Orange Beach & Perdido Key: Sunset Sailing Cruise Catamaran

Summary

Golden hour sailing in Orange Beach with dolphin sightings and calm waters

You’ll sail through Orange Beach’s peaceful bays on a catamaran at sunset, spotting dolphins and coastal birds while sipping something cold from the onboard bar. With a friendly local captain guiding you past Perdido Key and plenty of space to relax, it’s two hours of simple quiet — and maybe one or two moments you’ll remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft slap of water against the hull — not loud, just steady, almost like breathing. We’d barely left the dock in Orange Beach when someone pointed out a heron perched on a piling, neck tucked in like it was already settling down for the night. The sky was still pale blue then, but you could feel that slow shift coming, the air getting heavier and sweet with salt.

Our captain (I think his name was Mike? Or Mark — he had that easy way locals do) told us to keep an eye out for dolphins near Perdido Key. I didn’t really believe we’d see them, but then there they were — three of them, just gliding alongside us for a minute before dipping under. There was this little girl on board who squealed so loud everyone laughed. I tried to get a picture but mostly ended up with blurry tails and my own thumb in the frame. That’s fine though; some things are better as memories.

I grabbed a cold drink from the bar (they had this local beer I’d never heard of), leaned back against the rail, and watched seagulls wheel overhead. The sun started melting into gold behind us, lighting up the water in these long orange streaks. Someone said it looked like honey poured over glass — kind of cheesy, but actually true. The whole boat got quiet for a second when it dipped below the trees. Not sure why that sticks with me now.

If you’re thinking about an Orange Beach sunset cruise, just go. It’s two hours where you don’t have to do anything except watch light change and maybe chat with whoever’s next to you about nothing important at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing cruise in Orange Beach

• Board the Cetacean catamaran
• Sail along Orange Beach and Perdido Key
• Watch the golden sunset
• Look for marine and coastal wildlife
• Enjoy drinks from the cocktail bar

Top questions

How long is the Orange Beach sunset sailing cruise?

The sunset sailing cruise lasts approximately two hours.

Is there a bar on board during the cruise?

Yes, there is a full-service cocktail bar available for purchase on board.

What wildlife might I see during the cruise?

You may see dolphins, bald eagles, seagulls, herons, osprey, and schools of fish.

Does this sunset cruise include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the departure point.

Are infants allowed on the catamaran?

Infants must weigh at least 18 pounds to board; children under 2 are not highly recommended.

Where does the cruise take place?

The cruise sails through Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida along the Intracoastal Waterway.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes covered for your spot aboard the 52-foot catamaran Cetacean. Drinks are available for purchase from the full-service cocktail bar as you glide along Orange Beach and Perdido Key’s back bays — just show up ready to relax; everything else is sorted once you’re on board.