Tampa is a city that knows how to have fun, especially when it comes to drinking tours. Its mix of waterfront adventures, historic neighborhoods, and lively bar scenes makes it a prime destination for those wanting to sample local flavors with a side of scenery.
We love the Tiki Boat cruise for its unique floating experience—sipping cocktails while gliding past Tampa’s skyline—and the Tampa Bar Crawl on a golf cart for its relaxed, guided exploration of trendy and historic spots.
If you’re into craft breweries, the private brewery tours in Ybor City and Tampa Heights offer a fun, transportative way to taste some of the best local brews.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to experience Tampa’s nightlife with a twist, this list is your go-to guide.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of drinking tours, from water-based adventures like the Tiki Boat and Tampa Bay tiki cruises, to guided bar crawls in classic neighborhoods like Ybor City and Tampa Heights. For beer lovers, there are private brewery tours with custom routes, and for the more adventurous, scavenger hunt-style pub crawls.
Special options like the Pirate Adventure Cruise combine family fun with drinks, making Tampa a top spot for all kinds of drinkers.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
- 2. Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart
- 3. Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
- 4. Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
- 5. Pirate Adventure Cruise on Tampa Bay with Open Bar
- 6. Tampa’s Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat for Up to 13 People
- 7. Tampa’s Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart
- 8. Tampa: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Open Bar
- 9. Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl
- 10. Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
- 11. Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
- 12. Tampa: 2 Hour Paddle Pub River Cruise
- 13. Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
- 14. Naples Bar Crawl Experience
- How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Tampa
1. Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
At number 1, the Tiki Boat offers a truly unique way to explore Tampa’s waterways. This 90-minute cruise on a floating tiki bar is BYOB, allowing you to bring your own drinks and snacks. The boat features coolers on ice and a Bluetooth radio for your playlist. You’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Straz Center and Amalie Arena, with skies and skyline providing a stunning backdrop.
What makes this tour special is the chance to customize your experience—play your favorite tunes, relax with friends, or even dance on the water. It’s popular, with a 4.5/5 rating from over 300 reviews, mainly praising the friendly captain and the laid-back vibe. The experience is perfect for small groups wanting to escape the crowded bars and enjoy Tampa’s vibrant river scene from a different angle.
Bottom line: This is a fun, laid-back choice for those wanting a private, flexible experience on the water, especially if you love BYOB and a personalized playlist.
2. Tampa Bar Crawl on a 2023 Street Legal Golf Cart
At number 2, the Tampa Bar Crawl on a golf cart is a perfect guide-driven tour that covers Downtown, Channel District, Ybor City, and Tampa Heights. This guided crawl lasts about three hours, with a driver taking you from bar to bar—no parking hassles, no walking fatigue.
Rated 5 stars from 35 reviews, it’s highly recommended for birthdays or bachelor(ette) parties. The tour includes stops at iconic venues like the Florida Aquarium and the historic cigar neighborhood of Ybor City, so you get a good mix of history and fun. The driver is both knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience feel personalized.
What sets this apart is its ease—relax and let your driver handle the navigation while you enjoy the variety of bars, each offering distinct vibes. It’s an excellent choice if you want to explore Tampa’s nightlife without the stress of planning.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups wanting a hassle-free way to sample Tampa’s best bars with a lively guide and a comfortable ride.
3. Ybor City Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
Coming in at number 3, the Ybor City Brewery Tour is a personalized brewery experience for up to five people. It combines private transportation with visits to five pre-selected breweries—like Bastet Brewing, known for its international-inspired beers, and Coppertail Brewing, famous for its rotating tap list.
This 2.5-hour tour is flexible; you can customize your route to include specific breweries on your wish list. The tour is ideal for craft beer lovers who want a more relaxed, private tasting experience. Guests rave about their driver, James, and the chance to learn about Ybor’s brewing scene firsthand.
What makes this tour stand out is the mix of local craft and the personalized approach. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or beer aficionados eager to dive deep into Tampa’s brewing culture. The tour’s focus on high-quality, diverse beers makes it a worthwhile splurge.
Bottom line: Best suited for craft beer fans seeking a private, customizable, and immersive brewery experience.
