There is something magical about sunset in the tropics. That brief window in time when the heat of the day fades to cool, the Trade Winds slow to a balmy breeze and the sky comes alive with a painters’ palette of colours. It is stunning every single time, but never more so than when seen from the water.
On a sunset sail, you can enjoy all the wonder of the sunset whilst keeping an eye peeled for dolphins and turtles. Enjoying a cold drink and canapés as the sun sets over the yardarm and the first blush of stars appear on the horizon is an experience not to be missed.
Sonya and I are so enamoured with these short cruises, we have prepared the Port Douglas Apartments guide to sunset cruises in the Douglas Shire. All trips depart from the Crystalbrook Super-Yacht Marina and will have a you back on dry land in time for your dinner reservation.
Lady Douglas River Cruises Sunset Cruise: Trip duration 1.5 hours Departures: daily at 16.30 Price: $40.00 pp Enjoy a very special sunset aboard the iconic Lady Douglas, as she takes visitors on an idyllic calm water river cruise through stunning Dickson Inlet. After exploring pristine mangrove forests, or croc country as locals call it, the Lady Douglas will steam to the mouth of the Inlet so guests can capture the sun setting over Port Douglas. During your one and a half hours onboard, the friendly captain and crew will share the history of the region and lead the search for estuarine crocodiles and other native wildlife.
Shaolin Port Douglas Sunset Sail: Trip duration 1.5 hours Departure: times vary with the seasons Price: from $53.20 pp An original icon of Port Douglas, Shaolin is one of the few authentic Chinese Junks left in the world. Relax at sunset and take in the spectacular mountain, island and coastline views as Shaolin cruises the Coral coast. Enjoying your complimentary beverage and canapés on the teak deck or from the comfort of the saloon at Sunset is truly a unique experience.
Sailaway Port Douglas Sunset Sail: Trip duration 1.5 hours Departures: daily at 17:00 Price: $70.00 pp Enjoy the thrill of pure sailing onboard a luxury catamaran, with the captain and crew from Sailaway Port Douglas. Whether you choose to join the skipper at the helm, relax in the air -conditioned saloon or be at one with the sea on the spacious foredeck, you will find your own piece of paradise onboard Sailaway VI. Serving hot and cold canapés, and with a licensed bar, this sunset experience caters to adults only.
Indigo Port Douglas Sunset Sail: Trip duration 2 hours Departure: times vary with the seasons Price: $75pp As the sun sets behind the mountains of Mossman Gorge, enjoy a drink and complimentary nibbles on the spacious foredeck of the luxury Catamaran Indigo 2. Catering to a maximum of 12 Passengers, Indigo offers a personal experience without the crowds. With nothing but the sound of waves on the hull and the wind in the rigging, you will feel like you have the entire sunset to yourselves. Unlike other sunset cruises, Indigo is fully BYO alcoholic beverages, so you get to enjoy what you like.
Robin says: If you have already done an outer reef trip or visited Low Isles, a sunset cruise could be a cost effective way to spend a little time enjoying the calm waters of the Coral Sea. Highly recommended for return guests of Port Douglas Apartments.
