If you’re headed to Florida’s Emerald Coast and want a memorable way to enjoy the sunset, good food, and some lively tunes, the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Solaris yacht might just be your perfect pick. We haven’t done this cruise ourselves but have gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.
What immediately catches the eye is the combination of scenic waterway views, a gourmet meal, and live music. It’s designed to be a rewarding experience, whether for a romantic date, a special celebration, or just a fun night out with friends. We love the idea of dining out on the open water with panoramic views and the chance to dance under the stars.
One thing to consider is that the cost is $128 per person, which might seem steep for some, but when you factor in the three-hour duration, gourmet food, and entertainment, many find it a worthwhile splurge. Keep in mind, though, that hotel transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the marina.
This cruise is best suited for those who appreciate good food, enjoy live music, and want to soak up stunning sunset scenery. It’s also a good fit for celebrating special occasions or just indulging in a luxurious, relaxed evening on the water.
This experience made our article of 2 Fantastic Concert Experiences In Destin.
Key Points
- Gourmet Dining: A 3-course meal prepared by an award-winning chef, with options like fresh Gulf seafood and prime beef.
- Spectacular Views: Open-air sky deck and panoramic windows provide sweeping vistas of the sunset over Destin.
- Live Entertainment & Dancing: Enjoy lively music that encourages dancing and adds a festive atmosphere.
- Year-Round Cruises: Available throughout the year, perfect for any season.
- Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.
- Ideal for Celebrations: Perfect for anniversaries, romantic evenings, or groups celebrating special occasions.
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Setting Sail on the Solaris Yacht
The Solaris yacht is a 125-foot vessel equipped with three decks, including both indoor and outdoor areas. Its design aims to maximize viewing pleasure, with panoramic windows throughout the indoor dining spaces, ensuring you’re never far from the sweeping vistas. The open-air sky deck is the crown jewel—perfect for soaking up the sunset and the cooler evening breezes.
The yacht docks at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, a location that’s easy to access but may require personal transportation, as hotel pickups aren’t included. The cruise’s typical duration is three hours, offering plenty of time for a relaxed meal, some dancing, and appreciating the scenery.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Destin
The Itinerary — What Goes on During the Cruise?
While the exact minute-by-minute schedule isn’t detailed, travelers can expect a smooth progression: boarding, a brief welcome, followed by gourmet dining as the sun begins to set. The award-winning chef curates a three-course menu, emphasizing fresh Gulf seafood and prime beef, along with regional classics. Whether you favor crustaceans, fish, or a hearty steak, there’s likely something to satisfy your palate.
Once seated, the indoor dining rooms provide a comfortable environment with large windows, but many guests prefer to step outside onto the sky deck for the best sunset views. It’s common for guests to comment on the excellent quality of the food, with many reviews describing it as “magnificent” and “amazing.”
After dinner, the live music begins, creating a lively, upbeat atmosphere. The music typically encourages dancing—many guests describe it as “fabulous,” with some quoting how they loved “listening to the fabulous stories and experiences” shared by fellow travelers. The casual resort dress code makes it accessible for most, and the resort casual attire adds an extra layer of comfort.
The Experience — What Really Sets It Apart?
What we love most about this cruise is the combination of scenic beauty and entertainment. The sunset over Destin paints the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal, and the open-air sky deck makes you feel like you’re floating just above the water. Several reviews highlight the stunning views as a definite highlight—one even called it “beyond expectations,” praising the “beautiful and amazing” setting.
The food gets high praise, with reviews mentioning the excellent, delicious cuisine and attentive service. One guest shared that “the food was amazing,” and another noted that the wait staff was “outstanding and quite helpful.” The dining experience is often described as intimate and “perfect for all,” with seating throughout the boat that ensures everyone gets a good view.
The live music adds a festive element, with many guests mentioning how it “made the atmosphere superb” and how they loved dancing under the stars. The friendly crew and knowledgeable staff seem to contribute positively, keeping the evening flowing smoothly.
The Cost — Is It Good Value?
At $128 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest outing you could choose, but many reviewers feel it offers good value. The ticket price includes dinner, live music, panoramic views, and dancing—a package deal that combines multiple experiences into one relaxing evening. It’s especially attractive if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or want a luxurious way to enjoy Destin’s sunset.
Compared to other waterfront dining options, the all-inclusive nature of this cruise—particularly the gourmet meal and entertainment—makes it a worthwhile splurge for many. Keep in mind, you’ll need to account for transportation to the marina separately.
Destin: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Destin
What’s Not Included?
It’s worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the marina. For those staying at the Sandestin area resorts, this is likely straightforward, but visitors from elsewhere might want to plan accordingly.
This experience is ideal for couples celebrating anniversaries or romantic getaways, thanks to the beautiful setting and intimate atmosphere. It’s also a great choice for groups wanting a lively, fun evening with good food and music. Families are welcome, but children should be supervised, as adults and kids alike will enjoy the casual, festive vibe.
If you’re seeking authentic seaside dining combined with scenic beauty and lively entertainment, this cruise checks all those boxes. It’s not a quiet, contemplative experience—rather, it’s an engaging, celebratory outing that combines the best of Destin’s water and sunset views with delicious regional cuisine and live music.
In essence, the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Solaris offers a well-rounded, memorable evening for those who appreciate gourmet Gulf Coast cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and live entertainment. The three-hour duration feels just right—not too long, but enough to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
For travelers who value authentic experiences, the casual resort dress code, and the chance to dine with a view, this cruise is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself to a relaxed, yet lively, evening.
On the downside, cost may be a consideration for budget travelers, and transportation to the marina will need to be arranged separately. However, the overall experience, based on glowing reviews and the thoughtful amenities, suggests this cruise delivers on its promises.
Is hotel pickup included? No, hotel transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the marina at Baytowne.
How long does the cruise last? The typical duration is about 3 hours, providing plenty of time for dinner, music, and enjoying the views.
What is the dress code? Resort casual, which means comfortable yet tidy clothing suitable for an evening on the water.
Can children join the cruise? Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What kind of food is served? A three-course meal featuring Gulf seafood, prime beef, and regional classics, prepared by an award-winning chef.
Is the experience available year-round? Yes, the cruise runs throughout the year, making it a flexible option regardless of the season.
Are the seats assigned? The review comments suggest seating is throughout the boat, with good views from all areas, especially along the windows and on the sky deck.
Can I cancel my booking? Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, a special celebration, or just a way to enjoy Destin’s iconic sunset, this dinner cruise offers a blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and lively music that many find worth the price. It’s a chance to see the Gulf Coast from a unique vantage point and make some memorable moments along the way.
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