Best Sunset Cruises at the Jersey Shore
Romantic evening cruises with stunning ocean sunsets. Sail from Cape May to Point Pleasant aboard yachts, catamarans, and dinner boats.
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Cruises
9
Ports
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Sailing
1
Dinner
Why Take a Sunset Cruise?
Nothing compares to watching the sun sink into the ocean from a boat on the water. The Jersey Shore offers spectacular sunset cruises ranging from romantic schooner sails to dinner cruises with live entertainment.
Cape May leads the way with classic schooners that transport you back in time as you sail into the sunset. Many offer wine and cheese, and BYOB is often welcome. The Delaware Bay sunsets are legendary.
Perfect for special occasions. Sunset cruises are the most romantic activity at the Shore—ideal for anniversaries, proposals, and honeymoons. Private charters can be arranged for intimate experiences, and many operators offer champagne packages.
Cape May
Classic schooner sailing and catamaran cruises with Delaware Bay sunsets.
Cape May Sailing Adventures
$$SailingClassic schooner sailing with wine and cheese as the sun sets over Delaware Bay.
Spirit of Cape May
$Affordable sunset cruises along the Cape May coastline with dolphin sightings.
Delaware Bay Sunset Sail
$$SailingPeaceful sailing into Delaware Bay with spectacular westward sunset views.
Cape May Sunset Catamaran
$$Stable catamaran cruises perfect for those who want to enjoy sunset without sailboat motion.
Atlantic County
Dinner cruises and tiki boats with views of the Atlantic City skyline.
Atlantic City Cruises - Sunset
$$$Dinner CruiseElegant dinner cruises with DJ entertainment and casino skyline views at sunset.
Cruisin Tikis AC
$$Unique tiki boat experience through the back bays with bring-your-own drinks.
Brigantine Sunset Sail
$$SailingQuiet sailing away from the casino crowds with views of Brigantine Beach.
Long Beach Island
Barnegat Bay sunset cruises with lighthouse views and BYOB options.
Black Whale Cruises
$$Barnegat Bay sunset cruises past the lighthouse with BYOB welcome.
LBI Sailing Charters
$$SailingPrivate sunset sailing charters for couples and small groups on Barnegat Bay.
Tuckerton Seaport Sunset Cruise
$Unique cruises departing from the historic Tuckerton Seaport.
Monmouth County
Ocean and bay cruises from Belmar to the Highlands, some with NYC skyline views.
Point Pleasant Sunset Cruise
$$Evening cruises along the Manasquan Inlet with views of the boardwalk at sunset.
Belmar Marina Sunset Sail
$$SailingSailing from Belmar Marina into the Atlantic for unobstructed ocean sunsets.
Highlands Sunset Cruise
$$Sandy Hook Bay cruises with views of the NYC skyline at sunset.
Red Bank River Cruise
$$Navesink River cruises with stops at waterfront restaurants in Red Bank.
Sunset Cruise Tips
🌅Arrive Early
Most cruises board 20-30 minutes before departure. Arriving early ensures good seating and time to settle in.
🌅Check BYOB Policies
Some cruises allow you to bring your own wine or beer. Others have bars on board. Call ahead to plan accordingly.
🌅Bring a Camera
Sunset lighting is spectacular for photos. Bring a camera with good low-light capability and fully charged batteries.
🌅Dress in Layers
Temperatures drop significantly once the sun goes down. Bring a warm layer even on warm summer evenings.
🌅Book Special Occasions Early
Engagement cruises, anniversaries, and proposal packages fill up fast. Reserve well in advance for special dates.
🌅Consider Private Charters
For the most romantic experience, book a private charter for just your party. Costs more but worth it for special occasions.
Book sunset cruise in Cape May
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Sunset Photography Gear
Capture stunning sunset photos from the water with the right camera gear.
Travel Tripod
Lightweight, sturdy, essential for sunrise/sunset shots.
Camera Backpack
Weather-resistant with padded compartments.
Polarizing Filter
Reduces glare, darkens skies. Essential for beach photography.
Lens Cleaning Kit
Sand and salt spray are brutal on lenses. Clean often.
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FAQ
What time do sunset cruises depart?
Departure times vary by season, typically 1.5-2 hours before sunset. Summer departures are around 6:30-7:30 PM. Check with operators for exact times based on your date.
Are sunset cruises romantic for couples?
Yes, sunset cruises are one of the most popular romantic activities at the Jersey Shore. Many operators offer wine and cheese options, and smaller boats provide more intimate experiences.
What should I wear on a sunset cruise?
Dress in layers—temperatures drop on the water after sunset. Bring a jacket or sweater, even in summer. Wear non-slip shoes and bring sunglasses for the early part of the cruise.
Can you bring your own drinks on sunset cruises?
Policies vary. Some cruises allow BYOB (especially smaller boats), while larger dinner cruises have bars on board. Call ahead to confirm alcohol policies.
How long are sunset cruises?
Most sunset cruises last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Dinner cruises may be longer, typically 2.5 to 3 hours. Quick cocktail cruises can be 1-1.5 hours.
Do sunset cruises run in cloudy weather?
Most cruises run unless there is rain, high winds, or storms. Cloudy sunsets can still be beautiful with dramatic colors. Operators typically cancel and reschedule for dangerous conditions.
Are sunset cruises good for families with kids?
Many sunset cruises are family-friendly, though the later times may be challenging for young children. Afternoon cruises may work better for families.
Should I book sunset cruises in advance?
Yes, especially for summer weekends and holiday dates. Popular cruises sell out, and sunset departure times are limited. Book at least a few days ahead.
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