Step aboard the SOL y LUNA for a 90-minute holiday cruise on Choctawhatchee Bay. Enjoy hot chocolate, story readings, and festive lights on this family-friendly evening cruise departing Baytowne Marina.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Boarding begins at the Baytowne Marina and the SOL y LUNA creaks gently as holiday lights wink from the railings. Steam rises from complimentary hot chocolate and a silver sleigh bell sits warm in a child’s palm while crew members read holiday stories over soft seasonal music. For 90 minutes the boat slips across Choctawhatchee Bay, lights from Sandestin and nearby shorelines tracing low arches on the water as the tide murmurs against the hull.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal mobility required for boarding and moving around the deck
Wildlife
History
Choctawhatchee Bay takes its name from the indigenous Choctawhatchee people; the bay and nearby inlets supported fishing and small-scale trade long before resort development.
Conservation
The area supports sea turtle nesting and sensitive dune systems—respect posted protections, avoid bright lights on beaches at night, and minimize waste on board.
Reserve your spot on the Sandestin Polar Express Holiday Cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for boarding
Dock space is limited—plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to check in and board calmly.
Dress in layers
Open-water evenings can be colder than onshore—bring a warm jacket and a hat for comfort.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
Short, sheltered cruises are gentle but the bay can have chop after storms—take medication or use acupressure bands if you’re sensitive.
Protect low-light photos
Carry a small tripod or steady your camera against the rail for better night photos of lights and bay reflections.
Warm jacket or fleece
Keeps you comfortable on evening decks when the bay breeze increases the chill.
winter
Small tripod or stabilizer
Helps capture clearer low-light photos of lights and water reflections.
Motion-sickness medication or bands
Useful for guests prone to nausea in choppy conditions, even though the bay is generally sheltered.
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Protects electronics from spray and brief rain, especially during summer storms.
summer