Sunset Sailing Cruise on a Luxury Catamaran Port Douglas

Port Douglas marina and Dickson Inlet

Port Douglas grew up around Dickson Inlet, a sheltered tidal waterway lined with mangroves on one side and the town's marina on the other. Today the marina is the departure point for most reef and river trips in the area, and in the late afternoon it is a lovely place to be, as the day boats return and the light turns golden over the moored yachts.

Your sunset cruise checks in at the sailing boathouse in the marina at 16:30, half an hour before departure. The marina is an easy walk from Macrossan Street, the town's main dining and shopping street, so you can stroll down from your hotel and head out for dinner in town afterwards. The crew welcomes you on board and shows you around the catamaran before casting off.

Sailing out into the Coral Sea

Leaving the calm of the inlet, the catamaran motors past the mangroves and out into the open Coral Sea, where the crew raises the sails. A sailing catamaran is wide and stable, so it glides smoothly across the water with very little rolling, which makes it comfortable even for guests who are new to boats. Feel the breeze and listen to the hull cutting through the water once the engines go quiet.

The Coral Sea here is the same water that protects the Great Barrier Reef further offshore, and on calm evenings it can look almost like silk. Sea birds skim the surface and, now and then, turtles or dolphins are seen near the boat. Is a Port Douglas sunset cruise worth it? For many visitors it becomes the most relaxing evening of the trip.

The Daintree coastline at golden hour

From the deck you look back towards one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia. To the north rise the steep, rainforest-covered ranges that lead to the Daintree, while closer to town the long curve of Four Mile Beach and the wooded headland of Port Douglas frame the view. As the sun drops behind the mountains, the sky turns orange, pink and violet and the hills become dark silhouettes.

The best time for this cruise is during the dry season, from about May to October, when evenings are clear and mild, but sunsets in the wet season can be dramatic too, with towering clouds catching the colour. Bring a light jacket, as the breeze can feel cool once the sun has gone down, and keep your camera ready for the last light on the water.

On board: canapés, music and service

The catamaran is designed for comfort, with shaded seating, open decks and nets at the bow where guests like to sit and watch the sea. With a small number of guests, there is room for everyone to find a good spot. A welcome soft drink is served as you set off, and the crew passes around a selection of freshly prepared hot and cold canapés during the cruise.

Soft music, friendly hosts and the sound of the sails create a calm, elegant atmosphere that suits couples celebrating a special occasion as well as friends and solo travellers. Additional soft drinks can be bought on board by card. The cruise returns to the marina after about 90 minutes, in time for dinner in Port Douglas.