Airlie Beach sunset cruise: Meeting point, sights & price

An Airlie Beach sunset cruise can be an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on Pioneer Bay, Queensland, with sparkling wine and turtle-watching adding to the experience.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the Sundowner Airlie Beach Sunset cruise sets sail from the Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, Queensland.

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Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.

But you can also opt for simple pleasures on a late afternoon boat trip.

The two-hour cruise on a purpose-built catamaran takes guests on a circumnavigation of the Airlie Beach waterfront around Pioneer Bay. For mobile-friendly tickets with instant confirmation, book here…

There’s the added bonus of being able to get up close and personal with the several points of interest along the Whitsunday coastline due to the catamaran’s shallow draft.

Can I bring my own drinks on the Airlie Beach sunset cruise?

As guests board the Sundowner, they are greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and nibbles, setting the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.

While the bar on board is fully licensed for further drink purchases, the cruise doesn’t allow BYO. However, with ample room to move around and a family-friendly atmosphere, there is no need to bring your own drinks.

Airlie Beach sunset cruise: Turtle-spotting at Turtle Bay

As the Sundowner cruises past Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, passengers are treated to majestic views of the coastline. The Coral Sea stretches out to the Whitsunday Islands in the distance.

The highlight of the cruise, however, is Turtle Bay, located near Pigeon Island. More often than not, a turtle pops up to say hello. And, if you’re lucky, a dolphin or dugong may join in on the action.

As the sun sets over the Whitsunday Islands, passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy the backdrop for their sunset cruise.

The meeting point for the Sundowner Airlie Beach Sunset cruise is the Coral Sea Marina at 9 Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.