4. Tampa Heights Private Brewery Tour by Custom Golf Cart
Number 4, the Tampa Heights Brewery Tour offers an intimate look at Tampa’s burgeoning Heights neighborhood. Similar to the Ybor tour, it includes visits to five breweries, such as Magnanimous Brewing and Angry Chair Brewing.
This 2.5-hour private tour is perfect for those who want to explore Tampa’s up-and-coming craft beer scene with friends. The focus on select breweries allows you to sample a variety of styles—from IPAs to stouts—while enjoying the convenience of private transport.
What guests love is the opportunity to customize the route and spend quality time at each stop. The tour is especially recommended for groups wanting a relaxed, guided experience with local flavor. The reviews highlight the fun driver and the quality of beers sampled.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for beer lovers wanting a personalized, small-group brewery tour in Tampa Heights.
5. Pirate Adventure Cruise on Tampa Bay with Open Bar
Number 5 is the Pirate Adventure Cruise, blending family fun with adult drinks. This lively 90-minute cruise departs from Downtown Tampa aboard The Lost Pearl, a pirate-themed ship. The cruise features water cannon battles, pirate games, and dance parties—plus an open bar with beer and spirits.
Rated 5 stars from only two reviews, it’s a hit among families and those wanting a lighthearted, interactive experience. Kids love the pirate antics, while adults enjoy the drinks and views of Tampa Bay. The mix of entertainment and scenery creates a relaxing yet fun outing.
What makes this special is its family-friendly focus paired with adult beverages. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids but still want to enjoy some drinks and scenery from the water.
Bottom line: Best for families or groups seeking a themed cruise with a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
6. Tampa’s Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat for Up to 13 People
Number 6 features the Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat, accommodating groups of up to 13. This is a customizable river cruise where you can enjoy Tampa’s waterfront landmarks like the University of Tampa and the Straz Center, along with optional stops at riverside bars.
This 1.5-hour experience is ideal for larger groups or private celebrations. It provides the flexibility to bring your own drinks and snacks, with amenities like a cooler and Bluetooth sound system to set the mood.
What’s great is the chance to relax on the water with friends while soaking in Tampa’s scenic riverside views. It’s a popular, flexible option for groups wanting to craft their own water adventure.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for larger groups wanting a private, customizable river cruise with options to stop at riverside spots.
7. Tampa’s Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart
Number 7 is the Tampa’s Top Dive Bar Tour, focused solely on iconic, long-standing dive bars. Visiting five establishments with an average age of over 50 years, this 3-hour tour includes stops like Tiny Tap Tavern and The Retreat Tampa. Each stop lasts about 25 minutes, with opportunities to take pictures at notable locations along the way.
Rated 5/5 by those who’ve tried it, the tour is perfect for lovers of authentic, no-frills dives. The relaxed pace and historical insight into Tampa’s classic watering holes make it a memorable experience. The tour also has the option to end in Ybor City for independent bar hopping afterward.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on Tampa’s oldest, most beloved dive bars, which often have stories as colorful as their cocktails. It’s ideal for those who want a laid-back, authentic drinking experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for dive enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, historically rich tour through Tampa’s classic bars.
8. Tampa: Pirate Adventure Cruise with Open Bar
The Pirate Adventure Cruise is similar to the earlier pirate tour but offers a slightly different vibe. It features live entertainment, water cannon battles, and a free open bar with domestic beer and spirits on Tampa Bay. The 1.5-hour trip is family-friendly, with plenty of pirate-themed fun.
Rated 4.1/5 from seven reviews, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a themed cruise with drinks. Kids will love the pirate antics, and adults enjoy the casual drinking environment with scenic views.
What’s special here is the lively entertainment and the chance to combine sightseeing with playful fun, making it a good pick for groups with kids or those seeking a light-hearted water adventure.
Bottom line: A family-friendly, entertaining cruise with drinks, perfect for a relaxed day on Tampa Bay.
9. Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl
Number 9, the Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl is a scavenger hunt combined with bar hopping. It involves solving puzzles, completing challenges, and taking photos at various pubs and clubs, earning points along the way. The tour lasts about two hours, and food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.
Rated 3/5 from two reviews, it appeals to those who want a more interactive, competitive experience. It’s great for groups that enjoy a bit of trivia and challenge while exploring Tampa’s nightlife.
What makes this different is its game-like approach, blending sightseeing with fun challenges. It’s perfect for groups wanting a light, active outing that mixes drinking with puzzle-solving.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups seeking a lively, puzzle-oriented bar adventure with a competitive edge.
10. Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
The Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits combines ghost stories with pub visits. It takes you through haunted locations like Tampa Theatre and The Hub Bar, with about two hours of spooky storytelling and drinks.
Rated 1/5 from three reviews, it’s a niche experience, fitting for those interested in ghost lore and haunted history. The tour offers a mix of history and paranormal tales, with visits to iconic spots with reported hauntings.
What makes this tour interesting is its focus on Tampa’s darker side. It’s best for history buffs or those intrigued by paranormal stories, and it’s a different twist on the usual pub crawl.
Bottom line: A themed tour for fans of ghost stories and haunted Tampa locales.
11. Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
This tour is similar to #10 but with no reviews yet. It visits four haunted spots, including The Hub Bar and Tampa Theatre, pairing spooky tales with drinks. Duration is around two hours.
What makes it notable is the haunted theme, perfect for those wanting a chilling experience with a drink in hand. It’s suitable for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling and ghost lore.
Bottom line: A good pick for paranormal enthusiasts intrigued by Tampa’s haunted history.
12. Tampa: 2 Hour Paddle Pub River Cruise
Number 12 offers a paddle boat experience on Tampa’s river, blending exercise and relaxation. You pedal along the water, enjoying the skyline and the breeze, with an option to bring your own drinks.
Rated with no reviews yet, it’s a fun alternative for active groups or those seeking a more relaxed, social water outing. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just unwinding on Tampa’s scenic waterways.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of physical activity and scenic views—no motor noise, just your paddles and conversation.
Bottom line: Best for active groups wanting a unique, self-guided water cruise with drinks and good company.
13. Tampa Bay: 3 Hour – Tampa Bar Hop Tiki Cruise
At number 13, a private tiki cruise for up to six people. This customizable experience cruises the Hillsborough River, with hop-on, hop-off stops at local bars and scenic sights like downtown skyscrapers.
Rated with no reviews yet, it’s perfect for those seeking privacy and flexibility. Bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy as you cruise past landmarks and relax with your favorite tunes.
What makes this stand out is the exclusivity—ideal for small groups wanting to tailor their water tour—plus the opportunity to enjoy Tampa from a different perspective.
Bottom line: A top choice if you want a private, flexible, and scenic water experience with friends.
14. Naples Bar Crawl Experience
Last on our list, the Naples Bar Crawl is an app-led scavenger hunt that combines drinking, puzzles, and exploration. It’s a fun, interactive way to discover local bars, with challenges, trivia, and photo tasks.
Rated 0/5 from no reviews yet, it suits adventurous travelers who enjoy gamified experiences and want to make their bar-hopping more engaging. It’s perfect for spontaneous outings or celebrations.
What makes this different is its focus on interactive fun over traditional guided tours. It’s great for tech-savvy groups looking for a self-guided, playful experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups seeking a fun, challenge-based approach to Tampa’s nightlife.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Tampa
When selecting your perfect Tampa drinking tour, consider your budget, interests, and group size. For a relaxed, scenic experience, the Tiki Boat or Hillsborough River Tiki Bar Boat are excellent choices.
If craft beers are your thing, the private brewery tours in Ybor City or Tampa Heights provide a more immersive tasting experience. For a social, guided night out, the Golf Cart Bar Crawl offers convenience and variety.
If you’re traveling with kids or want a family-friendly outing, the Pirate Adventure Cruise is a fun, lively option. Those interested in Tampa’s haunted lore might enjoy the Tampa Terrors pub crawl, but keep in mind its niche appeal. For active adventurers, the Paddle Pub offers a unique, self-guided water activity.
Booking early is recommended for popular tours, especially during peak season or weekends. Always check the tour details for age restrictions, group size limits, and what’s included to ensure a smooth, enjoyable outing.
In summary, Tampa offers a diverse array of drinking experiences that cater to all sorts of travelers—from water lovers and craft beer aficionados to history buffs and adventure seekers. Whether you want a private boat, a guided bar crawl, or a themed pirate adventure, there’s something here for everyone.
We encourage you to plan ahead and book early—Tampa’s lively scene fills up fast, especially in prime seasons. Dive in, enjoy the drinks, and make some memorable Tampa moments!