Malaga Sunset Cruise and Restaurant Dinner

If you’re considering adding a sunset cruise combined with dinner to your Malaga itinerary, you’re not alone. This experience promises a relaxing evening on the water, soaking in beautiful views as the sun dips behind the mountains, followed by a hearty Mediterranean meal. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect, to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What draws us to this tour are the stunning sunset views and the opportunity to unwind in a lovely setting. Plus, the combination of a boat trip with a sit-down dinner offers a nice balance of activity and relaxation. On the flip side, a potential hiccup is that the dinner sometimes gets mixed reviews, with some travelers reporting less-than-expected food quality. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, good company, and a leisurely meal, especially if you’re looking for an easy evening activity in Malaga.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Beautiful sunset views over Malaga’s coastline make for a memorable experience.
• Comfortable catamaran with onboard bar, music, and a stable design suitable for most travelers.
• Post-cruise dinner offers a 3-course Mediterranean-style meal with drinks included.
• Variable reviews: the cruise is generally praised, but the food quality at dinner can be inconsistent.
• Ideal for relaxed evenings and travelers who appreciate good scenery paired with a decent meal.
• All-year departures with special music nights during high season add a fun touch.

What’s Included in the Experience

This tour provides a well-rounded package: a 1.5-hour sunset cruise on a spacious, stable catamaran, plus a 3-course dinner afterward at a restaurant in Malaga Port. It’s priced at around $113.49 per person, which, considering the scenic value and food, could be seen as reasonable. You’ll enjoy a glass of Champagne or soda while aboard, and the dinner includes a starter, main course, dessert, and two beverages, which usually includes wine.

The cruise is run by La mar de cerca. Tours in Spain, and it boasts a capacity of 150 travelers, so it’s relatively sizable but still manageable. The boat itself is designed to be very stable, with a covered area, solarium, and nets for lying or sitting—ideal for basking in the sunset or taking photos. If you pick the Special Departure on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays (from May to September), you’ll also enjoy live music or a DJ, adding some extra fun to the trip.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departing from Malaga Port

The experience kicks off at P.º del Muelle Uno, a lively area close to public transportation, which makes it easy to get there. The boat departs from the bustling port, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent views of Malaga’s cityscape.

The Cruise

Once aboard, the 1.5-hour cruise begins. During this time, you’ll cruise along Malaga’s shores, passing the bay and enjoying panoramic views of the city as it lights up at dusk. The boat’s special design prioritizes safety and comfort, making it suitable for most visitors, even those who don’t usually like boats. Many reviews highlight how comfortable and clean the boat is, with some mentioning that it’s spacious enough to move around, sit, or lie on the nets for different perspectives.

Sunset Views

This part of the experience is often the highlight. Watching the sun sink behind the mountains with a glass of bubbly in hand can be quite enchanting. Several reviewers, like Katelyn, have called the sunset “magnificent,” and it’s clear this moment gives many a sense of calm and beauty. The crew generally handles the cruise professionally, and if you select the special music nights, you’ll be treated to a lively soundtrack that complements the scenery.

Post-Cruise Dinner

After returning to port, you’ll walk a short distance (about 280 meters) to the restaurant. Here, you’re served a three-course meal featuring Mediterranean flavors, with options for starters, mains (pork, veal, or fish), and a choice of desserts. The menu includes two beverages per person, with wine being part of the deal.

Some reviews praise the good value of this dinner, describing it as tasty and enjoyable in a pleasant setting. Others, however, have voiced disappointment, calling the food “disgusting” and noting that the restaurant was unaware of the booking or lacked proper service that night. It’s worth noting that the restaurant’s service and food quality may vary, perhaps due to the busy season or staffing issues. If you’re a foodie and care about quality, this is something to keep in mind.

