Tampa Riverwalk: Tiki Boat Cruise & BYO Drinks Downtown

Summary

Float past Tampa’s city lights with your own music drinks and friends

You’ll float through downtown Tampa on a real tiki boat with your own drinks and music—watching city lights flicker along the Riverwalk while your local captain steers past Amalie Arena and Straz Center. It’s relaxed, fun, and full of small surprises you’ll remember long after you step back onto land.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked the Tampa tiki boat cruise mostly because it sounded ridiculous in the best way. Floating down the Hillsborough River on a thatched-roof bar? Why not. We met at Waterworks Park, just south of Armature Works—easy enough to find even after circling for parking (Tampa weekends, you know). The air had that warm Florida heaviness and you could smell river water mixed with sunscreen from someone’s bag. Our captain—Mike, I think—gave us a quick rundown and grinned when he saw our cooler. “You brought enough for everyone?” he joked. I liked him right away.

Once we pushed off, the city felt different from the water. Skyscrapers looked softer somehow, and people waved from the Riverwalk as we drifted by. Someone put on old-school funk over Bluetooth—our playlist, our rules—and suddenly it was like our own private floating party. I tried to pronounce “Hillsborough” correctly (Li laughed at my attempt), but honestly, nobody cared about anything except passing snacks around and watching the sun catch on glass buildings. We cruised by Amalie Arena and Straz Center; Mike pointed out a few places locals hit before games or shows. The river had this low hum under everything—boats passing, distant cheers somewhere upriver.

There was this moment where we just sat quietly for a minute—no one talking, just music and water lapping against the side of the tiki boat. Not what I expected from a party cruise but maybe my favorite part. If you’re thinking about a day trip in Tampa or want something different before an event downtown, this floating tiki bar is weirdly perfect for it. Still think about that view sometimes when I hear certain songs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tiki boat cruise in downtown Tampa

• Meet at Waterworks Park Boat Dock
• Bring your own drinks aboard
• Cruise Tampa's Downtown Riverwalk and skyline
• Cruise by the Straz Center
• Cruise by Amalie Arena

Top questions

Where does the Tampa tiki boat cruise start?

The cruise meets at Waterworks Park Boat Dock, just south of Armature Works in downtown Tampa.

Can I bring my own drinks on the tiki boat?

Yes, you can bring your own alcoholic beverages and snacks aboard.

Is there music on board?

Yes, there’s a Bluetooth radio so you can play your own music during the cruise.

Who drives the tiki boat?

A USCG certified captain steers the boat throughout your cruise.

What will we see during the cruise?

You’ll pass by Tampa’s Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, Straz Center, and downtown skyline views.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Waterworks Park Boat Dock.

Do I need to be physically fit to join?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Waterworks Park Boat Dock in downtown Tampa with a USCG certified captain guiding your group along the river. There’s a large cooler with ice ready for your drinks and snacks plus Bluetooth radio for your favorite tunes—all you need to bring is what you want to eat or drink before heading back ashore.