Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Drinks

Summary

Sunset cruise gliding past dolphins & golden skies in Panama City Beach

You’ll feel the breeze on your face as you sail out from Panama City Beach on a sunset catamaran cruise, drink in hand. Watch dolphins glide by while music plays softly and locals share stories. With time to relax before dinner or a night out, this is where you’ll catch those quiet moments that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the dock just as the sun was starting to slide down, not quite orange yet — more like that pale gold you get right before it gets dramatic. The crew waved us over (I think one of them was named Jamie?) and there was this salty tang in the air that kind of clung to everything, even my shirt. Boarding the Privateer catamaran felt less like an event and more like joining some big floating picnic — people laughing, someone already asking about Privateer Punch at the bar. I grabbed a seat near the rail so I could dangle my feet if I wanted, and honestly, it was hard not to just stare at how wide the Gulf looked from out here.

Our guide made a joke about “dolphin o’clock” being right around sunset — and weirdly enough, maybe twenty minutes in, someone pointed and there they were. Not jumping or anything showy, just these little gray arcs moving alongside us for a bit. There’s something about seeing dolphins in real life that makes you forget you’re holding a plastic cup (mine had this sweet punch that tasted like pineapple and something else I couldn’t place). The music was low-key — some Jimmy Buffett mixed with songs I didn’t know — but it fit. At one point I tried to take a photo of the sky changing colors but gave up; it never looks right anyway.

I noticed couples leaning into each other near the bow, but there were families too — one kid kept running back and forth between his parents and the snack bar. The crew didn’t mind at all; actually, they seemed to know half the people by name. There’s this moment when you realize everyone’s just quietly watching the horizon together, no one talking much except for a few clinks of glasses or someone laughing at a joke you missed. When we finally drifted back toward shore, I still had sand on my shoes from earlier but didn’t really care. That last bit of sunlight stuck behind my eyes for hours after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset catamaran sail experience

• Board the 52-foot Privateer catamaran
• Enjoy complimentary beverage onboard
• Listen to tropical music during sail
• Watch the sunset over Gulf of Mexico
• Look out for dolphins in the afternoon
• Purchase additional drinks or snacks if desired
• Relax and unwind before evening plans

Top questions

Is there a complimentary drink included on the Panama City Beach sunset catamaran cruise?

Yes, your sunset sail includes one complimentary beverage per person onboard.

How long does the sunset catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours from boarding to return.

Are snacks or additional drinks available during the cruise?

Yes, snacks and drinks including cocktails like Privateer Punch are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Is live music always played during the sunset cruise?

Live music is offered on selected evenings; otherwise, tropical music is played throughout the cruise.

Are children allowed on this Panama City Beach sunset cruise?

Yes, families with children are welcome aboard; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear for the catamaran sail?

The dress code is casual—no high heels recommended due to boat movement.

Is wheelchair access provided for this tour?

The tour isn’t fully wheelchair accessible but collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if guests can board with assistance.

Where does boarding take place for the Privateer catamaran?

You’ll walk about 5-7 minutes down the dock at Panama City Beach to reach boarding; assistance can be arranged if notified in advance.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour sunset sail from Panama City Beach aboard a spacious catamaran with one complimentary drink per guest—plus tropical or live music on select nights. Snacks and extra beverages are available for purchase at the onboard bar before returning ashore in time for dinner or more exploring downtown.