Cancun: Columbus The Romantic Dinner Cruise

If you’re in Cancun and looking to add a touch of romance to your trip, the Columbus The Romantic Dinner Cruise offers a charming way to spend an evening. This tour, rated highly with a 4.5-star score from 63 reviews, promises a blend of delicious food, scenic views, and live music—all aboard a beautifully crafted Spanish Galleon.

We love how this experience balances romance and accessibility. The stunning views of Nichupté Lagoon are ideal for couples wanting to enjoy a peaceful yet memorable moment, and the live saxophone music creates a surprisingly intimate atmosphere. Plus, the open bar adds a relaxed vibe, making it easy to unwind and truly enjoy the night.

That said, one consideration worth noting is the dock fee of $15 USD per person, payable at check-in, which can catch some guests off guard. It’s a common extra, but it’s good to budget for it. This cruise tends to suit couples, celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a romantic, scenic dinner with a bit of sophisticated fun.

If you’re after a unique, well-reviewed evening with great food and ambiance, this tour might be right up your alley. It’s less about high-energy party scenes and more about enjoying a lovely, intimate cruise with beautiful surroundings.

Key Points

• Romantic atmosphere with live saxophone music and scenic lagoon views
• Gourmet three-course dinner with options including surf ‘n’ turf, lobster, or vegetarian
• Open bar offering some of the best cocktails in Cancun
• Boarding on a Spanish Galleon that adds to the experience’s charm
• Limited on-deck seating, so early arrival helps secure a good spot
• Additional dock fee of $15 USD per person payable on check-in

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Cancun Romantic Dinner Cruise

This tour is all about creating an elegant, memorable evening on the water. As you arrive at Marina Aquatours on the lagoon side of Boulevard Kukulcan, you’ll quickly notice the ambiance — a beautifully decorated Spanish Galleon-style boat waiting to take you on a 2.5-hour voyage. The cruise is usually scheduled for the evening, perfect for catching the sunset or enjoying the night sky.

Boarding and Atmosphere

Boarding begins with guests being encouraged to arrive early, as boarding is in order of arrival. There are only a couple of proper tables on deck, which makes securing a good spot worth planning ahead. The vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated, with the gentle sway of the boat, soft lighting, and the sound of live saxophone music filling the air. It’s an ideal setting for a romantic date or celebrating a special event like a proposal — and, as some reviews mention, it’s a truly memorable moment for couples.

The Dining Experience

You’ll have a choice between several delicious menus: surf ‘n’ turf, lobster, ribeye, or vegetarian options. Each meal is served with a baked potato and steamed vegetables, and the quality of the food is generally well-regarded. One reviewer mentioned the steak being beautiful and well-seasoned, while others appreciated the variety of options. It’s worth noting that the steak is served well done; if you prefer different cooking styles, that’s something to keep in mind.

Dessert options like cheesecake are available and generally received as a nice finishing touch. For many, the food on this cruise exceeds expectations for a dinner on the water, especially considering the overall price point of $79 per person, which is often seen as good value given the included drinks and entertainment.

Music and Ambiance

The live saxophone music really elevates the experience. It adds a layer of intimacy and charm, making you feel as though you’re in a movie scene. Many guests mention how the music contributed to the relaxed, romantic vibe, with some saying it was perfect for swaying with their partner or even dancing.

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The Lagoon Views and Overall Experience

The breathtaking views of Nichupté Lagoon are a big highlight. As the boat meanders through the calm waters, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas, especially at sunset. Several reviews describe the experience as “magical,” with one guest noting cruising into the sunset as “absolutely magical.” The quiet, scenic waterway makes for a peaceful environment, perfect for quiet conversations or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The Open Bar

The open bar is a major plus, especially for those who enjoy cocktails or want to toast a special moment. Reviewers mention that drinks flow freely, and many appreciate that they can relax without constantly worrying about the bill. The drinks are described as some of the best in Cancun, adding significant value to the experience.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Arrive early to get a good seat and avoid missing out on the best views.
• Remember the dock fee of $15 USD per person — it’s payable at check-in.
• Dress in comfortable, smart-casual attire; flip flops and sandals are not allowed.
• Bring warm clothing if you tend to get chilly in the evening.
• Be aware that children under 14 are not permitted, making this more of an adult experience.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation to the marina accordingly.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Guests consistently mention the friendly and knowledgeable crew. One reviewer appreciated Noah as an outstanding host, making everyone feel comfortable. Others highlight the delicious food, especially the well-seasoned steak and tasty lobster tail, which they say was packed with meat.

The atmosphere created by the music and lighting seems to be a key element, with many describing it as a “magical” cruise into the sunset. A common theme among reviews is that this experience is great value for money—you get good quality food, unlimited drinks, lovely scenery, and memorable music for the ticket price.

The small number of on-deck tables can be a slight challenge, especially if you’re arriving later. Alexandra from the UK mentioned the importance of arriving early to snag a proper table, as there are only two on deck. Planning ahead can ensure you get the most out of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for couples looking for a romantic and scenic dinner, especially those celebrating a special occasion like a proposal or an anniversary. If you enjoy live music and good cocktails, you’ll find this a satisfying night out. It’s also a great choice for travelers who want a relaxed yet elegant experience without the feeling of being on a crowded party boat.

However, it’s not ideal for families with children under 14 or for those needing wheelchair accessibility, as the tour has age restrictions and likely limited accommodations.

Final Thoughts

The Cancun Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise offers a lovely blend of scenic lagoon views, gourmet food, and soulful live music, all contained within a charming boat setting. It’s a solid value for the money, and the reviews suggest it consistently delivers a memorable experience, especially for couples wanting to celebrate or simply enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

While it might not be a party scene or a lively, bustling dinner, it excels in providing an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with high-quality entertainment and good food. For anyone seeking a refined yet approachable way to enjoy Cancun’s waterways, this cruise is an experience worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, this tour does not include hotel transportation. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the marina on Boulevard Kukulcan.

What should I wear?
Smart-casual attire is recommended. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed, so opt for comfortable shoes. Bringing warm clothing for the evening is also a good idea.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it a nice, manageable evening activity.

Can I bring children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 14 years old, mainly due to alcohol service restrictions and age restrictions.

What’s the cost and what does it include?
The price is $79 per person, which includes a three-course dinner, open bar with domestic drinks, a boat tour of Nichupté Lagoon, and live saxophone music. There’s an additional dock fee of $15 USD per person payable at check-in.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in case plans change.

If you’re seeking a romantic, scenic, and delicious evening in Cancun, this dinner cruise offers a lovely way to make memories, especially if you love good food, music, and beautiful water views.

You can check availability for your dates here: