Panama City Beach: Sunset Catamaran Sail with Drinks

Summary

Sunset sailing Panama City Beach style—drinks, music, dolphins

You’ll board a catamaran in Panama City Beach for an easygoing sunset sail along the Gulf—watching dolphins play, sipping your complimentary drink (wine, beer, or punch), and listening to music with locals at the helm. It’s less about spectacle and more about letting go for 90 minutes while colors shift across the water—something you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen the sky turn purple over the Gulf?” That’s what our captain asked as we stepped barefoot onto the Footloose catamaran in Panama City Beach. I’d barely tucked my sandals under the bench when someone handed me a cold glass of sangria—sweet, a little tart. The deck felt warm from the sun but you could already smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. There were families, couples, a group celebrating something (maybe a birthday?), and everyone sort of loosened up once we pushed off from the dock at Bluegreen Bayside Resort.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers. Our guide—her name was Jess—pointed out a pod of dolphins right as the sun started dipping lower. People scrambled for their phones but honestly, it was better just watching them break the surface for a second, then gone. There was this mix of tropical music and wind that made it hard to think about anything stressful. I tried their Footloose Punch (don’t ask what’s in it; it’s pink and strong), and someone behind me ordered beer with a thick Southern accent that made Jess grin.

The whole sunset thing is real here—the sky throws out colors you can’t name, and there’s this hush for a minute where everyone just stands at the rail not saying much. My hair got tangled from the breeze and I almost lost my hat once. If you’re looking for a flashy tour or some wild party, this isn’t that—it’s more like floating into evening with good company and salty air. We docked back after about an hour and a half, cheeks warm from sun or maybe wine. I still think about that last bit of orange light on the water—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sail on Footloose catamaran

• Board the 40-foot Footloose catamaran
• Enjoy tropical music and complimentary drink
• Relax and watch the Panama City sunset
• Look out for dolphins along the Gulf
• Purchase additional drinks or snacks onboard
• Disembark after 1.5-hour sunset cruise

Top questions

How long is the Panama City Beach sunset sail?

The sunset sail lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The tour departs from The Bluegreen Bayside Golf & Spa Resort at 4114 Jan Cooley Dr., Panama City Beach.

Is there a complimentary drink included?

Yes, each guest receives one complimentary beverage—choose from wine, sangria, beer or non-alcoholic options.

Can children join the sunset cruise?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed on board.

Are snacks or extra drinks available?

Yes, snacks and additional beverages (including cocktails) are available for purchase at the onboard bar using debit or credit card only.

Will we see dolphins on this sunset cruise?

Dolphin sightings are common during late afternoon sails but cannot be guaranteed.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests must make their way to the departure point.

Is this sunset sail accessible for wheelchairs?

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if participants can board via 2-3 steps independently or with help from their party.

What’s included

Your evening includes one complimentary drink (wine, sangria, beer or soft drink), all crew services by local guides, access to an onboard bar for snacks and cocktails by card payment only—and an easy walk down the dock before setting sail on your Panama City Beach sunset cruise.