Iconic Whitsunday Adventures Sundowner Cruise & Dine

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Watch the sun go down over Pioneer Bay from a covered catamaran with a glass of bubbles in hand, then step off the boat and walk two minutes to Sorrento's for a cocktail and a two-course Italian dinner on the marina.

Days

About 3 hours with dinner

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared sunset cruise

Start / finish

Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach / Pioneer Bay / Sorrento's, Coral Sea Marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Covered catamaran

Meals

Nibbles on board; cocktail and two-course dinner

Route

Map of Iconic Whitsunday Adventures Sundowner Cruise & Dine

View map

Included experiences

Pioneer Bay — two hour cruise along the Airlie Beach coast at sunset
Turtle Bay — stop to look for sea turtles
Airlie Beach — the town lights from the water after dark
Sorrento's — cocktail and two-course Italian dinner on the marina

Iconic Whitsunday Adventures Sundowner Cruise & Dine

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE AFTERNOON: ON BOARD SUNDOWNER

Meet at the North Village of Coral Sea Marina in the late afternoon, a short walk along the boardwalk from the main street, and board Sundowner, a purpose-built catamaran. She is fully covered with a flat deck and nothing to trip over, so dress shoes are fine. A glass of sparkling (or a soft drink) is handed out as you settle in, and a shared platter of crackers, dips, olives, vegetable sticks and kabana goes round. The bar is fully licensed and open all the way.

SUNSET ON PIONEER BAY

The cruise loops around Pioneer Bay, running close to the Airlie Beach coast with the Whitsunday islands behind. James Cook passed through here in June 1770 and named the passage for Whit Sunday. The boat slows in Turtle Bay so you can look for sea turtles. Green turtles graze the seagrass here and surface every few minutes to breathe, so watch for a small dark head popping up. As the sun drops behind the hills, the boat turns for home and the lights of Airlie Beach, the gateway to 74 islands, come on along the shore. After about two hours you're back at the marina.

DINNER AT SORRENTO'S

Dinner is a two-minute walk from the jetty at Sorrento's, an Italian restaurant overlooking Coral Sea Marina with seating inside and out. Your table is booked for you, one per booking, so tell the restaurant if friends on another booking should sit with you. Start with a cocktail or mocktail of your choice, then pick two courses from the menu: entree and main, or main and dessert. Children are welcome at the table, with their meals ordered and paid for at the restaurant.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Meeting Point B, North Village, Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach, under the umbrellas opposite the Kiosk Cafe. It is a short walk along the boardwalk from the main street; taxis should drop at the North Village roundabout.
Departure time: Daily in the late afternoon, timed to the sunset, so the start moves with the season. Arrive 15 minutes early. Your exact time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 hours on the water, then dinner.
Suits: All ages. Children need a child cruise ticket and their meal is paid at the restaurant; infants travel free but need a ticket. There is room for only a couple of prams, so mention one when you book.
Dietary needs: The on-board platter contains some dairy and gluten.
Please note: Boarding has a step up and no ramp, and the toilet on board is not accessible, so tell us about access needs before booking. No BYO drinks, no smoking or vaping. Bookings need at least 2 hours' notice before the cruise starts.

What to bring

Camera
A secure hat, sunglasses and sun-safe clothing, such as a lightweight long sleeve top
Light jacket or jumper for windy, wet or cool days (warmer jacket June to August)
Booking voucher or email
Cash or card for drinks
Snacks or something to do for young children

What is included

Two hour sunset cruise around Pioneer Bay
Glass of sparkling wine or soft drink on boarding
Shared nibbles platter on board
Cocktail or mocktail on arrival at Sorrento's
Two course meal — entree and main, or main and dessert

Not included

Other drinks on board or at dinner (card payments carry a small surcharge)
Children's meals — paid direct to the restaurant
Parking at Coral Sea Marina (paid)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.