Private Naples Bay sunset cruise: Port Royal and Gordon River

Cruise past Port Royal mansions as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico

A private 2.5-hour sunset boat tour on Naples Bay departs from Naples Bay Resort and cruises the canals and backwaters of Port Royal, then heads toward the Gulf of Mexico or the mouth of the Gordon River to watch the sunset. You get a live English-speaking guide, water and ice, and room to bring your own drinks and food; the boat holds a maximum of six passengers on a comfortable pontoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Naples Bay and Port Royal Sunset Cruise

• Board luxury tri-toon boat
• Cruise through Port Royal canals
• Enjoy guided tour or relax
• View Port Royal houses and mansions
• Head to Gulf of Mexico mouth
• Watch sunset over Gulf horizon
• Return during twilight with sunset views

The Experience

The boat leaves from the Naples Bay Resort at 1500 5th Avenue South and heads into the canals and backwaters of Port Royal, where a guide points out the waterfront homes and mansions as you cruise. The tour then moves toward the Gulf of Mexico or the mouth of the Gordon River—depending on sea conditions—to catch the sunset. After the sun dips below the horizon, you head back during twilight and see the houses backlit by the reflection of the fading light on the water.

The pontoon is built for comfort: it seats six passengers maximum and has plenty of space to move around. Bring your own wine, beer, charcuterie, or dinner from a restaurant—there's time to eat and drink without rushing. Water and a cooler with ice are provided. The captain handles the boat while you relax, and if you want narration about what you're seeing, the guide is there; if you'd rather sit quietly, that works too.

The 2.5-hour tour runs as long as sea conditions allow. Service animals are welcome on board. Public transportation options are available near the resort if you're not driving. Gratuities for the captain are not included; 20% is the standard benchmark for private charters.

What’s included

• Water and cooler with ice.
• live English-speaking guide.
• comfortable pontoon boat seating up to six passengers.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sand Dollar Boat Tours of Naples

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private boat where you control the itinerary—choose between a guided mansion tour or self-directed exploration, and decide whether to anchor for sunset or keep moving toward the Gulf.

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Top questions

What do I see on the Port Royal part of the cruise?

The Port Royal canals and backwaters show off the waterfront homes and mansions along the route. Your guide points them out as the boat cruises through, and you get the full view from the water side.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You're welcome to bring takeout from your favorite restaurant, wine, beer, or charcuterie. Water and ice are provided on the boat, so you don't need to bring those.

How long is the cruise?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, from departure at Naples Bay Resort through the Port Royal canals, out toward the Gulf of Mexico or Gordon River for sunset, and back during twilight.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat launches from Naples Bay Resort at 1500 5th Avenue South in Naples. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

The boat departs the mouth of the Gordon River only as long as the seas are calm. If conditions aren't right, the captain will adjust the route or timing to keep the cruise safe.