Sunset Dinner Cruise on North America’s LARGEST Solar Boat! (6PM)

Introduction

If you’re exploring Charlottetown and looking for a way to combine great food, scenic views, and eco-friendly innovation, the Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the Isola Solaretto might catch your eye. This tour promises not just a meal, but an experience that blends technology, history, and natural beauty all in one.

What makes this cruise truly appealing? First, it’s North America’s largest solar-powered boat—so you’re cruising with a smaller carbon footprint while enjoying the serenity of the harbor. Second, the dinner menu features local favorites like PEI lobster, grass-fed beef, and freshly prepared salads, all served in a charming setting.

That said, keep in mind that this experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t ideal. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a leisurely evening with a mix of scenery, good food, and a bit of educational commentary. If you love a laid-back, stylish cruise with a focus on sustainability, this one could be just right.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly innovation: Experience North America’s largest solar boat, with no diesel fumes or noise.
• Delicious local cuisine: Enjoy a surf and turf dinner featuring PEI lobster, beef, and seasonal vegetables.
• Rich history and scenic sights: See historic forts and learn about Charlottetown’s origins during your cruise.
• Comfortable setup: Social booth seating for 34, WiFi, a full kitchen, and a clean, modern vessel.
• Great value: The $140.10 price includes a generous meal, taxes, and fees—relatively reasonable for a two-hour, scenic dinner experience.
• Weather-sensitive: Cancellations due to poor weather are possible, but options for rescheduling or full refunds are available.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The Boat and Its Technology

First off, the Isola Solaretto is a standout vessel. It’s a Canadian Heritage boat that has been around since 1967, making it a piece of local history itself. Recently rebuilt and repowered, it now runs entirely on solar energy, with 6kw of solar panels and 40kW of NiCd batteries beneath the floor, and a 20kW electric motor—meaning no emissions and very quiet operation.

This technological feat isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a testament to how sustainable tourism can look and feel. The boat boasts WiFi onboard, full kitchen facilities, and comfortable booth seating, making it a cozy, social space for your two-hour journey.

The Scenic Waterway and Historic Sights

The cruise begins from the meeting point at 1 Weymouth St, and as you set out, you’ll quickly notice the harbor’s natural beauty. Charlottetown’s waterfront is dotted with historic sites, and the captain will point out notable spots, including the cannon battalions used in the 1800s and locations where the Mi’Kmaq first settled. You’ll also pass by the site of the French-built fort, which once defended the harbor before falling to the English—now a national historic site.

From the boat, the views are particularly stunning at sunset. You’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy the changing sky’s colors reflecting over the water, making this a perfect evening for photography or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The Food: A Feast of Local Flavors

The highlight for many is the dinner. You’ll start with steamed PEI blue mussels, accompanied by a fresh roll—simple but flavorful, setting the tone for the meal. The Caesar salad comes with a house-made dressing, which many reviewers find delicious and fresh.

Next comes the star: half a PEI lobster and a grass-fed rib eye steak with seasonal vegetables. The beef is noted for being high quality, and the seafood, of course, is local and fresh. The meal is finished with your choice of two desserts and tea or coffee. The dinner is often described as “excellent” and “generous,” making it good value for the price.

The Atmosphere and Service

Guests have praised the knowledgeable crew, who provide insights into the boat’s tech and local history. The social booth seating encourages mingling, so it’s a good choice if you’re traveling solo or with a small group.

WiFi availability means you can share photos or check in with friends while enjoying the views. Restrooms are aboard, adding convenience, especially on a two-hour cruise.

Additional Details and Considerations

• Duration is about 2 hours, giving enough time to relax, eat, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
• The group size is capped at 34, which fosters a cozy, intimate experience.
• Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, but not included.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.
• The minimum age for alcohol is 19, so if you’re traveling with younger guests, they can still enjoy the cruise without drinks.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Based on reviews, guests seem to love the stunning harbor views and delicious meals. One comment mentioned that the trip was memorable, highlighting the friendly crew and the scenic harbor. Another noted that they wished for more Charlottetown history during the cruise, which is a fair point—while some information is shared, it’s primarily focused on the sights and the boat itself.

Several reviews highlight the peaceful, environmentally friendly aspect of the solar-powered boat, giving an added sense of satisfaction for eco-conscious travelers.

Cost and Value

At $140.10 per person, this cruise offers a lot. You’re getting a two-hour scenic tour, a quality meal featuring local ingredients, and the experience of riding on a solar-powered vessel, which is quite unique. For those interested in sustainability and a relaxed, scenic evening, the price is reasonable, especially considering the included meal and the intimate group size.

If you compare it to other tours that might only include scenery or history, this blend of eco-tech, dining, and sightseeing makes for a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate good food, a touch of history, and the chance to relax in style.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is a great pick for adventurous food lovers who want to experience local PEI flavors in a novel setting. It suits travelers who enjoy scenic water views and appreciate the opportunity to learn about Charlottetown’s historic sites. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an eco-conscious activity that combines dining, sightseeing, and a relaxed atmosphere.

It’s also suitable for small groups or couples seeking a special evening, but it can be enjoyed by solo travelers too. However, if you’re traveling with very young children or need a more active or family-oriented experience, this might be less ideal since the focus is on the scenic, sit-down dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Sunset Dinner Cruise on North America’s largest solar boat offers a unique blend of innovation, great food, and scenic beauty. It’s a chance to enjoy Charlottetown’s harbor with a modern, eco-friendly vessel that makes the experience feel special. The quality of the meal and the intimate setting make it a solid choice for travelers looking for something a little different.

While the weather can be a factor, the effort to run a solar-powered boat adds a feel-good element that many will find rewarding. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just after a peaceful sunset cruise, this experience delivers on many levels—especially if you appreciate a thoughtfully curated tour with a focus on sustainability.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and since alcohol is restricted to those 19 and older, children are welcome to enjoy the cruise, although the focus is more on the scenery and dining than on kid-specific activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers your dinner, which includes blue mussels, salad, lobster, steak, seasonal vegetables, dessert options, and tea or coffee. All fees and taxes are included, but alcohol is available for purchase separately.

How long does the cruise last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the views, eat, and relax without feeling rushed.

What kind of boat is used for this cruise?
It’s the Isola Solaretto, a historic vessel that has been fully rebuilt and repowered as North America’s largest solar-powered boat.

Can I buy alcohol on board?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What makes this boat environmentally friendly?
It runs solely on solar energy, with 6kw of solar panels, batteries, and an electric motor, making it a quieter, cleaner way to experience the harbor.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, WiFi is available, which can be handy for sharing your experience or checking messages.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at 1 Weymouth St, Charlottetown.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this experience is booked about 34 days before, so planning ahead guarantees your spot, especially in peak seasons.

If you’re after a memorable, eco-friendly evening with a hearty meal and gorgeous views, this cruise ticks all the boxes. It’s a nice blend of technology, local flavor, and history—offering a laid-back yet engaging way to enjoy Charlottetown’s harbor.