Panama City Beach: Tiki Cruise, Sandbar Swim & Snorkel

Summary

Float, laugh & snorkel on a handcrafted tiki boat in Grand Lagoon

You’ll float along Grand Lagoon on a handcrafted tiki boat with a local captain at the helm, spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Swim or drift at Sandy Point’s sandbar, try snorkeling or paddleboarding (or just relax). Bring your own drinks—cooler and ice are ready—and soak up those easygoing Panama City Beach vibes with friends old or new.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start my day floating past St. Andrews State Park on a tiki boat — but there we were, music playing low and the smell of sunscreen already in the air. Our captain (his name was Mike, super chill guy) pointed out a pod of dolphins that just sort of appeared off the bow. Everyone scrambled for their phones but honestly, I just watched them for a minute. There’s something about seeing dolphins up close that makes you forget to try and capture it.

The Grand Lagoon water was this weird mix of blue and green — not crystal clear but you could still see your toes when you jumped in near Sandy Point. We anchored by this white sand bar where the water barely reached my waist. Someone handed me a YOLO float (I’d never even heard of those before), and I spent way too long drifting around while my friends tried the snorkels. The sun felt heavy on my shoulders but in that good way, like you’re supposed to be lazy here. Mike kept the cooler stocked with ice so our drinks stayed cold — BYOB is honestly genius for a day trip like this.

I tried stand-up paddling for about five seconds before falling off — got one good laugh from everyone onboard (even Mike). At some point someone started passing around shot glasses and we did a toast right there on the floating deck. The whole thing felt kind of silly but also perfect? No crowds, no rush. Just us, salty hair and all. I still think about that view back toward Panama City Beach as we headed home — sunburnt and happy, music fading out behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise and relax near Sandy Point

• Board the handcrafted Cruisin Tiki
• Cruise Lower Grand Lagoon with captain
• Enjoy drinks and music onboard
• Anchor near white sand beach
• Swim, float, or paddle on water
• Use provided cooler and accessories
• Take photos with captain's help

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the tiki cruise?

Yes, snorkels are available for guests to use during the swim stop near Sandy Point.

Can we bring our own drinks on board?

Yes, it’s BYOB—bring your favorite beverages; coolers, ice, cups, and bottle openers are provided.

How many people fit on each Cruisin Tiki boat?

Each tiki boat carries up to 6 passengers; two boats can be chartered together for groups up to 12.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the departure point in Panama City Beach.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Infants are allowed if they sit on an adult’s lap; all ages welcome but must be 21+ to drink alcohol.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No lunch is provided; you can bring your own snacks along with your drinks.

What happens if there are strong rip tides at the beach?

The cruise is a safe alternative when beach rip tides are strong since you’ll be anchored in calm lagoon waters.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes three hours cruising Grand Lagoon aboard a handcrafted tiki boat with a licensed local captain at the wheel. You’ll have access to bottled water, ice-filled coolers for your BYOB drinks, cups and shot glasses for toasts onboard, plus floats and snorkel gear for swimming at Sandy Point’s sandbar—all set to your favorite tunes via Bluetooth stereo before heading back sun-kissed and relaxed.