Clearwater: Sunset Cruise with Champagne & Dolphin Watching

Summary

Champagne sunset cruise in Clearwater with dolphins and open decks

You’ll step onto a spacious boat in Clearwater for an easygoing sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Watch dolphins swim by, sip complimentary champagne as daylight fades, and chat with friendly crew while ocean breezes drift past. This is one of those evenings that feels both relaxed and quietly special — especially when the sky turns gold.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so calm watching the sky change colors over Clearwater — honestly, I was just hoping for some dolphins and maybe a good photo or two. But as soon as we stepped onto the boat (it’s bigger than it looks in photos, by the way), there was this salty breeze and everyone sort of loosened up. Our guide, Mike, started pointing out little things right away — like how you can tell which birds are locals and which are just passing through. I never thought about birds having “locals,” but apparently they do.

The sunset cruise left right on time — they really mean it when they say don’t be late, because a couple almost missed it (the crew joked about “Clearwater traffic” and everyone laughed). We drifted past these huge houses lining the Intracoastal Waterway, some with their own docks and neon lights flickering in the early evening. There was this faint smell of sunscreen mixed with ocean air, and every so often someone would shout “dolphin!” It wasn’t staged or anything — we actually saw three or four swimming right alongside us for a bit. I probably took twenty blurry photos before giving up and just watching them.

At some point, they handed out champagne flutes for a toast (only if you’re 21+, and yes, they checked IDs). The light was that soft gold you only get for maybe ten minutes before it fades — I still think about that view sometimes. People were chatting quietly on both decks, but there were also these pockets of silence where all you heard was water against the hull. I ended up talking to a couple from Ohio who’d never seen palm trees before; kind of made me appreciate them more myself.

If you’re thinking about a sunset cruise in Clearwater, just know it’s not flashy or crowded — they keep numbers low so you can actually move around. There’s beer and wine if you want it (no outside drinks though), plus sodas for kids or anyone skipping alcohol. I’d go again just for those few quiet minutes when everything felt slow and easy…which doesn’t happen much these days, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening sunset cruise in Clearwater

• Arrive at dock 15 minutes early
• Board 46-foot two-deck vessel
• Cruise Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf
• Watch for dolphins along route
• Enjoy complimentary champagne toast
• Purchase beer, wine, or soft drinks
• Disembark after 2-hour cruise

Top questions

How long is the Clearwater sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

Are drinks included on the sunset cruise?

Complimentary champagne is included for guests 21+, while beer, wine, hard seltzers, soda, and water are available to purchase onboard.

Will we see dolphins on this Clearwater cruise?

Dolphin sightings are common along the Intracoastal Waterway but cannot be guaranteed.

Is there food available during the sunset cruise?

No meals are provided; only drinks are available onboard.

Do I need to arrive early for boarding?

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to check in and board on time.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat for passenger use.

Can I bring my own drinks onto the boat?

No outside beverages are allowed; drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is included; you must make your own way to the dock in Clearwater.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour boat ride through Clearwater Pass into the Gulf (weather permitting), dolphin watching along the Intracoastal Waterway with commentary from local crew, a complimentary champagne toast if you're over 21 (just bring your ID), access to restrooms onboard, plus options to buy beer, wine, hard seltzers or soft drinks as you go.