Panama City Beach: Tiki Sunset Cruise & BYOB Floating Bar

Summary

Sunset tiki cruise drifting past boats and waterfront homes

You’ll float through Panama City Beach’s Lower Grand Lagoon on a tiki bar boat at sunset—BYOB style—with your own music playing, dolphins sometimes popping up nearby, and plenty of laughs with fellow travelers or friends. The cruise includes bottled water, ice for your drinks, cups, and a local captain who knows every story along these docks.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked the Cruisin’ Tikis sunset cruise in Panama City Beach mostly out of curiosity (and maybe to see if those floating bars looked as fun as they do from shore). Turns out, it’s exactly as laid-back as you hope. We climbed onto this round little tiki boat — thatched roof, bar stools, the works — and our captain, Mike, just grinned and said “Alright y’all, drinks in the cooler?” It was that kind of vibe right from the start. I brought some cheap rosé and a bag of chips, nothing fancy. The air smelled salty but not sharp, more like sunscreen and someone’s fruity seltzer. You could hear music from other boats mixing with ours while we pulled away from the dock.

The Lower Grand Lagoon is busier than I expected at sunset — boats zipping by, locals waving (one lady actually took a photo of us; I’m probably blurry in someone’s vacation album now). Mike pointed out which houses belonged to old fishing families and which were new money; he had stories for every dock we passed. At one point he cut the engine so we could just float for a bit — you could hear gulls and this weird quiet hum from all the water around us. Someone spotted dolphins off to our left and everyone scrambled for their phones but honestly I just watched them go by without bothering. The light got all golden and soft on the water. My friend tried to pick a song but Bluetooth wars are real — we settled on Fleetwood Mac because it felt right.

It’s only an hour and a half but time goes funny when you’re out there. I didn’t expect to feel so chill about waving at strangers on shore or sharing snacks with people I’d just met. There’s bottled water if you need it (I did), ice for whatever you bring, cups too — so you really don’t have to plan much. When we finally headed back in, the sun was almost gone and my hair smelled like sea air mixed with lime from someone’s drink. Still thinking about that soft light on the lagoon — it sticks with you longer than you’d guess.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise on Lower Grand Lagoon

• Board the floating tiki bar
• Enjoy tour of waterfront homes and restaurants
• Watch boats and wave to shore guests
• Look out for dolphins
• Relax with your drink and snacks
• Experience the sunset and twilight breeze
• Use provided cooler, ice, and cups
• End cruise and disembark

Top questions

Is this Cruisin Tikis sunset cruise BYOB?

Yes, you bring your own beverages and snacks; ice and cups are provided onboard.

How long does the Panama City Beach tiki cruise last?

The cruise lasts 1.5 hours on the Lower Grand Lagoon waterways.

Are dolphins often seen during the sunset cruise?

Dolphin sightings are possible but not guaranteed during the cruise.

Can I play my own music on board?

Yes, there is a Bluetooth stereo system so you can link your own playlist.

Is pickup included for this sunset tiki cruise?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet directly at the dock area.

Are children allowed on the tiki bar cruise?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap; alcohol only for guests 21+.

Is food provided during the tour?

No food is provided; you're welcome to bring your own snacks.

Are pets allowed on board?

Service animals are allowed during the cruise.

What’s included

Your evening includes bottled water for everyone onboard, a large cooler packed with ice for mixing or chilling any drinks you bring along yourself, plus cups and bottle openers ready to go—and full access to a Bluetooth stereo so your group can set the soundtrack while drifting through Panama City Beach at sunset.