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About this Experience

What you'll do:

You'll board The Big Kahuna, a 36-foot tiki boat launched from Panama City Beach, and cruise the Gulf waters out to Shell Island for a 3-hour trip that mixes sun, swimming, and solid group time.

  • Scenic Gulf cruise: You'll scan the open water for dolphins as the boat makes its way to Shell Island's calm, shallow shoreline.

  • Swimming and snorkeling stop: Once anchored, you can swim, snorkel, or float in clear, protected water that works for every comfort level in the group.

  • Full cooler setup included: The boat comes stocked with ice, bottled water, cups, and shot glasses so you can get right to it without a supply run.

  • BYOB-friendly setup: Bring your own drinks and snacks, or order food from nearby waterfront restaurants before or after the trip.

  • Onboard restroom: A full-size bathroom is built into the boat, which makes a 3-hour outing comfortable for everyone.

Chill on the deck, sit at the center bar, or get in the water. There's no set agenda beyond the island stop, which is exactly the point.

Why you'll love it for your group:

  1. Built for parties: The layout fits birthdays, bachelorettes, bachelor trips, and group celebrations without feeling cramped or chaotic.

  2. Sound system ready: Connect your playlist through the onboard audio and set the tone for the whole trip before you even hit open water.

  3. No stress provisioning: Ice, water, and drinkware are already on the boat, so your group can focus on actually having a good time.

  4. Shallow water access: Shell Island's calm, clear water is approachable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, which matters for mixed groups.

  5. Private charter feel: The boat is booked for your group, so you're not sharing the space with strangers on a party boat cruise.

About this experience partner:

Cruisin Tikis Panama City Beach operates The Big Kahuna, a newly built, USCG-inspected tiki boat captained by licensed professionals on every trip. The vessel features covered bar seating, a full restroom, and evening lighting for late-day and sunset departures out of Panama City Beach. They specialize in group bookings and run Shell Island tiki boat tours for celebrations, friend groups, and family outings throughout the season.

Additional information:

  • What's included: Ice-filled cooler, bottled water, cups, and shot glasses

  • What to bring: Your own drinks and snacks, sunscreen, a towel, and a valid ID if you plan to drink alcohol

  • Duration: 3 hours

Book This Experience

Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.

Location

30A, FL

3605 Navy Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, USA

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to drive the tiki?

No, all trips are run with a USCG licensed Captain to navigate the vessel safely and allow all onboard to sit back and relax and enjoy the ride !!! This is a good thing, there can be a lot of traffic and you won't risk a BUI!

Do your boats operate in the rain?

YES WE STILL HAVE FUN IN THE RAIN! We do operate in the rain as the tiki boats have a substantial thatch roof. However, the captain can decide at anytime to cancel due to conditions (typically high winds or thunder storms).

Do I need I.D. to drink?

Yes! We do card everyone that is drinking. So make sure you have a valid ID!

Are there available life jackets on board?

Yes, there are type 1 PFD for every passenger. Along with a couple of child size jackets. Children 6 and under must wear a life jacket while underway. No exceptions! Call us in advance if you have any special requests or concerns. The Tiki also has a USCG first aid kit.

Can I play my own music on board?

Yes, we do have bluetooth capable 4.1 Kicker speaker system that can sync to your phone and choice of music.

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Can more than 6 people cruise at the same time?

United States Coast Guard mandates only 6 passengers onboard, including children. NO EXCEPTIONS! At this time we can only accommodate a max of 6 on each vessel. We do have the option of anchoring together on the beach during the 3 hour cruise.