Drinking tours in Tampa deliver some of Florida’s most enjoyable ways to explore the city. The best experiences include the relaxing tiki boat tours, which float past downtown’s waterfront while you enjoy your favorite beverages. Local craft beer tours by golf cart stand out for their intimate, small-group atmosphere and behind-the-scenes access to Tampa’s top breweries. The evening ghost-and-spirits pub crawls combine historic tales with stops at atmospheric old bars.
I especially love the tiki boats for their mix of waterfront views and casual party vibe, while the brewery golf cart tours earn high marks for their knowledgeable guides and generous tastings.
Let’s explore Tampa’s top drinking tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Tiki Boat Experiences in Downtown Tampa offer scenic views, Bluetooth music, and a lively atmosphere for groups of up to 6 guests.
- Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat provides a 1.5-hour cruise with stops at riverside bars and eateries for a social experience.
- Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart allows visits to up to five local breweries for adults 21 and older.
- Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise offers a 3-hour scenic route along the Hillsborough River with customizable stops at waterfront restaurants and bars.
- Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits tour explores four venues with eerie tales and folklore, focusing on historical events during a 2-hour pub crawl.
Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
Sailing along the picturesque Downtown Tampa Riverwalk, the Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa offers an authentic floating tiki bar experience.
With 91% of travelers recommending it, the tour boasts a 4.7-star rating from 316 reviews. Accommodating up to 6 guests, the boat departs from Water Works Park and offers stunning views of the Tampa skyline, Straz Center, and Amalie Arena.
Passengers can enjoy music through the Bluetooth speaker and bring their own alcoholic beverages, with no unexpected bar charges.
While some have reported booking and parking issues, the majority praise the knowledgeable and friendly captains, beautiful scenery, and lively atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for groups seeking a unique drinking experience in Tampa.
Read our full review: Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar Review
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Tampa: Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat up to 13 People
Setting out on a unique floating tiki bar experience, the Tampa: Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat can accommodate up to 13 people.
Priced from £358.07 per group, the 1.5-hour cruise offers scenic views of Tampa’s waterfront, including landmarks like the University of Tampa and Straz Center.
Guests can stop at riverside bars and eateries, enjoying the relaxed, social atmosphere. The tour departs from Curtis Hixon Park, covering sights along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Amenities include a cooler with ice, Bluetooth sound system, and the option to bring your own beverages and music.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private group experience with an English-speaking driver is an ideal daytime or evening outing.
Read our full review: Tampa: Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat up to 13 People Review
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Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
For those seeking a more grounded exploration of Tampa’s thriving craft beer scene, the Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart offers a unique and convenient way to discover the city’s popular breweries.
Visitors can choose up to five breweries to visit, with stops at murals and landmarks for photos along the way. Transported by a private, licensed, and insured golf cart, the tour includes a souvenir koozie.
While open alcoholic beverages are prohibited, the experience caters to adults 21 and older, with digital consent forms required.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation and suitable for most travelers, with a 5.0 rating from 9 reviews.
Read our full review: Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart Review
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Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
Travelers seeking a unique and immersive way to experience Tampa’s vibrant bar scene can embark on the 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise. Priced at $595 for up to 6 people, this private tiki cruise offers a scenic route along the Hillsborough River, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Tampa Riverwalk and downtown skyline.
Guests can tailor their adventure with stops at waterfront restaurants and local bars. The cruise features BYOB amenities, including coolers filled with ice and a Bluetooth stereo. A USCG Certified Captain ensures a safe and entertaining atmosphere.
With flexible travel plans and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cruise provides an unforgettable way to explore Tampa’s thriving bar scene.
Read our full review: Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise Review
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Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl
The Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl offers an exhilarating way for visitors to enjoy the city’s lively bar scene.
This self-guided bar crawl is available year-round, allowing participants to explore Tampa’s top watering holes at their own pace. The tour includes all taxes, fees, and transportation, as well as digital photos to capture the experience.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the event caters to those with a moderate fitness level and a smart casual dress code. Boasting a perfect 5-star rating, the Tampa Bar Hunt is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a fun and convenient way to discover Tampa’s vibrant bar culture.
Read our full review: Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl Review
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Tampa: Haunted Pub Crawl
Tampa’s haunted bar scene beckons adventurous souls on the Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl. Priced at $35 per person, this 2-hour tour explores four unique venues, from craft breweries to historic bars, while uncovering eerie tales and twisted folklore about Tampa’s haunted streets.
Guests will learn about the infamous John Perry shooting and the history of the Tampa Theater’s “Lady in White.”
The tour starts at 6 PM, led by knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with thrilling ghost stories.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and a valid ID are required, and smoking and video recording aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: Tampa: Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Tampa Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
On the Tampa Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl, adventurous souls explore Tampa’s eerie haunted bars and uncover twisted tales of the city’s dark past.
Starting at 5:45 PM, the tour takes guests on a three-hour journey through Tampa’s historic downtown, visiting the Bizzou Brasserie and ending at the Anchor Tavern.
While the tour includes all fees and private transportation, recent reviews suggest inconsistent customer service and unreliable tour execution.
With a maximum of 20 participants, the haunted pub crawl aims to immerse visitors in Tampa’s spooky nightlife, though the overall 2.3/5 rating indicates room for improvement.
Read our full review: Tampa Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
Visitors to Tampa can embark on a private Ybor City Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart, a unique experience that allows them to explore the vibrant neighborhood’s craft beer scene.
With a 5.0/5 rating based on 13 reviews, the tour includes private transportation, visits to up to five breweries of their choice, stops for photos at local murals and landmarks, a souvenir koozie, and alcoholic beverages.
The tour is available for groups of up to five adults aged 21 and over, with pickup and drop-off within a designated area. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart Review
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Sum Up
Tampa offers a variety of drinking tours, from floating tiki bars on the Hillsborough River to haunted pub crawls in Ybor City. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a spooky experience, there’s a drinking tour in Tampa to suit your interests. With options for both private and group tours, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and sample its diverse selection of bars and breweries.