Snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park: Handcrafted Tiki Cruise

Drift into clear water and snorkel at your own pace while dolphins cruise past

Snorkeling at St. Andrews State Park is a 3-hour cruise on a handcrafted tiki vessel carrying up to six passengers, with a licensed USCG captain steering through the Grand Lagoon to a white sand beach. You swim, snorkel and float in shallow water at your leisure while the captain keeps the music playing. The tiki includes ice, cooler, cups, shot glasses, bottled water and floating equipment; you bring your own drinks and snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise, swim, snorkel, and float

• Board the handcrafted Cruisin Tiki
• Cruise Lower Grand Lagoon with captain
• Enjoy drinks and music onboard
• Anchor near white sand beach
• Swim, float, or snorkel at leisure
• Try stand up paddling on YOLO float
• Take photos with captain

The Experience

What makes this different from a crowded beach day is the boat itself—a handcrafted tiki that holds only six passengers, so there's room to move and no shoulder-to-shoulder feeling. The captain navigates the shallow waters of the Grand Lagoon, and dolphins often swim up alongside. Once anchored near the white sand beach at Sandy Point, you're in water so clear and shallow that standing, floating and snorkeling all happen in the same spot without a current or a crowd.

The three hours break down simply: cruise down the lagoon with your own playlist on the sound system, then anchor and stay put. Snorkel if you want to look around underwater, or just float on a YOLO board the captain provides. The cooler, ice and cups are ready; you bring whatever you'd like to drink and eat. If the beach has strong rip tides that day, this lagoon option keeps everyone safe and comfortable in the shallows.

A licensed USCG captain runs the boat, so navigation and safety are handled. The tiki can be booked as a private charter for your group of up to six, or you can join a tandem charter where two tikis operate together and accommodate up to twelve. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Pets and service animals can join if you book the private charter and keep them under control the whole time.

What’s included

• Handcrafted tiki vessel with licensed USCG captain.
• ice, cooler, cups, shot glasses and bottled water.
• floating deck and pump for stand-up paddling.
• Bluetooth stereo system.
• snorkel time in shallow clear water at Sandy Point.
• three hours cruising the Grand Lagoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cruisin' Tikis Panama City Beach

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is six or fewer and you want to snorkel without fighting a crowd—the small tiki and shallow lagoon mean you're never packed in, and the captain keeps the music going while you float and look around at your own pace.

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Top questions

What's the water like where we snorkel at St. Andrews State Park?

The water near Sandy Point is shallow and clear, so you can see the bottom while standing or floating. Dolphins often swim through the Grand Lagoon during the cruise, and the depth means snorkeling and floating happen in the same calm spot without a strong current.

Can we bring our own drinks and food on the snorkeling cruise?

Yes, this is a BYOB trip. The captain provides a cooler, ice, cups, shot glasses, bottled water and a corkscrew; you bring whatever drinks and snacks you want for the three hours. Drink responsibly while on the water.

How many people fit on one tiki, and can we book it just for our group?

Each handcrafted tiki holds up to six passengers. You can book a private charter for your party alone, or join a tandem charter where two tikis operate together and can accommodate up to twelve people total.

Is there a guide on the snorkeling cruise, and what does the captain do?

A licensed USCG captain steers the tiki and keeps the music playing throughout the three hours. The captain can also take photos if your group does a shot ski or paddle moment, and will answer questions about the lagoon and what you see.

What floating equipment is included, and can we bring our own?

The captain provides a floating deck and pump for stand-up paddling. You can also bring your own float if you prefer, and snorkel at your leisure in the shallow water while anchored at the beach.

Are there any age or health restrictions for this snorkeling trip?

You must be 21 to drink alcohol. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap. The trip is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or vertigo, but is suitable for all other fitness levels. Service animals are allowed on private charters if kept under control.