If you like the idea of a sunset cruise, Panama City Beach is one of the best destinations for it. It offers stunning views, gentle sea breezes, and the chance to spot playful dolphins.
Panama City Beach, FL, is a stunning coastal destination known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Visits here are extra special when you check into our luxury vacation resort.
Sunset cruises are a popular choice for celebrating special occasions such as bachelorette parties or anniversaries, but they’re also great for a family-friendly outing or a romantic date night.
No matter why you’re planning a sunset cruise, we’re here to help make it perfect. Here are some of the top recommended tours that promise to make your sunset cruise experience truly unforgettable.
1. Paradise Adventures
Photo Credit: Prostock-studio
Come aboard for a truly festive and picturesque sunset sailing experience. Paradise Adventures offers two standout sunset sailing experiences aboard luxury catamarans that depart from Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa in Grand Lagoon.
You can choose between:
- A 1.5-hour sunset sail aboard the 40′ Footloose, featuring tropical music and a complimentary beverage.
- A 2-hour luxury sunset cruise aboard the 52′ Privateer, offering live music on select nights and a full bar serving cocktails like Privateer Punch, daiquiris, margaritas, and more.
Each cruise includes a complimentary first drink—choose wine, sangria, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage—adding a touch of luxury to your trip.
As you relax and watch the sun set, the sky transforms into a vivid light show, and you might be treated to sightings of playful dolphins. The scenic route through St. Andrew’s Bay to the Gulf horizon is a highlight.
These tours are ideal for small groups, families, and those seeking a polished experience with a lively atmosphere.
This isn’t just any sunset cruise; it’s a complete experience crafted to create the perfect evening on the water. With every element for a magical night in place, you can relax, soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf, and savor an unforgettable sunset.
2. Good Jibez Only Sunset Cruise
Good Jibez Only offers a delightful 1.5-hour sunset cruise featuring a spacious and stable pontoon that accommodates families and small groups of up to 18 guests.
Enjoy unobstructed views of Shell Island and the emerald waters of St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico while gliding across the beautiful waters.
The friendly crew enhances your experience with narrated local insights. The crew’s knowledge and warm engagement consistently earn praise, making this trip a wonderful experience.
Despite the absence of restrooms onboard, the accessible pace and immersive wildlife encounters, including dolphin sightings, make this cruise great value.
3. Island Time Sailing
For a magical sail on the high seas, Island Time Sailing invites you aboard their family-friendly sunset dolphin cruise that lasts about two hours.
Departing from Lagoon Pontoons Marina near Grand Lagoon, this top-rated catamaran experience delivers everything you’d want in an unforgettable evening. From wildlife encounters and emerging Gulf sunsets to a friendly and knowledgeable crew, Island Time Sailing has it all.
Guests begin the cruise gliding through the beautiful waters of St. Andrews Bay toward Shell Island, Florida, where dolphins often swim right alongside the boat during the cruise. If the waters are calm enough, the boat heads into the Gulf to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Post-sunset, the crew turns up the fun with onboard games and dancing, making it a great pick for those looking for a relaxed yet social sunset cruise. The bar is well-stocked with snacks, soft drinks, wine, beer, and rum punch.
4. Sea Screamer Sunset Cruise
Photo Credit: VioletSkyAdventures
As the name implies, the Sea Screamer Sunset Cruise is a fast-paced, high-energy adventure aboard a huge sightseeing speedboat.
This two-hour sunset dolphin cruise offers a unique blend of marine wildlife sightings and stunning coastal views. As the sun begins to set over the emerald Gulf of Mexico, guests often witness playful dolphins riding the boat’s wake, creating unforgettable moments.
Cold drinks, beer, wine, and snacks are available to purchase, and there are restrooms below deck for total comfort and convenience.
The cruise is known for its fast pace and high energy, appealing to families and thrill-seekers wanting an energetic, narrated cruise with wildlife encounters.
5. Reel Groovy Experiences
Reel Groovy Experiences is renowned for its deep-sea fishing charters, but it also offers private group and couple sunset tours.
