Cocoa Beach: Thousand Islands Sunset Cruise & Wildlife Sighting

Summary

Drift past Cocoa Beach’s islands as the sky changes color and dolphins surface

You’ll board right by Cocoa Beach’s waterfront bar for a relaxed sunset cruise through the Thousand Islands. Watch dolphins surface near the boat, listen to fun music with locals and travelers alike, and catch those shifting colors over Banana River before heading back for dinner or drinks. It’s easygoing and full of small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the crew at Island Boat Lines actually remembered someone’s birthday — not mine, but a woman named Carol who’d brought her grandkids. They played her favorite song (something old-school, can’t remember what) as we pulled away from the Sunset Waterfront Bar & Grill. The Banana River smelled faintly salty, with that warm Florida air that sticks to your skin in a good way. Our captain pointed out a pelican gliding low over the water — he called it “the neighborhood gossip.” I laughed, but he wasn’t joking.

The boat drifted into the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands just as the sun started dipping. There was this weird hush for a moment, except for the music and some kids giggling about seeing “manatee noses.” Honestly, I didn’t expect to see so many dolphins — they popped up right beside us, close enough that you could hear them exhale. One of them splashed my shoe (not complaining). The guide answered questions about which birds migrate here (turns out more than I thought), and when someone asked about alligators he just grinned and said, “Not tonight.”

I kept trying to take photos but none of them really captured how gold everything looked — even Carol’s grandkids seemed quieter for a second watching that orange-pink sky over Cocoa Beach. We looped back toward the restaurant with music still playing. It felt like everyone was in on some little secret together. I still think about that last bit of light on the water — kind of makes you want to stay out there longer than 90 minutes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Banana River sunset cruise

• Depart from Sunset Waterfront Bar and Grill
• Cruise through Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands
• Enjoy fun music from captain and mate
• Watch for birds, dolphins, and manatees
• View and photograph the sunset
• Return to Sunset Waterfront Bar and Grill

Top questions

How long is the Cocoa Beach sunset cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Where does the sunset tour depart from?

The tour departs from Sunset Waterfront Bar & Grill on Banana River in Cocoa Beach.

Is there wildlife viewing during the cruise?

Yes, you may see dolphins, manatees, and various birds along the way.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board.

Is this Cocoa Beach sunset cruise family friendly?

Yes, families with children are welcome on this tour.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and strollers are allowed.

Does the tour include live commentary?

No formal narrative is included but crew answer questions and point out animals.

Can infants join this cruise?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap if not in a stroller or pram.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute boat ride through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with music onboard, chances to spot dolphins and manatees, access to an onboard restroom, plus easy boarding at Sunset Waterfront Bar & Grill—wheelchair accessible and family friendly throughout.