West Palm Beach: Sunset Catamaran Cruise & Downtown Views

Summary

Sunset on the water, city lights flicker, history along Palm Beach Island

You’ll drift past downtown West Palm Beach as sunlight glows on glass towers and historic mansions. Feel Atlantic breezes on your skin from a catamaran’s bow nets, hear stories about Kennedy’s bunker near Peanut Island, and watch city lights shimmer as evening falls. There’s space to relax or chat—and something about that sunset sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a yacht that big up close?” That was the first thing I heard as we stepped onto the Hakuna Matata down at Clematis Street. The dock had this salty breeze mixing with something sweet from a food cart nearby—maybe kettle corn? Our captain, Mark, waved us aboard with a grin and a joke about sunscreen (I’d already forgotten mine). We found seats on these soft padded benches, but honestly, I couldn’t sit still for long. The catamaran slid out into the water so quietly that I almost missed when downtown West Palm Beach started sliding past us—glass towers catching the last gold light, old brick buildings tucked in between.

I dangled my feet in the bow nets for a while—felt weirdly freeing, toes just above the Atlantic. There’s this moment where you look back and realize how different everything looks from out here. Our guide pointed out some of those wild Palm Beach mansions—one had columns bigger than my apartment—and then there were these mega yachts parked like they owned the place. Someone asked about them and Mark just laughed, said he’d never even seen anyone on deck. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen and maybe someone’s turkey wrap (you can pre-order food if you’re organized—I wasn’t). People were chatting quietly or just watching the sky change color over the city.

We cruised by Peanut Island too—the guide mentioned President Kennedy’s old bunker from the Cuban missile crisis days. It’s strange thinking about all that history tucked behind palm trees and picnic tables now. You could see folks snorkeling near the shore; their laughter drifted across to us for a second before fading under boat noise. I didn’t expect to feel so calm out there—maybe it was just being away from traffic or maybe it was how everyone sort of went quiet as the sun dipped lower, like nobody wanted to break whatever spell was happening.

By the time we headed back toward Clematis Street, downtown was lighting up—reflections in the water looked almost fake, you know? I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic or scrolling through photos at home. If you want to see West Palm Beach from another angle—or just need an excuse to do nothing for a couple hours—this sunset cruise is kind of perfect for that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening cruise along West Palm Beach

• Board the Hakuna Matata catamaran
• Cruise Downtown West Palm Beach skyline
• View palatial mansions and mega yachts
• Pass historic coast guard station
• See President Kennedy's Cuban missile bunker
• Enjoy snorkeling trails at public park

Top questions

Where does the sunset cruise in West Palm Beach depart from?

The cruise departs from Downtown West Palm Beach docks at Clematis Street & Flagler Drive.

Is food included on the West Palm Beach sunset cruise?

No, but you can pre-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and more if you order at least 4 hours before departure.

Are infants allowed on this scenic sunset cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can join; they must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller or pram.

What will we see during the sunset catamaran cruise?

You’ll see downtown West Palm Beach skyline, historic mansions and mega yachts along Palm Beach Island, plus Peanut Island with Kennedy's bunker.

Are public transportation options available near the dock?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby at Clematis Street & Flagler Drive.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes for your scenic catamaran cruise departing right from downtown West Palm Beach; just bring yourself (and maybe order some food ahead), then settle in for views of city skylines, waterfront mansions, Peanut Island history and Atlantic breezes before returning to shore after sunset.