Private tours are perfect for those looking for a more intimate and less rowdy sunset cruise. Departing from Captain Anderson’s Marina, the tours offer a customizable experience, ensuring you get the most out of your evening.
The highly accommodating staff and seamless booking process have earned top-notch reviews.
Aside from sunset tours, Reel Groovy provides a wide range of excursions, including dolphin-watching cruises, deep-sea fishing charters (one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach), and even burial-at-sea ceremonies, all led by the highly experienced Captain Gary Ray and his capable first mate.
6. B By the Sea Adventures
B By the Sea Adventures offers a fantastic private 2-hour sunset cruise in Panama City Beach, captained by the ever-charming Captain Brittany aboard a sleek and well-maintained Carolina Skiff.
Step aboard this cozy vessel, seating up to six guests, for a personalized voyage through the shimmering waters of St. Andrews Bay and around the stunning Shell Island.
Prepare to be dazzled by abundant marine life encounters, including playful dolphins, graceful sea turtles, and soaring seabirds that call these waters home.
This fully customizable adventure could give you the opportunity to snorkel, hunt for seashells, or simply kick back and soak in the salty sea breeze while Captain Brittany regales you with her local tales and insider knowledge.
You can expect a comfy ride with B By The Sea Adventures. This intimate cruise experience is ideal for families and promises a great experience filled with unforgettable moments under the glowing sunset sky.
7. Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Photo Credit: VioletSkyAdventures
Avast ye mateys! The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise offers a whimsical and family-focused 2-hour sunset pirate adventure aboard an 85-ft replica pirate ship.
Departing from Lighthouse Marina, the cruise features lively pirate-themed entertainment, including sword fighting, water-gun battles, and cannon firing. Dolphins are frequently spotted, adding to the excitement.
This is a truly unique way to experience the vibrant colors of the Gulf coastline sunset as dusk sets in and the pirate flag rises. Kids are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Sea Dragon delivers excellent entertainment value, making it ideal for families seeking a budget-friendly, action-packed buccaneer cruise that’s equally enjoyable for both kids and grown-ups.
8. Cruisin Tikis Panama City Beach
Bring the island vibes and tropical spirit onto the high seas. Cruisin’ Tikis offers a vibrant 1.5-hour sunset tiki-boat cruise aboard their hand-crafted floating tiki huts.
These unique vessels are licensed for up to six passengers each. They’re captained by experienced USCG Master Captains who are ready to navigate you through smooth sailing and island vibes.
The cruise sails through the scenic Lower Grand Lagoon, providing guests with beautiful waterfront views and gentle sea breezes. Guests can enjoy island tunes or play their own music via an onboard Bluetooth stereo, creating a laid-back and personalized atmosphere.
This BYOB experience includes a cooler, ice, cups, and bottle openers, making it perfect for relaxing while watching the sun set over Panama City Beach. It’s perfect for groups of friends or for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Beyond the sunset cruise, Cruisin’ Tikis also offers a 3-hour sandbar cruise, a 1.5-hour day lagoon cruise, and an evening glow cruise featuring festive LED lighting, all designed to deliver unique and memorable moments on the water.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Sunset Cruise
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience before setting sail, take note of these tips:
- Evenings can get chilly on the water, so bring a light jacket to keep you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
- Don’t forget to check if you can bring snacks and beverages in advance because some operators don’t allow guests to bring their own food and drink.
- Some operators provide ice and coolers to keep your beverages nice and chilled in the Florida sun if you can bring your own.
- Booking your sunset cruise online is a convenient way to secure your preferred experience without the hassle of on-site reservations.
- Arrive 30-60 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Join Us for Sunset Cruises on Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, Florida, offers some of the most enchanting sunset cruises, each promising a unique and memorable evening on the Gulf.
The breathtaking views over the emerald waters, coupled with the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, create unforgettable moments that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Booking a sunset cruise is a fantastic way to enhance your vacation in Panama City Beach. Another easy win is to book your stay with us at Panama City Beach vacation resort!
Set sail and enjoy the magic of the Gulf as the sun sets on another stunning day in Florida.