9 Must-try Cancun Sunset Cruises in 2023: The Best Tours and Tips

Planning to go on one of the Cancun sunset cruises during your trip?

Cancun sunset tours are a great way to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the day in Cancun.

Cancun is known for its great atmosphere, where you can party all night long.

Thankfully, you do not have to wait until night to start having a good time. If you are looking for a way to enjoy your evening in Cancun, a sunset cruise is a great option.

Keep reading to learn about Cancun’s best sunset tours! 

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9 Best Cancun Sunset Cruises 

1. Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran with Open Bar 

4.0 ⭐️ 1,735 Reviews

Enjoy your afternoon soaking up the sun as you cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres which includes an open bar.

On the way to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, you will stop at a reef and get the chance to hop into the water, snorkel, and see the incredible marine life.

In Isla Mujeres, you will dock at a private beach club where you will enjoy a delicious meal. You will have time to explore downtown Isla Mujeres and do some shopping before returning to Cancun. 

It was perfect. Worth every dollar. Make sure to bring a towel and cash to tip the staff. The trip was from 10-6, but it was a party the entire time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Taylor_B, Jul 2023
View of the sunset in Isla Mujeres and Carribean coast.
Visit Isla Mujeres on this tour.

2. Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Riviera Maya with Light Dinner and Open Bar

4.5 ⭐️ 255 Reviews

Sail along the Cancun coast and enjoy the beautiful sunset colors of the Riviera Maya on this luxury sailing excursion.

Let the crew spoil you with the open bar and snacks while you relax.

This tour is perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening or family and friends looking for an unforgettable time.

This tour lasts about 2 hours and includes transportation to and from your hotel. 

It was a beautiful experience. It was very relaxing and peaceful setting. Tequila sunrise and margaritas were great.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jessica_D, Jul 2023
Isla Mujeres view on a sunset.
Isla Mujeres

3. Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruising Experience 

4.5 ⭐️ 30 Reviews

Enjoy a sail around the Nichupte Lagoon on a Spanish galleon.

Relax and enjoy watching the sun sink into the lagoon while listening to live music.

Start your evening with cocktails, then enjoy a delicious dinner with your choice of lobster, steak, both, or a vegetarian option.

Finish your evening by dancing on the deck of the ship and soaking up the romantic atmosphere. This tour lasts 3 hours. 

The host was phenomenal and the music was really suited to the event. The meal was fine . Most of all it was not a crowded ship.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lucy_F, Apr 2023
Aerial view of Cancun Hotel Zone and Nichupte Lagoon.
Sail around Nichupte Lagoon on this tour.

4. Isla Mujeres Sunset Cruise and Tour from Cancun 

5.0 ⭐️ 30 Reviews

Escape the Cancun crowds and take an evening sail to Isla Mujeres.

The beautiful colors at dusk will let you experience Isla Mujeres at its most beautiful.

On your way to Isla Mujeres, you will enjoy cocktails and drinks.

Once at Isla Mujeres, you will have time to explore downtown before heading to Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, to enjoy the sunset.

This tour lasts 4 hours and includes pickup and drop off at your hotel.

I celebrated my 30th birthday on the cruise. I had a great time with my family and friends. The crew was awesome!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dorthilen_H, May 2023
Aerial view of Isla Mujeres during sunset.
Isla Mujeres

5. Catamaran Sunset Cruise to Isla Mujeres from Cancun 

4.0 ⭐️ 25 Reviews

Enjoy a scenic boat ride from Punta Sam to Isla Mujeres.

Once there you will have time to take a guided walking tour of downtown and a lot of things to do there or explore on your own.

You will then head to Playa Norte where you can relax and soak in the crystal clear water before returning to Cancun.

You will then enjoy some drinks while sailing back to Cancun and taking in the beautiful sunset colors. This tour lasts around 5 hours. 

The crew was so nice and friendly we all had a fun time. Super awesome experience would book again. Muy Bueno!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Alexis_M, Feb 2023
View of Playa Delfines.
Playa Delfines

6. Romantic Experience Sailing over the Lagoon in Cancun – 2 x 1 

5.0 ⭐️ 5 Reviews

Take a loved one with you on this romantic sunset cruise.

You will board a Spanish galleon and head out into the Nichupte Lagoon to enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunset.

The candlelight, live saxophone music, and beautiful sky will create an unforgettable atmosphere.

