Your Romantic Dinner in Cancun, includes national open bar and live music

If you’re dreaming of watching a Caribbean sunset while savoring a gourmet meal aboard a beautifully crafted Spanish galleon, this dinner cruise might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally sailed these waters, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a highly romantic, well-organized experience perfect for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a special night out in Cancun.

What we love most? The stunning sunset views over Laguna Nichupte, and the chance to indulge in a three-course meal featuring options like lobster or surf and turf. Plus, the lively atmosphere created by a talented saxophonist and complimentary Mexican drinks makes it feel more like a celebration than a simple dinner. One potential drawback is the dock fee—$20 per person—that adds to the cost, and if you choose the basic package, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation. Still, for those seeking a memorable, scenic evening on the water, this cruise offers a solid value.

This experience is ideal for couples celebrating a romantic occasion, travelers wanting a scenic dinner with a touch of luxury, or anyone eager to combine good food with enchanting views. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate live music and a lively, social vibe. If you’re looking for a quiet, private dinner, this might not be your best fit, but for an all-in-one night of beauty, food, and fun, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Spectacular sunset views over Laguna Nichupte, perfect for romantic moments
• Gourmet three-course meal with options like lobster, steak, or vegetarian choices
• Free-flow Mexican drinks from an open bar enhance the relaxed, festive atmosphere
• Live saxophonist music adds a charming, mellow soundtrack to your evening
• Upgrade to hotel transfers for convenience, but it’s not included in the base price
• Dock fee of $20 per person applies, which travelers should budget for

An In-Depth Review of the Cancun Romantic Dinner Cruise

Setting the Scene: A Galleon on the Water

Imagine boarding a beautifully maintained Spanish galleon, its polished wood gleaming in the soft light of the setting sun. The cruise departs from Marina Aquatours, with a pickup option available for added convenience, though most travelers will need to arrange their own transport unless they upgrade. The boat itself is described as “beautiful” and “romantic,” perfect for a special evening. Its size allows up to 70 guests, meaning it’s lively but not overcrowded, fostering a friendly, festive atmosphere.

The journey starts with a short cruise across Laguna Nichupte, one of Cancun’s most picturesque spots. The views here are particularly lovely at sunset, with the sky painted in warm oranges and pinks reflecting off the calm lagoon. As you glide across the water, the crew begins setting the tone with mellow music, and you’re invited to unwind with a drink from the open bar.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, dine, and dance. The departure point is outside your hotel or at the marina, with clear instructions, but some reviews mention a slightly confusing check-in process. To avoid any mix-ups, arriving a little earlier than the suggested time (around 7 PM if departure is at 8:30 PM) is a smart move.

Once onboard, you’ll immediately notice the ambiance—dim lighting, gentle waves, and the aroma of delicious food. The dinner itself is a full three-course affair, with your choice of lobster, steak, surf and turf, or vegetarian options. The menu is described as “delicious,” and reviews confirm that the food hits the mark, with many guests praising the lobster and steak specifically.

The Food: Quality and Value

Travelers consistently mention that the dinner is a highlight. “The lobster and steak was delicious,” reports one guest, and many note that the full meal feels substantial and well-prepared. The vegetarian option is available if you notify the organizers at least 48 hours before, which is helpful for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

The meal, paired with unlimited Mexican drinks from the open bar, makes for a carefree evening. The drinks flow freely, and the bartenders are friendly, helping to create a lively, relaxed vibe. The inclusion of a live saxophonist adds a touch of romance—many say the smooth tunes are perfect for a sunset cruise.

The Atmosphere: Music, Dancing, and Views

The live music, especially the saxophone, is frequently praised. It sets an elegant, mellow mood that encourages lingering over your meal or getting up to dance. Some reviews mention that the music could have been more upbeat, but overall, the live performance seems to add significant charm.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns to shades of pink and purple—an ideal backdrop for photos or quiet moments with your loved one. Guests have described the experience as “romantic,” “beautiful,” and “memorable,” with some couples saying it’s one of their most cherished Cancun moments.

Practical Details: Pricing, Tips, and Extras

At $95 per person, the cruise offers a fairly good deal considering the included meal, open bar, and live entertainment. However, you’ll need to budget $20 per person for the dock fee, which is paid directly at Laguna Nichupte. This is an important aspect to consider when planning your budget.

Transportation from your hotel isn’t included but is available at an additional cost if you prefer not to navigate Cancun’s traffic or find a taxi. Many reviews suggest arriving early to avoid confusion, especially since check-in is at the marine.

If you’re savvy, you might also want to consider upgrading to round-trip hotel transfers, which can save you the hassle and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

Authentic Experiences and Guest Feedback

The positive reviews highlight several consistent themes: the stunning sunset views, delicious food, and friendly, attentive staff. Many couples mention it as perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways, emphasizing the atmosphere created by live music and the beautiful scenery.

One guest exclaimed, “The saxophone player was awesome, the bar/wait staff was so nice, helpful and friendly. The dinner was delicious! Great time!” Another shared that the experience was “an excellent experience,” praising the crew and the food.

However, a few reviews note minor issues, such as the boat’s age or a slight diesel smell, but these seem to be overshadowed by the overall enjoyment. One reviewer mentioned that the boat’s interior was cramped initially, but moving to the upper deck improved the experience.

Who Will Love This?

This cruise appeals most to couples seeking a romantic, scenic evening. It’s also a good option for groups of friends celebrating a special occasion or anyone who loves live music and good food. If you’re after a quiet, private dinner, this might not be your best pick, but if you’re open to a lively, joyful atmosphere on the water, it’s a winner.

Final Thoughts

This dinner cruise offers a lovely way to combine beautiful Cancun sunset views with a gourmet meal and live jazz-like music. The overall value is solid, especially considering the quality of the food, drinks, and ambiance. It’s a well-organized experience that seems to consistently delight guests, making it an ideal option for those wanting to celebrate a special evening in style.

While the $20 dock fee and optional transportation may add to the cost, many find the overall experience justified. The relaxed, festive atmosphere, paired with the stunning scenery, offers a memorable way to enjoy Cancun’s waters—whether you’re on your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want a night to remember.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Couples looking for a romantic sunset experience
• Travelers who enjoy live music and good food
• Those celebrating special occasions such as honeymoons or anniversaries
• Anyone wanting a scenic, relaxed evening on the water

FAQ

Is transportation from my hotel included?
No, transportation isn’t included in the base package. You can choose to upgrade for round-trip hotel transfers or arrange your own.

How much is the dock fee?
The dock fee is $20 per person, payable at Laguna Nichupte before boarding.

What food options are available?
A full three-course meal including lobster, steak, surf and turf, or vegetarian options (if notified 48 hours in advance).

Can I choose my music or dancing?
The cruise features live saxophone music, which many reviews say adds a romantic, mellow atmosphere. Dancing is encouraged but not required.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a nicely paced evening.

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you notify the organizers at least 48 hours ahead.

What is the ideal group size?
The boat accommodates up to 70 travelers, fostering both intimacy and lively socializing.

This dinner cruise in Cancun offers a great blend of scenic beauty, delicious food, and lively entertainment. It’s a surefire way to make your evening memorable, especially if you value authentic experiences and a romantic setting on the water.