The Experience: What You’ll Love

The scenery and sunset views are truly the star here. We loved the way the boat’s design allows you to enjoy the landscape from multiple angles, whether seated inside or lying on the nets outside. Many say the sunset alone makes the trip worthwhile—imagine a glass of Champagne as the sky turns shades of orange and pink.

The onboard music (on special nights) can turn the cruise into a relaxed party, with lively tunes that add to the festive atmosphere. Even without the music, the calm water, the gentle rocking of the boat, and the panoramic views make it quite special.

As for the dinner, many reviewers appreciated the generous portions and the variety of dishes offered. The inclusion of drinks, especially wine, makes it feel like a good deal for an evening out. The restaurant is conveniently located, and most find the informal dress code and relaxed vibe fitting for a casual night.

The Ups and Downs

Of course, no experience is perfect. The most common complaint concerns the quality of the dinner. Some travelers found the food lacking or poorly prepared, which can be disappointing after a scenic cruise. One reviewer even called the dinner “disgusting,” which is a strong opinion. That said, others enjoyed the meal and felt it added to the evening’s enjoyment.

Another aspect to consider is that the dinner and cruise are booked separately, and not everyone on the boat necessarily dines afterward. This can be a bit confusing, especially if you expect the cruise to include the meal as a package.

The cost of about $113.49 per person is reasonable when you consider the scenic cruise plus the meal, but if you’re mainly seeking a gourmet dinner, you might find better value elsewhere. For most, though, the combination of a relaxing cruise and a meal near the port creates a lovely, easygoing evening.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those wanting a scenic, relaxed evening and are OK with some variability in dinner quality. It’s suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy gentle boat rides, great sunset views, and a casual setting for dinner. If you love live music or a lively party atmosphere, the special seasonal departures deliver extra fun.

However, if fine dining is your priority or you’re particularly sensitive to food quality, you might want to read the reviews carefully and perhaps explore other dining options in Malaga.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at P.º del Muelle Uno to secure a good spot and get familiar with the area.
• Dress comfortably but casually; the dress code is informal.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat if you’re sensitive to the sun, even in the evening.
• Pre-order a vegetarian menu if needed, 24 hours in advance.
• If you want to enjoy the special music nights, plan your trip between May and September on the designated days.
• Remember, beverages are not allowed on the boat, so plan accordingly.
• Children are allowed, but must be accompanied by an adult, and alcohol is for guests 18+.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult, but keep in mind that the experience is more relaxed and geared toward adults. The boat’s design is stable, but the cruise itself may not be ideal for very young children who require more entertainment or activities.

Does the cruise operate all year round?
Yes, departures are available throughout the year, with special music nights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from May to September.

Is the dinner included in the price?
The dinner is included after the cruise at a nearby restaurant, with a 3-course meal and drinks. The cruise ticket and dinner are booked as separate parts of the experience.

What if the weather isn’t good?
Since the experience is weather-dependent, if poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are the drinks on the boat free?
Yes, a glass of Champagne or soda is included on the cruise, and the dinner comes with two beverages per person, including wine.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, coolers or beverages are not permitted on the boat, so plan to enjoy what’s offered onboard.

How long does the whole experience last?
The cruise is approximately 1.5 hours, and the dinner lasts about an hour, so expect around three hours total, including walking to and from the restaurant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a peaceful evening filled with scenic views, a bit of live music, and a casual Mediterranean dinner, this sunset cruise with dinner in Malaga fits the bill. It’s a nice way to slow down and enjoy the coast from a different perspective, especially if you value a good view over gourmet food.

Just keep in mind that dinner quality can vary—reading recent reviews can help manage expectations. The combination of a relaxed boat ride with a simple, tasty meal makes for a good value if you’re not overly picky about the food.

Ultimately, this experience suits travelers who appreciate a scenic sunset, enjoy live or DJ music, and want to spend a peaceful evening by the sea. It’s not a fine dining experience, but it’s an easy, pleasant way to see Malaga from the water and enjoy a relaxing meal afterward.