Key West sandbar boat tour: private tiki bar cruise

Sandbar tour with changing turquoise water and wildlife every trip

A private boat tour from Key West for up to 6 passengers that takes you to a backcountry sandbar chosen by your USCG-certified captain based on conditions that day. The boat includes ice, cups, a blender and a Bluetooth soundbar; you bring your own drinks and snacks. The 4-hour cruise runs daily from noon to 4 pm and passes through the Great Heron National Wildlife Refuge, where you might see dolphins, turtles, rays, egrets and herons before anchoring at the sandbar to swim and snorkel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tiki Bar Boat Sandbar Excursion

• Board custom Tiki Bar Boat
• Cruise past Navy facilities
• Spot wildlife in backcountry
• Swim and relax on sandbar
• Cruise through Great Heron Refuge
• Return via Key West Harbor

The Experience

The boat itself is the first thing—a custom tiki bar setup where the party begins the moment you cast off. You bring whatever drinks and snacks you want; the boat provides ice, cups, a blender and a Bluetooth soundbar so the music and the breeze do the rest. Your USCG-certified captain narrates the route as you cruise past Sigsbee Key, Trumbo Point and Fleming Key, pointing out the landmarks and wildlife along the way.

The destination changes based on weather and tides—your captain chooses which sandbar gives you the best conditions that day. On the way there, you'll cruise through the Great Heron National Wildlife Refuge, where egrets, pelicans, herons, turtles, rays and dolphins are common sights. The boat carries bottled water and has a restroom on board.

Once anchored at the sandbar, the time is yours. Swim in the turquoise water, snorkel, hunt for shells or simply sit in the sun. The whole trip runs 4 hours, and you're back at the dock by 4 pm. A signed waiver is required before departure.

What’s included

• Boat and USCG-certified captain.
• ice, cups, blender and Bluetooth soundbar.
• bottled water and on-board restroom.
• 4-hour cruise with sandbar time for swimming and snorkeling.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Tiki Boat Adventures

Is this one for you?Your captain picks the sandbar based on weather and tides, so you're never stuck in one spot—and you control the music, drinks, and pace with your group.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I see on the cruise through the backcountry?

The Great Heron National Wildlife Refuge is home to egrets, pelicans, herons, turtles, rays, dolphins and occasionally manatees. Your captain will point them out as you cruise through, though sightings depend on the day and conditions.

Can I bring my own alcohol and food on the boat?

Yes—you're welcome to bring any drinks, including alcohol, and snacks you'd like. The boat provides ice, cups and a blender to mix drinks, plus bottled water and a restroom on board.

How does the captain choose which sandbar to visit?

Your USCG-certified captain picks the sandbar based on that day's weather and tides, so the location changes depending on conditions. This means you get the best water and conditions available when you go.

What's included in the 4-hour tour?

The boat, captain, ice, cups, blender, Bluetooth soundbar, bottled water and restroom access are all included. You provide your own drinks and snacks, and bring a swimsuit, towel and sunsuit for the sandbar.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and can accommodate up to 6 passengers total, so families are welcome. A signed waiver is required for all participants before departure.