Key West: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music

Imagine watching a vibrant sunset over the Gulf of Mexico while enjoying tropical flavors, upbeat live music, and a refreshing drink in hand. This is what you can expect from the Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music offered by Sunset Watersports Key West. It’s a two-hour journey packed with scenic views, delicious food, and lively entertainment, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a memorable evening in this laid-back island city.

From what reviews tell us, this cruise shines for its friendly crew, flavorful food, and the breathtaking sunset views. One of the standout features is the upstairs live music, which creates a festive atmosphere whether you’re dancing or simply soaking in the scene. The buffet dinner offers a variety of tropical dishes, and the open bar keeps the drinks flowing. However, a few reviewers note that pre-boarding can be a bit disorganized and that seating might be tight at peak times. Still, overall, this experience caters well to those looking for a relaxed, fun, and authentic Key West evening.

This cruise is particularly well-suited for couples celebrating special occasions, groups wanting a lively social vibe, or anyone who wants to combine scenic beauty with good food and entertainment. Just keep in mind that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point on William Street.

Key Points

• Scenic Sunsets: Witness the iconic Key West sunset with panoramic views over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Tropical Buffet: Enjoy a variety of flavorful dishes like roasted pulled pork, grilled chicken, fried fish, and Cuban bread.
• Live Music & Dancing: Listen to open-air live music on the upper deck, perfect for dancing or relaxing.
• Open Bar: Sip on cocktails, beer, wine, or spirits throughout the cruise—drinks are included in the ticket price.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.
• Great Value: For around $93, you get a full two hours of entertainment, food, and drinks, making it a worthwhile splurge for many travelers.

The Experience in Detail

The Itinerary and Setting

The cruise departs from 201 William St, a central location easy to access for most visitors. Once onboard “The Party Cat,” a lively boat suited for socializing, you’ll start your two-hour cruise around Key West’s harbor. The vessel is well-equipped with an air-conditioned dining area to enjoy your buffet dinner, plus an open-air upper deck where the real magic happens as the sun begins its descent.

The Buffet Dinner

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the tropical food buffet. Expect dishes like roast pulled pork in mojo sauce, deep-fried sweet plantains, black beans and rice, marinated grilled chicken, and fried fish. Vegetarian options seem to include mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and pasta with mini shrimp. All dishes are freshly prepared, hot, and plentiful, so there’s enough to satisfy all appetites.

A reviewer noted that the food was “good, hot, and plentiful”, with favorites like blackened mahi and pulled pork. Another mentioned that despite some guests finding the food acceptable, there were mixed opinions, as some reviews pointed out that the inside dining area could get crowded and tables close together.

Drinks and Open Bar

The open bar is a major draw, with options including margaritas, rum runners, champagne, beer, wine, or spirits. Reviewers consistently praise the selection and quality of drinks, often highlighting the friendly and efficient bartenders. One reviewer described being greeted with icy rum punch right after boarding, setting a lively tone for the evening.

Live Music and Atmosphere

As you finish your dinner, you can head upstairs to enjoy live music—a feature that gets rave reviews. One reviewer remarked that the entertainment was the most flavorful food and lively tunes they experienced during their stay. The music is played outdoors, providing the perfect soundtrack for watching the sunset or dancing under the stars. Many guests found themselves caught up in the upbeat vibe, with the opportunity to dance the night away or simply sway to the rhythm.

Sunset Views

Of course, the star of the show is the sunset. As the sky turns into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, you’ll be treated to some of the best views Key West has to offer. Several reviews mention the “beautiful sunset” and “unbelievable scenic views”, which make the entire experience feel special and well worth the price.

The Crew and Service

The crew, including the captain and servers, receive high praise for their professionalism and friendliness. One review highlighted the “enthusiastic and professional” staff, with particular mention of Dante, the talented crew member, and the captain, who reportedly added personality and charm to the cruise. However, some reviewers did mention that pre-boarding check-in could be smoother, as there was sometimes a long line and limited seating at the start.

Practicalities

Note that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to make your way to William Street on your own. The cruise begins at a set time, and arriving 30 minutes early is recommended—though some reviews mention this was not made clear during booking. Duration of two hours means it’s a quick but packed experience, ideal for those wanting to fit a sunset cruise into a busy itinerary.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The reviews paint a picture of a fun, lively experience with many high points: “The servers and bartender were incredible,” says one guest, who loved how quickly they attended to requests. Another traveler appreciated the “great entertainment” and described the cruise as “simply superb.” Many couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions highlighted how romantic and memorable the evening was, despite some weather hiccups.

A few criticisms do exist—some mention limited seating and long lines, especially at the buffet, or that the food could sometimes fall short of expectations. But overall, the majority found excellent value in the combination of scenic views, good food, and engaging entertainment.

The Sum Up

This Key West sunset dinner cruise offers a lively, well-rounded way to enjoy the island’s most famous natural spectacle. The combination of panoramic sunset views, flavorful buffet, and open bar creates a relaxed, festive atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, this cruise delivers an enjoyable experience.

If you love live music and a fun social vibe with the added bonus of stunning scenery, this cruise is a fantastic choice. The staff’s friendliness and the consistent praise for the views make it a dependable option. However, if you prefer a more tranquil, less crowded setting, it might be worth arriving early or considering quieter alternatives.

Overall, for around $93 per person, you get a memorable two hours filled with good food, drinks, music, and one of the best sunsets on the Gulf coast. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant, lively ambiance with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the natural beauty of Key West.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point on William Street.

What should I bring? A passport or ID card is recommended, especially if you plan to order alcohol or want to verify your identity.

Can I cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your plans.

How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately two hours, which is enough time to enjoy the sunset, food, and music without feeling rushed.

Is the food suitable for vegetarians? The buffet focuses on tropical and seafood dishes, but vegetarian options like mixed vegetables and pasta are available.

Are drinks included? Yes, the open bar covers a variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits, all included in the ticket price.

This cruise is a solid pick for anyone wanting a lively, scenic, and flavorful evening in Key West—just come hungry, ready to relax, and open to a good time.