3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach

Discover the 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach

If you’re visiting Destin and looking for a memorable way to enjoy the area’s stunning sunset views, a dinner cruise aboard the Solaris yacht offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere. This three-hour excursion, costing around $128 per person, takes you from Miramar Beach into the Gulf with unobstructed vistas, fresh seafood, and live entertainment.

What we love about this experience are the ease of access—it starts at a straightforward meeting point—and the opportunity to spot dolphins while cruising. The comfortable setting with both indoor and outdoor decks makes it versatile, whether you prefer to enjoy the sea breeze or stay cozy indoors.

A small but significant consideration is the weather: if storms or high winds roll in, the cruise might be canceled or postponed, with a 20% credit offered if it cannot sail. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning around weather forecasts.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate good value for money, love seafood, and want a touch of elegance without feeling stuffy. Couples celebrating anniversaries, families seeking a relaxed outing, or groups looking for a fun evening with live music all find something to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Scenic Sunset Views: Unobstructed vistas from all decks make for picture-perfect moments.
• Quality Cuisine: A three-course, chef-prepared meal featuring Gulf seafood, creole chicken, or vegetarian options.
• Flexible Atmosphere: Indoor and open-air decks provide comfort regardless of weather.
• Dolphin Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins during the cruise.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy music and a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
• Easy Location: Conveniently based at Miramar Beach, with a straightforward meeting point.

An In-Depth Look at the Solaris Sunset Dinner Cruise

Location and Ease of Access

The cruise departs from the 8330 Mike Hayes Drive in Miramar Beach, an easily reachable spot for most visitors staying in Destin or nearby. We appreciate how simple it is to find the start point—no long drives or complicated directions—and the meeting is straightforward, making the whole experience stress-free from the start.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Once you arrive, you’ll stroll through the marina toward the 125-foot Solaris yacht, a vessel that exudes both comfort and style. The crew greets guests warmly, setting a friendly tone right away. After boarding, you’re shown to your reserved table—a small but important detail that ensures you can sit back and relax without fighting for space or worrying about where to eat.

The cruise kicks off with the vessel setting sail promptly at the scheduled time, giving you about three hours of enjoyment. The cruise is well-paced, with approximately 30 minutes of cruising before you’re asked to return to your tables for dinner. During this time, you’ll be on the open-air sky deck, feeling the coastal breezes, with panoramic views of the Gulf and, hopefully, dolphins swimming nearby. Several reviews mention how watching dolphins leap and play is a genuine highlight, adding a layer of excitement to the trip.

The Dining Experience

The highlight for many is the three-course meal, carefully planned and chef-prepared. Guests select their main course before the cruise, with options including crab cakes, short rib, creole chicken, Gulf fish, shrimp & grits, and vegetarian dishes. This choice allows the kitchen to prepare your meal fresh, ensuring quality.

The meal begins with a salad, followed by your main entrée, and concludes with a dessert. Coffee and tea are included, and the entire experience feels surprisingly elegant for a boat tour. The reviews frequently mention the deliciousness of the food, with many praising the seafood and the presentation—imagine enjoying creole chicken or Gulf fish while watching the sun sink into the water.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Throughout the cruise, lively live music keeps the mood upbeat. The music is heard from all decks, and many reviewers mention dancing under the stars or simply relaxing with a drink in hand. One review describes the boat as “beautiful,” with “great staff,” and highlights the friendly, professional crew—a vital part of making this experience enjoyable.

Post-Dinner Activities

After dinner, the fun continues. You’re encouraged to visit the captain in the pilothouse, enjoy star-gazing from the sky deck, or simply continue soaking in the views. A few reviews mention how the lights in the distance and the bright red Super Moon rising from the water made the night extra special.

Practical Details: What Travelers Should Know

• The cruise lasts about three hours, which includes boarding, cruising, dinner, and some leisure time.
• Cost is $128 per person, a reasonable price considering the included three-course meal, live entertainment, and the chance to see dolphins.
• Alcoholic drinks are available for $10-$20, but are not included in the price. You can purchase drinks onboard, which adds to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.
• The maximum group size is 149 travelers, so it’s lively but not overcrowded.
• This tour is suitable for most travelers, including those who can participate in most physical activities, except children under 21 cannot purchase alcohol.
• The weather can impact the experience: storms or high winds may cause cancellation or a dockside experience, but credits are offered if the cruise cannot sail.

Authentic Guest Feedback

Many guests rate this cruise highly, especially praising the food quality, professional crew, and beautiful views. For example, one guest mentioned, “The food was top notch. The staff was so down to earth and professional,” and another described it as “a romantic and picturesque experience,” perfect for anniversaries or special occasions.

However, some concerns arise around upselling and the booking process, especially if booked through third-party vendors. One reviewer noted, “The amount of nickel and diming was hard to take,” and clarified that extras like appetizers and photos are optional but not included in the initial ticket price.

Pricing and Value

While $128 may seem like a fair price for a three-hour cruise with a three-course meal and live entertainment, it’s worth considering that drinks and souvenirs are extra. Many reviews suggest that the overall experience offers good value—good food, scenic views, and a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere make it worth the cost.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for travelers wanting a romantic evening or a special celebration, given the gorgeous sunset and star-gazing opportunities. Families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxed yet elegant outing will find it satisfying. If you appreciate delicious Gulf seafood, enjoy live music, and want to see dolphins in their natural habitat, this boat ride ticks those boxes.

Best for…

• Celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or special occasions
• Those seeking scenic sunset views over the Gulf
• Guests interested in seafood and good food options
• Travelers who enjoy live music and dancing
• Anyone looking for a comfortable, hassle-free way to explore the coast from the water

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

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

Can I buy drinks onboard?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for $10-$20 each and can be purchased once on the yacht.

Are reservations necessary?
Yes, most guests book their tickets about 12 days in advance. Booking ahead helps secure your preferred date and time.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent. If storms or strong winds prevent sailing, the cruise may be canceled or moved to dockside. In such cases, you’ll receive a 20% credit.

Is there a dress code?
While not strictly enforced, many guests opt for casual to smart casual attire—think nice tops, casual dresses, or slacks.

What are the age restrictions?
You must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcohol onboard.

How many people typically go on this cruise?
The maximum group size is 149 travelers, so it’s lively but not overly crowded.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but note that alcoholic beverages are restricted to those 21 and over. Children might enjoy the scenery but should be comfortable on the boat.

What time does the cruise leave?
It departs promptly at the scheduled time, generally in the early evening to catch the sunset.

How should I dress for the cruise?
Dress comfortably, but consider bringing layers in case it gets cooler in the evening. No formal attire is necessary.

Final Thoughts

The Solaris Sunset Dinner Cruise in Miramar Beach offers a relaxed yet elegant way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. With stunning sunset views, delicious regional cuisine, and friendly live music, it strikes a good balance between fun and sophistication. The experience is perfect for couples wanting a romantic night, families celebrating a special day, or anyone eager to see dolphins while savoring a meal in a scenic setting.

While weather can be unpredictable and some extras are extra, the overall value is strong—especially when you consider the quality of the food, the views, and the friendly crew. If you’re looking for a memorable, hassle-free way to enjoy the Gulf at sunset, this cruise provides a genuine, enjoyable experience worth considering.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, seeking a romantic moment, or simply want to enjoy some of the best vistas Destin has to offer, this dinner cruise combines maritime charm with Southern hospitality for a night to remember.