Halifax Sunset Cruise with Live Musician: Tall Ship Silva

Watch the sun sink toward the water while a musician plays on deck

The Halifax Sunset Cruise is a 90-minute evening sail aboard the Tall Ship Silva departing from Cable Wharf, cruising past Georges Island and McNabs Island lighthouse with live music onboard. The ship circles back along the Halifax Waterfront, and if conditions are favorable, passengers can help raise the sails. A restroom is available on board; drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Halifax Sunset Cruise Experience

• Board Tall Ship Silva at Cable Wharf
• Purchase drinks from onboard bar
• Cruise past historic Georges Island
• View Maugher Beach and McNabs Island lighthouse
• Help raise sails if conditions allow
• Cruise alongside Halifax Waterfront

The Experience

The Tall Ship Silva leaves Cable Wharf as the sun begins its descent, heading out into Halifax Harbour where sailboats, ferries, cargo ships and naval vessels move across the water. The route takes you past Georges Island, a glacial drumlin and the largest island entirely within the harbour, where Fort Charlotte—a National Historic Site—sits on the shoreline. From there, the Silva continues toward Maugher Beach and the iconic McNabs Island lighthouse, the landmarks that frame the golden hour.

If wind and water conditions cooperate, you'll be invited to help raise the sails yourself—a chance most sunset cruises don't offer. A live musician plays on deck throughout the sail, and the Harbourwalk's lights and energy come into view as the ship circles back toward the waterfront for the final stretch. The whole outing runs 90 minutes, long enough to watch the light change without eating into the rest of your evening.

Drinks are available at the onboard bar if you want to bring something to your seat; a restroom is on board. The ship accommodates all fitness levels, and infants can ride on an adult's lap. Public transportation options are nearby if you're getting to Cable Wharf without a car.

What’s included

• Live music on deck.
• onboard bar with wine, beer and cocktails.
• restroom on board.
• the chance to help raise the sails if conditions allow.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Murphys Sailing Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to actively participate in sailing—you'll help raise the sails and navigate past specific landmarks—rather than passively watch the sunset from a stationary viewpoint.

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Top questions

What is Georges Island and why does the cruise pass it?

Georges Island is the largest island entirely within Halifax Harbour and home to Fort Charlotte, a National Historic Site of Canada named after King George's wife. The Tall Ship Silva passes it early in the cruise as you head out into the harbour toward McNabs Island.

Can I buy drinks on the Halifax Sunset Cruise?

Yes, an onboard bar sells wine, beer, cocktails and other beverages during the sail. Guests 19 and older can purchase drinks, with options starting at $9 and up.

What happens if the wind is too light to raise the sails?

If conditions are favorable, passengers are invited to help raise the sails as part of the experience. If conditions don't allow it, the cruise still follows the same route past Georges Island and McNabs Island lighthouse with live music on deck.

How long is the Halifax Sunset Cruise?

The cruise runs 90 minutes from departure at Cable Wharf through the harbour and back along the waterfront.

Is there a restroom on the Tall Ship Silva?

Yes, a restroom is available on board for passengers during the cruise.