You will enjoy an open bar with cocktails and wine and your choice of a steak, lobster, or ‘surf’n’turf’ gourmet dinner.

The beautiful landscape and great service will help you have an unforgettable night. This dinner cruise lasts 2 and a half hours. 

View of Punta Cancun and its blue sea.
Enjoy live saxophone music on this tour.

7. Your Romantic Dinner in Cancun, includes a national open bar and live music

4.5 ⭐️ 20 Reviews

Enjoy one of the best views of Cancun’s sunset aboard a Spanish galleon with this romantic dinner cruise.

You will indulge yourself with freely-flowing drinks from the open bar and a three-course meal that includes your choice of a delicious steak, lobster, or ‘surf’n’turf.’

A live saxophone player will provide the perfect music for a romantic evening and you can dance on the deck of the boat.

Upgrade your tour to include all dock fees and roundtrip transportation from your hotel.

This dinner cruise lasts 2 and a half hours. 

This dinner cruise was amazing! The atmosphere was romantic. Dinner was delicious. The service and entertainment were impeccable! 10/10!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Danielle_T, Jun 2023
Aerial view of Playa Langosta.
Playa Langosta

8. 2-hour Private Sunset Cruise on a luxury yacht in Cancun Bay 25P18 

4.0 ⭐️ 12 Reviews

Relax in style when you charter this comfortable 38-foot yacht for a sunset cruise.

Take a group of up to 5 people out on the water to get the best views of the evening off the coast of Cancun.

The attentive crew will serve you soft drinks and water while you cruise around enjoying views of the jungle, mangroves, and setting sun. This tour lasts about 2 hours. 

It was my 40th birthday celebration and it was amazing. The guys were so helpful and showed great hospitality.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Andrea_J, Sep 2021
Aerial view of Cancun Hotel Zone surrounded by blue sea.
Set sail off the coast of Cancun on this tour.

9. Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in Cancun with Light Dinner and Open Bar

4.5 ⭐️ 12 Reviews

Set sail along the Cancun coastline on this luxurious catamaran.

You will have a great time with your partner, friends, or family on this cruise.

The staff will work hard to keep you comfortable- serving you drinks and snacks as you glide through the water.

Take in the breathtaking colors of the Caribbean sunset while receiving unmatched service. This tour lasts 2 hours. 

Awesome cruise! Unfortunately, I got sick at no fault to the cruise line. I was dehydrated and did not eat. Ivan was attentive to my needs. He was so kind, considerate and compassionate, and it was helpful to have someone of his knowledge at such a difficult and unfortunate time. My family took lots of photos and shared that the music and food were all great! They shared that seeing the sunset was the best. I will make a point to do a repeat on my next visit. Thank you Ivan for your kindness and compassion at such a difficult time. It will never be forgotten.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bernice_P, Jun 2023
Drone view of Malecon Tajamar.
Malecon Tajamar

Is a sunset cruise in Cancun worth it?

Yes, sunset cruises are a great way to relax and enjoy the best views and colors of the Caribbean sunset.

Whether you are looking for a romantic evening with your partner, or just a special night with family or friends, a sunset cruise is an unforgettable experience.

Let the crews spoil you with drinks, snacks, and the best views of the sunset.

Plus, sunset cruises usually only last a few hours, leaving you plenty of time to do daytime excursions before your tour and go out partying after (if you want). 

How much does a sunset cruise in Cancun cost?

Sunset cruises usually cost around $89 to $100 dollars.

The price depends on whether they are serving you just drinks, or food and drinks.

When booking your tour, pay attention to whether it includes transportation to and from your hotel and docking fees.

Some sunset cruises do not include the docking fee, which is around $14 per person. 

Aerial view of Playa Langosta via drone.

What to bring on a Cancun sunset cruise

Most sunset cruises last between 2 and 3 hours.

You do not need to take a lot with you, but there are a few things you want to throw in a bag and have with you to make sure you are comfortable.

Here is a list of what to take with you:

👉🏽 Extra clothes 

Some of the tours offer the best Cancun snorkeling tours or swimming at the beach, so you will want to take dry clothes to change into for your sail back.

You can wear your swimsuit and coverup to start the tour but will want to change for your sail back.

Dry clothes will keep you more comfortable, plus, if you are prone to getting chilled, dry clothes will keep you at the perfect temperature.

Drone view of Cancun Beach and Lagoon.

👉🏽 Sunscreen

The sun is strong in Cancun and you want to make sure to protect your skin, even in the evening hours.

