3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach

If you’re heading to Destin and looking for a memorable way to end your day, a sunset dinner cruise aboard the Solaris Yacht offers a blend of scenic beauty, good food, and relaxed entertainment. While we haven’t personally boarded this vessel, numerous travelers rave about its atmosphere, delicious meals, and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

It’s a chance to enjoy the Gulf Coast from a unique vantage point, with plenty of time to soak in the sunset and the lively maritime ambiance.

Two things we really like about this experience are the unobstructed sunset views from multiple decks and the high-quality, chef-prepared three-course meal. Both elevate this cruise from a simple boat ride to a well-rounded evening event. One potential consideration is the weather — as with any outdoor activity, the experience can be affected by wind or storms.

However, the crew’s safety protocols are clear, and a weather cancellation often results in a full refund or rescheduling.

This cruise is best suited for couples celebrating special occasions, families seeking a relaxing coastal outing, or anyone wanting a taste of Destin’s beautiful sunsets accompanied by live music and good company. If you enjoy scenic views, delicious Gulf seafood, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, this tour will likely tick your boxes.

This experience made our article of 15 Best 3-Hour Tours In Destin (With Prices).

Key Points

• Unobstructed sunset views from multiple decks create picture-perfect moments.
• Gourmet three-course meal offers excellent value, with options including Gulf fish, crab cakes, short rib, or vegetarian dishes.
• Dolphin sightings are possible during the cruise, adding a delightful wildlife experience.
• Live entertainment enhances the relaxed, party-like vibe aboard the yacht.
• Flexible drink options—alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard.
• Weather sensitivity means your experience can be canceled or altered if conditions are stormy or windy.

Setting Sail in Miramar Beach

The adventure begins with an easy walk along the marina to the Solaris yacht, a stately 125-foot vessel that guarantees a comfortable, stable platform for your evening. The meeting point at 8330 Mike Hayes Drive is straightforward to find, and the crew is known for their professionalism and friendly attitude. Once on board, you’ll be greeted by the captain and led to your reserved table, ensuring a hassle-free start to your evening.

From the get-go, the atmosphere is casual and inviting. The yacht’s open-air deck means you can feel the gentle coastal breezes as you glide through the water. Several reviewers highlight the stellar views, noting that standing on the upper deck at night with stars above and city lights in the distance can be downright magical. One guest remarked on the “fantastic” experience of the starry sky and dolphins during their cruise, especially during the longer sunset segment.

The Cruise Itinerary and Experience

The Solaris cruise is designed to be both scenic and relaxing. It departs promptly from the Sandestin dock, usually around sunset, which varies seasonally but generally falls between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The cruise lasts approximately three hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.

The Scenic Journey

The cruise takes you along the coast of Destin, where you can admire the shimmering waters and listen to the live music that fills the yacht’s multiple decks. The open-air sky deck is especially popular for panoramic sunset views, the kind that make you want to pause and snap countless photos. Guests often mention that the views are truly stunning, with the sun dipping low, casting orange and pink hues across the Gulf.

Dolphin Watching

A highlight for many travelers is the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the yacht. While not guaranteed, the reviews suggest that many guests spot these playful creatures during the cruise, adding a fun wildlife element to the evening. One traveler exclaimed, “We saw a big red Super Moon rising from the water — so pretty, so amazing!”

Dinner Service

About 30 minutes into the cruise, guests are called back to their tables for their three-course meal. The menu is centered around Gulf seafood, creole chicken, short rib, and vegetarian options. The salads are described as fresh, and desserts are a sweet finish to the meal. Several reviews praise the quality of the food, calling it “top notch” and “delicious,” with some guests specifically mentioning the shrimp and grits or crab cakes as highlights.

The meal is plated and chef-prepared, with options selected prior to boarding. One reviewer noted that the food exceeded expectations, calling it “Michelin Star worthy,” which is quite a compliment for a cruise meal. The portions are generous, and the service attentive, making the dining part of the overall experience rather than just a quick snack.

Post-Dinner Entertainment

After the meal, the live music and lively atmosphere continue. Guests have the opportunity to dance under the stars, visit the captain in the pilothouse, or simply enjoy the serene water views. Many mention the entertainment as engaging and fun, adding to the relaxed, party-like vibe of the evening.

The Atmosphere and Authentic Touches

The vibe aboard Solaris is described as elegant yet accessible. You’re encouraged to dress smart casual — perfect for a romantic date or a special celebration. The staff gets high marks for their professionalism and friendliness, with comments praising how they go “above and beyond.”

One reviewer shared that their anniversary was made extra special by the experience, mentioning how “good food and great atmosphere” combined for a memorable night. Another noted how the dancing on the upper deck created a lively yet peaceful ambiance, with many guests feeling like they had stepped into a coastal party.

Practical Details and Considerations

The cruise costs $128 per person, which includes the three-hour experience, a plated three-course dinner, live entertainment, coffee/tea, and all taxes and fees. Alcoholic drinks are available but cost an additional $10-$20, so if you’re looking to keep costs down, consider bringing your own or just enjoying the included beverages.

The tour books about 12 days in advance on average, which is good to know if you’re planning ahead. The maximum group size is 149, making it a lively but manageable gathering. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, but the minimum age for alcohol purchase is 21.

Weather can impact your experience — if storms or high winds occur, the cruise might be canceled or delayed. In such cases, you’ll typically receive a full refund or an option to reschedule.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Based on guest feedback, several aspects stand out as particularly noteworthy. Many describe the views as “beautiful,” especially during sunset and star-gazing. The food receives high praise; guests mention dishes like crab cakes, fish, and shrimp & grits as memorable highlights. The live music and friendly crew enhance the overall vibe, making it feel like a special coastal gathering.

Some guests have expressed minor frustrations about booking experiences or additional charges, but these are often related to third-party vendors. The core experience — the cruise, the meal, the views — remains highly valued.

The Sum Up

This Solaris Yacht dinner cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for anyone wanting to combine scenic beauty, good food, and relaxed entertainment in Destin. The unobstructed sunset views, dolphin sightings, and quality Gulf seafood make it an excellent value for the $128 ticket price, especially considering the three hours of fun and relaxation. Guests seeking a romantic evening, a family-friendly outing, or simply a chance to see Destin from the water will find plenty to love here.

The lively atmosphere with live music and the chance to dance or simply soak in the stars makes this cruise a memorable highlight of any trip to Miramar Beach. It’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic water views, good company, and a touch of coastal elegance. Just keep an eye on the weather, and you’re likely to have a truly special evening under the Gulf skies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific meeting point?
Yes, the meeting point is at 8330 Mike Hayes Drive in Miramar Beach, which is easy to find and close to other local attractions.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs about three hours, starting in the early evening around sunset, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery and entertainment.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the three-hour cruise, a three-course plated dinner, coffee or tea, live entertainment, and all taxes and fees.

Can I buy alcoholic drinks on board?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the bar onboard, typically costing between $10 and $20 per drink.

What kind of food is served?
The meal features Gulf seafood, creole chicken, short rib, and vegetarian options, with dishes like crab cakes, fish, and shrimp & grits often praised.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that alcohol is restricted to those 21 and older. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, though some guests suggest it’s best for older children or teenagers.

This three-hour sunset dinner cruise provides a delightful way to enjoy Destin’s coastal beauty with good food, lively entertainment, and the chance to see dolphins and stars. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just looking to unwind, it’s a memorable way to experience the Gulf from the water.