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In one word: happiness. With over 40 years in the boat and yacht industry, the owners of Destin Private Tiki have seen it all. And there’s one thing guests, crews, and owners all agree on—nothing spreads joy quite like cruising on a tiki boat. The music, the water, the laughter… it’s impossible not to smile. Tiki boats don’t just take you on the water—they turn every trip into a celebration. We love love love what we do!
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Our upscale tiki boats deliver the perfect blend of style, comfort, and peace of mind. Beyond their fun, one-of-a-kind vibe, our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard Certified—a distinction earned by less than 1% of all boats for superior safety and stability. This elite certification allows us to legally and safely carry up to 18 guests, so your entire group can celebrate together.
Even better, every trip is led by a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Master Captain, the highest level of maritime certification. That means you can relax, sip, and enjoy the moment—knowing you’re in expert hands.
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Yes. All trips are subject to applicable taxes and a 3% Crab Island fee (10% total).
- Private Trips: Crew fees are additional, and gratuity is optional but always appreciated.
- Crab Island Express (Non-Private) Trips: The crew fee is already included in the base price. A 20% gratuity is automatically added.
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We take great care of our crews—and the best crews love working with Destin Private Tiki because they’re paid each day directly by our guests. To keep things transparent and fair, it is our standard practice to always separate the crew fee from the boat rental. 100% of the crew fee you pay goes straight to your crew. Payment is easy and flexible at the end of the trip: cash or most popular electronic payment apps are welcome.
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We provide everything you need to relax and enjoy your day on the water, including:
- Water
- Ice
- Ice Chest
- Fuel
- Floats
- Stand-Up Paddleboard
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We are proudly B.Y.O.B. We do not provide food or alcoholic beverages. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks, lunch, and drinks to enjoy onboard.
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We recommend packing:
- Boating/swimming/weather-appropriate clothing
- Food & drinks (BYOB)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
- Swimsuit
- Towels
- Hat or sun protection
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Absolutely — we love having kids onboard!
Please note: Infants ages 3 and under must come aboard wearing their own flotation device. We do not provide infant life jackets.
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We provide ice-filled coolers, sodas, and bottled water.
For food and alcohol, you are welcome to bring your own — it’s your cruise, your way.
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Our captains work for tips, so gratuity is sincerely appreciated. We recommend 15–20% based on the service you receive. Our captains are experienced, safety-focused, and hand-selected for their professionalism and personality.
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Your safety is our top priority.
- If the weather is actively inclement, the captain will attempt to reschedule or cancel.
- If the captain cancels, you will receive a full refund.
We do not cancel based on forecasts.
Destin’s ecosystem is unique, and forecasts are often unreliable. A go/no-go decision is made 1 hour prior to departure based on real-time weather.Important:
If you cancel due to forecasted conditions, the payment is not refunded. -
- More than 14 days in advance: Fully refundable
- Within 14 days: Non-refundable unless you purchased trip protection
Trip protection is highly recommended during busy seasons or for guests traveling from out of town.
- More than 14 days in advance: Fully refundable
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Yes! All of our tiki boats have Bluetooth-compatible sound systems. Your playlist, your vibe.
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Yes — the charter is BYOB.
We only ask that glass containers be handled with care and kept secure.
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Most cruises include:
- A scenic ride through Destin Harbor
- Time around Crab Island
- Exploring beautiful emerald-green waters
- Opportunities for photos, wildlife spotting, and relaxing on floats
Exact routes may vary depending on weather, tides, or captain recommendation.
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Absolutely! Swimming, floating, and wading are guest favorites.
Your captain will guide you to the safest and most enjoyable areas.
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Yes — all of our tiki boats have marine restrooms.
However, we highly recommend using the facilities at the harbor before boarding for optimal comfort during your trip.
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For the safety and comfort of all guests, pets are typically not allowed. Service animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines.
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We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, loading coolers, and getting settled.
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You’re welcome to bring small items, but keep in mind that we already provide floats and a paddleboard. Space may be limited depending on the vessel.
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Yes — Destin Private Tiki operates U.S. Coast Guard–inspected vessels with certified captains. Safety is the foundation of everything we do.