It is a good rule of thumb to always wear sunscreen and keep extra with you if you will be outside before dark. 

👉🏽 Bug Spray

The mosquitos come out the most at dusk, so you will want to carry bug spray with you.

In general, while you are sailing on the water there will not be any mosquitos that bother you; however, you will want it for your arrival and departure from the marina.

Just like sunscreen, it is a good thing to carry with you. 

Keep mosquitos away!

OFF! Botanicals Deet-Free Insect Repellent, Plant-Based Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent, 4 oz

6885 4.5-⭐️ Reviews

👉🏽 Waterproof Camera

You will want to get plenty of pictures of the sunset, so make sure to take a camera with you.

The best option is to have a camera that can get wet. Go for a waterproof camera, a dry case for your phone, or a waterproof phone just in case it gets splashed. 

👉🏽 Hat & Sunglasses

Just like sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are something you want to carry with you all the time while in Cancun.

Even on a sunset cruise when the sun will be going down, you will be happy to have a pair of sunglasses.

These will let you enjoy the colors without having to shield your eyes from the sun.

View of a lighthouse in Cancun.

Cancun sunset cruise tips

Sunset cruises are a great option for all different travelers to Cancun.

Whether you love to be in the water or prefer to do land activities, a sunset cruise is a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Here are a few tips to make sure you have a great time:

📌 Book in advance

Sunset cruises are very popular in Cancun so plan ahead and have this on your itinerary.

The catamarans have limited space on them, so these best Cancun tours tend to fill up fast.

Book your tour in advance with a reliable tour company, I love to use viator.com to book trips.

Do not wait until the last minute to book, only to be disappointed that the tour you wanted is full.

📌 Bring a light jacket or sweater

Many people are surprised by how fresh the air on the water feels compared to land.

Even on a hot afternoon, it can be a good idea to take a light jacket or sweater with you on the sunset cruise. 

View of Punta Cancun and its blue sea set sail and experience one of the best Cancun sunset cruises.

📌 Arrive early to enjoy sunset views

Make the most of your experience and be sure to arrive early so that you can see all the sunset views and colors. Take your camera and be sure to snap plenty of pictures!

📌 Bring extra money for tips

The captain and crew will work hard to make sure you have a great experience on your cruise.

They will keep you safe, keep the drinks flowing, and make sure you have a good time.

You will want to have cash on hand so you can leave them a tip to let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. 

Aerial view of Cancun.

📌 Don’t bother wearing nice shoes

Most boats ask you to take your shoes because they can be slippery and scuff the deck of the boat.

So, do not bother stressing about what shoes match your outfit or wear your nicest shoes.

📌 Take lots of photos!

We’ve already mentioned it, but make sure to remember your camera and take plenty of pictures.

You will want the pictures to remember a great evening and revisit the Cancun sunset over and over. 

View of huge waves in Cancun beach.

Frequently Asked Questions about sunset cruises in Cancun

What happens on a sunset cruise?

All tours are slightly different, so you can check what your cruise offers.

In general, you will board a catamaran and sail around the coast of Cancun and the Nichupte Lagoon.

You will get to enjoy the colorful sky as the sun sets.

The crew will serve you drinks, and sometimes snacks, while creating a great atmosphere with music. 

What is the difference between a sunset cruise and a dinner cruise?

In general, sunset cruises serve you drinks and sometimes light snacks.

Dinner cruises will serve you a complete, delicious meal while on board.

Cancun offers both sunset cruises and dinner cruises, so you can pick which one you prefer!

View of Punta Cncun under a clear sky.

What do you wear on a sunset Catamaran cruise?

You should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Many people like to dress up in tropical dresses to go on sunset or dinner cruises.

And it is common to see couples dressed sharply on romantic dinner cruises.

If you enjoy dressing up, a sunset cruise is a great reason to put on a nice outfit. (Remember, you’ll be taking lots of pictures- a good reason to look your best). 

Cancun drone view of Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta tower

Final Thoughts: Cancun Sunset Cruises

There is nothing better than relaxing on the water and watching the beautiful colors of a Caribbean sunset.

Sunset cruises are a great way to make memories with loved ones, whether you want to make it a romantic evening or just a wonderful evening with family and friends.

Remember to book your sunset cruise in advance and enjoy the beautiful colors that mother nature provides!

About the Author

Hey there! This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 12 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun’s spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!

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