Key, and special-event sails for holidays and New Year’s Eve. Experienced local captains and naturalist guides lead the cruises, navigating Gulf waters and back bays to maximize wildlife viewing and beach access.

On pirate-themed trips, performers provide audience participation, music, and shipboard theatrics while a full-service bar is available on select vessels. The dolphin and wildlife tours focus on observing animals in their natural habitat, with routes across Matanzas Pass to the Gulf and through estuaries favored by dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds. Salty Sam’s emphasizes safety and guest experience, maintaining vessels for public cruises and following local regulations for wildlife watching and protected areas.

The company operates timed departures that range from 90 minutes to three hours, accommodating families, couples, and groups. With a variety of ticketed experiences, Salty Sam’s Cruises provides accessible ways to explore Fort Myers Beach’s coastal ecosystems and enjoy themed entertainment on the water.

Advance bookings are recommended for peak seasons and special-event cruises to secure preferred departure times and available seating and plan group needs.