Sunset cruises set sail this summer on Long Island
Onda Bella Cruises holds sunset cruises every week out of Northport. Credit: Onda Bella Cruises
Experiencing the sunset is always a treat, but doing it on the water is magical. This summer, sunset cruises are taking place on both the North and South shores. Here are different experiences on five vessels.
The Moon Chaser
Head over to Captree State Park in Babylon and jump on The Moon Chaser, a 65-foot cruise boat that holds up to 180 people, as it travels in the Great South Bay along the Fire Island seashore at sundown.
"We do a few different types of cruises in the summer," owner Mike Greene says. "Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays we take people to Flynn’s on Fire Island, which is 45 minutes away. People get out and enjoy a lobster/prime rib buffet there. At 10:15 p.m. they reboard and we return to Captree by 11 p.m."
The Moon Chaser holds sunset cruises every week out of Babylon. Credit: The Moon Chaser/Mike Green
On select Fridays and Sundays, Greene also holds Bay Jam cruises with live bands like Warped Tour Band (July 24), Liverpool Shuffle (July 26), Generals Gathered (July 31), Next Level Band (Aug. 7), The Electric Dudes (Aug. 28) and Beyond Fab (Aug. 30).
There’s a cash bar on board and people are allowed to bring their own food but no alcoholic beverages.
WHEN | WHERE Through Sept. 3, 7-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; various times Friday and Sunday: Captree State Park, 3500 E. Ocean Pkwy., Babylon
COST Flynn’s trip: $76 (includes buffet) per person; Bay Jam: $48-$58 per person
MORE INFO 631-265-1848, themoonchaser.com
The Christeen
Experience riding a 60-foot oyster sloop as The Christeen sails its way through Oyster Bay Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor at dusk. Each trip holds up to 24 people (seating is limited).
"There are cabin tops that you can lean against and benches that can be folded out," programs manager Katie Murcott says. "You can also help raise and lower the sails."
Sailors are allowed to bring any food and drink on board, but no wineglasses or beer bottles. Anyone 12 and younger must wear a life jacket, which will be provided.
The WaterFront Center holds sunset cruises aboard The Christeen every week on Oyster Bay Harbor. Credit: The WaterFront Center
"We tell people to bring a hat, sunglasses and some water aboard," Murcott says. "Another recommendation is wearing a light layer in case it gets chilly because as the sun sets, the wind picks up."
WHEN | WHERE 6-8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; The WaterFront Center, 1 West End Ave., Oyster Bay
COST $60 per person
MORE INFO 516-922-7245, thewaterfrontcenter.org
Atlantic Pearl
Put on your dancing shoes and boogie as a DJ spins tunes on the second floor of the Atlantic Pearl, a 100-foot cruise boat that holds 149 people. This twilight excursion launches from the Woodcleft Canal on the Nautical Mile in Freeport.
There are 14 tables (each holds eight) inside the air-conditioned cabin. Additionally, there’s seating all around the boat including benches on the side of the dance floor.
The Atlantic Pearl holds sunset cruises every week out of the Nautical Mile in Freeport. Credit: Captain Lou Fleet
Need a snack? Head to the galley where hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cookies are for sale as well as a cash bar. No outside food or drinks are permitted. Additionally, there’s no smoking and no pets are allowed.
WHEN | WHERE Through Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m. select Fridays and Saturdays,; Nautical Mile, 31 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport
COST $32.15 per person
MORE INFO 516-623-5823, nauticalmilecruises.com
Enchanted
Get in Hawaiian mode when riding Tiki Boat Long Island’s Enchanted, a 40-foot pontoon tiki boat, which holds 30 passengers and launches daily from Port Jefferson Marina.
"We travel through Port Jefferson Harbor past Danford’s Hotel and Marina into Pirate’s Cove, which makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean, then through Conscience Bay to look at the million-dollar mansions," owner and captain Kevin Biscardi says.
Tiki Boat holds sunset cruises every week out of Port Jefferson. Credit: Kevin Biscardi
Steel drum music is typically piped in, but the playlist can be customized. Snacks (chips, pretzels) are sold but people are allowed to bring their own food.
There are 16 seats around the bar and 16 seats up front. No smoking, alcohol or pets are allowed.
WHEN | WHERE 6-8 p.m. daily, Port Jefferson Marina, 118 W. Broadway, Slip C4, Port Jefferson
COST $125.93 per person
MORE INFO 631-648-8055, tikiboatlongisland.com
Onda Bella
For a more private European-style ride, rent out Onda Bella ("Beautiful Wave"), a 22-foot fully electric Duffy boat. This two-hour Sunset Sereno Cruise launches out of Britannia Yachting Center in Northport holding a six-person party.
"We go all through Northport Harbor by Asharoken in front of Duck Island and over by Sand City," owner Frank DeMayo says. "On the way back, we will pass in front of the Vanderbilt Museum."
Every week, Onda Bella Cruises offers enchanting sunset cruises departing from Northport. Credit: Onda Bella Cruises
Catering is offered from local venues like La Porta Northport, Salted. On the Harbor or James Street Market.
"Once you book your date, you can select any food options you like and it gets delivered right to the boat," DeMayo says. "Everyone can bring their own alcohol."
WHEN | WHERE 6-8 p.m. daily, Britannia Yachting Center, 81 Fort Salonga Rd., Northport
COST Party of six: $630 Monday-Thursday, $700 Friday-Sunday
MORE INFO 631-213-5008, ondabellacruises.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
