The Best Sunset Sails in Cairns and Port Douglas
Close your eyes and picture this: you’re on a boat, and a frenzy of pinks, purples and oranges dancing on calm waters as the brilliant Queensland sun sinks behind the mountains in the distance. You’re sipping on a refreshing glass of complementary bubbles as the sky fades into deep indigo and stars begin to blink overhead and you’re about to be seated for a unique dining experience. As you peruse the menu for the evening a cool ocean breeze combs through your hair and a child runs to the edge of the boat to gawk at a dolphin playing in the water. You’re on a sunset sail in Cairns and life is good. If you’re not quite ready to be pulled from this blissful daydream, keep reading to find out how we can bring this fantasy to fruition.
Below we have listed the top three sunset sailing tours in Cairns. Whether you’re just looking for dinner on the sea and under the stars or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
Sailaway Island Sunset Sail
The Basics: Departs Port Douglas, two hours, ages 13+, from $75
Leave the kids with a sitter and step out for an evening of adults-only bliss on the open water. Spend one and a half hours cruising in luxury on a smooth-sailing catamaran as the sun sets over the Daintree Rainforest and stretches its brilliant orange haze over the Coral Sea. Chow down on delightful canapes and treaties as you sip on a complimentary welcome beverage and get ready for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Expect a menu of light, refreshing morsels like corn and zucchini tartlets, sushi rolls, pea and mint arancini, and a classic spread of antipasto and cheeses, plus a fully licensed bar.
Sailaway’s sunset sail isn’t just a romantic option for a lovers’ night out, it’s also great for groups, be you girls on tour for a birthday getaway, lads on tour for a bachelor’s, or simply adults enjoying time away from the daily grind. For a small additional cost, Sailaway can even organise personalised first-class service for small groups! You’ll be letting your hair down and letting the troubles of the real world wash away in no time.
Sailaway Sunset and Snorkel
The Basics: Departs Port Douglas, six hours, ages 13+, from $292
This sunset sail has a little more going for it than just canapes and booze, so if you like adventure on the side of your sunsets this is the tour for you. Depart Port Douglas at around 1 pm and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of islands, ocean and the Daintree Forest as you make your way to the Low Isles. After an hour and a half of scenic bliss and sea breezes, moor at Low Isles and spend the next two and a half hours exploring the sandy white shores, floating in the crystal clear water, or snorkelling through an underwater paradise teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. There’s also a glass bottom boat tour included, where you can watch the traffic of the reef roll by beneath the boat’s transparent floors as a knowledgeable marine biologist entertains and educates you through commentary. On land, enjoy a guided Heritage walk through the Low Isles and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic seabirds that perch on the island.
No doubt all of this activity will have your stomach rumbling and a’grumbling in no time. As you head back to the boat for the return journey, sate your hunger with a delightful selection of canapes, cheeses, antipasto and fresh fruits. And you might as well treat yourself to a glass (or several) of refreshing bubbles because you deserve it. The return journey will be even more blissful, with sunset hues melting over the mountains on the mainland and casting a spellbinding glow over the ocean.
Sailaway are also some of the most eco-conscious operators in the game, they pride themselves on their low-emission catamaran and Advanced Eco Certification. Plus, with each booking $20 is donated to the Eco Shamba Environmental Initiative (a reforestation organisation), and who doesn’t feel good about giving back to nature?!
Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise
The basics: Departs Cairns, three hours, all ages, from $105
Whereas the Sailaway sunset sails stick to light meals and canapes, Spirit of Cairns will send you into a dreamy, sunset-hued food coma. Departing daily at 6 pm, Spirit of Cairns will get you on the water just in time for a glorious three-hour sunset spectacular. Indulge in a delightful complimentary beverage on arrival and snack on oysters, antipasto, fresh prawns and canapes as the Spirit of Cairns’ luxury 26-metre catamaran glides through Trinity Inlet’s serene, sparkling waters. Stroll along the spacious, sun-lit decks and take in the panoramic views of the sun setting over the mainland while the chef pours their heart and soul into the dishes you’ll be treated to later.
When it’s time to order dinner, make a selection from marinated Moroccan chicken, herb-crusted barramundi, or salt and pepper calamari, or vegetarian pasta bake, mushroom bourguignon, or noodle stir fry for the herbivores on board. There’s also a variety of cold salads to choose from if you’d like to keep it light. And save room for dessert, because you can finish off the night with more freshly shucked oysters, fresh tropical fruits, sweet cakes, or Australian icon, the pavlova.
There is no excuse to not be a glutton and absolutely gorge yourself on the delicious array of meals on board, so dig in!
