You’ll float through Key Largo on a tiki bar boat with music playing and drinks in hand. Swim in warm water, spot wildlife like manatees or herons, and share laughs with your group and local captain. Expect simple pleasures — sun on your skin, friendly faces, and maybe a story or two that sticks with you long after you’re back on land.
I’ll just say it: I spilled half my Solo cup before we even left the dock. The boat rocked a little when I tried to sit down (should’ve known better than to balance on the edge). Our captain, Mike, grinned and handed me another cup — “It happens,” he said. There was this salty breeze coming off the water that made everything feel lighter right away. I could hear some pelicans arguing nearby, and someone picked Jimmy Buffett on the iPad. Not what I’d have chosen but honestly, it fit.
We started drifting out into those blue-green Key Largo waters. It’s funny how quickly you forget about your phone when you’re sitting at a floating tiki bar with strangers who start feeling like friends after about ten minutes. Mike pointed out a manatee just under the surface — I nearly missed it because I was too busy laughing at my friend trying to pronounce “conch” (he still says it wrong). We anchored for swimming and the water was that perfect not-too-cold temperature. Floating on the raft with my feet dangling off, I could smell sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s drink — maybe coconut? Time got weirdly slow in a good way.
I didn’t expect to care about the wildlife so much but there were these little fish darting around my toes and some kind of heron watching us from a mangrove. Mike told us stories about growing up here — apparently he once rescued an iguana from a kayak (I’m still not sure if that was true or just for laughs). Everyone relaxed more after that first dip; even the quiet couple next to us loosened up and started singing along to “Margaritaville.” So yeah, not fancy, but real — you know?
The cruise lasts 90 minutes from start to finish.
Yes, there’s time to stop for swimming during the cruise.
A YETI cooler with ice and bottled water is included; bring your own alcoholic beverages if you want.
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller and life jackets are provided for all ages.
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible for guests who need it.
You can stream your choice of music using an iPad provided onboard.
Each floating tiki bar holds up to 6 guests per cruise.
You can book as a private group or join other guests depending on availability.
Your trip includes use of an iPad for streaming your favorite music, Solo cups for drinks (and plenty of refills), a flip-and-float raft for swimming stops, life jackets for everyone including kids and infants, plus a YETI cooler stocked with ice and bottled waters. There are bottle openers onboard too — even a ShotSKI board if you’re feeling bold.
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