3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach

If you’re eyeing a unique way to enjoy Destin’s stunning coastline, a dinner cruise aboard the Solaris yacht could be just what you need. This experience promises a blend of beautiful views, delicious food, and live entertainment that makes for a memorable night. We haven’t been on it ourselves, but based on reviews and details, it sounds like a solid pick for those wanting to soak up some scenery while indulging in a tasty meal.

What really caught our attention are the panoramic windows and the open-air skydeck, which are perfect spots for snapping photos or just soaking in the sunset. And the fact that the cruise offers a three-course, chef-prepared meal including Gulf seafood and southern classics? That’s a definite highlight for food lovers. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is this isn’t a sunset cruise — it departs at 6 pm and the focus is more on dinner and entertainment than chasing a sunset.

This experience seems well-suited for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a relaxed, upscale night out on the water. It’s especially worth considering if you enjoy good food, live music, and a boat ride with impressive views. But if you’re after a more active or adventure-packed outing, there might be other options better suited to your tastes.

Key Points

• Elegant Setting: The Solaris yacht offers multiple decks, including indoor dining areas with panoramic windows and an open skydeck for stargazing.
• Tasty, Upscale Dining: Expect a three-course, chef-prepared meal featuring Gulf seafood, prime beef, or southern classics.
• Great Atmosphere: Live music onboard adds to the relaxed, lively vibe, with plenty of opportunities for dancing and socializing.
• Spectacular Views: Cruising from Sandestin, you’ll enjoy unobstructed vistas of the coast, perfect for sunset views and dolphin sightings.
• Flexible and Convenient: Meeting point is straightforward at Sandestin’s Marina, and the tour includes all fees, taxes, and gratuities.
• Pricing: At $65, it’s a decent value considering the food, drinks, live music, and scenery — but it is not a cheap night out.

In-Depth Look at the Solaris Dinner Cruise Experience

Setting Sail from Miramar Beach

Your evening begins at the Baytowne Marina, where you’ll stroll down to board the 125-foot Solaris yacht. The boat’s size and multiple decks turn this into an inviting space for groups of all sizes — up to 149 travelers — giving it a lively, yet intimate feel. Once on board, you’re greeted by the captain, and a server will escort you to your reserved table. The anticipation builds as you prepare to cruise into the night.

The Yacht and Its Unique Features

The Solaris yacht is designed for comfort and views. Its three decks include indoor dining areas with panoramic windows that frame the coast, and an open-air skydeck perfect for feeling the breeze and spotting dolphins. This variety allows you to switch between cozy indoor spaces and open-air freedom — a nice touch for different weather conditions or moods.

The Cruise Itself

The cruise departs promptly at 6 pm, giving you a chance to enjoy the early evening light. As it glides out of the marina, the onboard live music kicks in, adding a relaxed yet vibrant vibe. The music, performed by in-house entertainment, is a hit among guests, often encouraging dancing and singing along — especially after dinner when the boat comes alive.

Dining Experience

About 30 minutes into the cruise, guests are invited back to their tables for the three-course meal. This is a key part of the experience, and based on reviews, the food doesn’t disappoint. The menu features chef-prepared entrees with options like Gulf seafood, prime beef, or southern classics. A starter salad usually kicks things off, followed by the main course, and then a dessert.

Guests often rave about the quality of the food. One reviewer mentioned, “Food was excellent,” highlighting how the meal feels upscale and thoughtfully prepared. The service is also praised, making the entire dining experience smooth and relaxing.

Views and Atmosphere

Perhaps the biggest draw of this cruise is the views. With all the windows and the open skydeck, you’ll get a sweeping perspective of the coastline, especially as the sun begins to set. Guests have reported dolphin sightings, which adds a magical touch to the cruise. After dinner, the skydeck becomes a prime spot for stargazing or simply enjoying the peaceful waters.

Post-Dinner Entertainment

After the meal, the live music continues, and guests are encouraged to dance, sing along, or simply relax under the stars. Visiting the captain in the pilothouse is a fun option for those interested in the ship’s navigation, and the overall vibe turns lively as the night progresses.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers all fees and taxes, plus a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and gratuities. Coffee and tea are also included to help wind down after the meal. Alcoholic beverages aren’t included but are available for purchase, so you can toast or enjoy a drink with your meal without worry.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The cruise is quite flexible in terms of cancellations — you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. If weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep in mind, though, that once within 24 hours of the cruise, refunds aren’t available, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This dinner cruise appeals most to those who want an elegant, relaxed evening on the water with good food and lively entertainment. It’s suitable for couples seeking a romantic night, friends wanting to celebrate, or anyone who appreciates scenic views combined with live music and Gulf seafood. While it’s not a family-focused experience, older kids or teenagers who enjoy music and boat rides might also find it enjoyable.

If you’re after a fun, upscale night with a chance to see dolphins and enjoy the sunset, this cruise fits the bill. But if you prefer a more active day or a quick sightseeing tour, there are other options to consider.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $65, this cruise offers a well-rounded evening of stunning vistas, flavorful dining, and lively music—making it a good value for those who appreciate a mix of scenery, good food, and entertainment. The yacht’s versatile decks and unobstructed views mean you can tailor your experience, whether you prefer cozy indoor dining or star-studded skies on the skydeck.

The quality of the food and the friendly service are definite pluses, and reviews suggest many guests leave feeling they’ve had a memorable night. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a romantic date, or just want to spice up your usual beach trip with something a bit more upscale.

However, if your ideal trip involves adventure, physical activity, or sunset chasing, this might not be the perfect fit. Remember, this is more of a leisurely, scenic dinner experience that’s best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, it’s generally adult-oriented due to the focus on dining and alcohol sales. Children might enjoy the views and live music, but the minimum age for alcohol purchase and consumption is 21, so plan accordingly.

What is the departure time?
The cruise departs at 6:00 pm from the Sandestin Marina.

Does the cruise include drinks?
No, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board, but they are not included in the ticket price. Coffee and tea are complimentary.

How long does the meal last?
About 30 minutes into the cruise, guests are asked to return to their tables for their three-course meal, which suggests the dining experience lasts roughly an hour or so.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if you do so more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What’s the best part of the experience?
Reviews highlight the stunning views and the delicious, upscale food as standout features, along with the lively atmosphere created by live music.

Is this experience available year-round?
Yes, the Solaris cruises operate year-round from the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, making it a good option no matter when you visit.

If you’re looking to combine scenic coastal views with fine dining and live music, the Solaris dinner cruise could very well be a highlight of your Destin trip. Just keep in mind it’s a relaxed, upscale experience — perfect for unwinding and celebrating one of Florida’s beautiful evenings by the water.