As the summer solstice approaches on June 20th, the extended daylight hours provide extra time to chase the perfect sunset. Pairing this celestial event with a captivating backdrop transforms a simple evening into a memorable, magical moment.
If you’re planning a cruise holiday during this time, you’ll have the opportunity to discover some of the best places to watch the sunset. But where can you find the world’s best sunset destinations?
Whether it’s the vibrant hues of orange, pink and red that streak the sky or the way the sun dips gracefully into the ocean waters, sunsets on a cruise holiday can be nothing short of spectacular.
In this blog, we share our top picks for the best destinations to catch a sunset on a cruise.
Santorini, Greece
No sunset voyage is complete without a visit to the stunning island of Santorini. Famous for its rugged volcanic landscape and cliff-side homes, painted brilliant white with contrasting blue domes, Santorini also offers some of the best sunset spots.
If your cruise ship arrives at the port of Skala in the evening, you’ll likely get to enjoy the enchanting Santorini sunset from the deck. The view from the water is unmatched. As the sun disappears below the horizon, it casts a golden glow on the Caldera Cliffs in Fira, making the waters of the Aegean Sea shimmer.
Another of the best sunsets in Santorini can be found towards the Windmill of Oia. Just a short distance from the highly popular and often crowded Castle of Oia, the path towards the Windmill of Oia offers a more peaceful but equally good vantage point to take in this much sought-after sunset.
What Time Is Sunset In Santorini?
Sunset in Santorini on the summer solstice is just after 8:30 pm.
Grand Canyon, USA
Sunset over the Grand Canyon goes beyond the ordinary and into the realm of the extraordinary. On special excursion cruises, you can journey inland from ports like Los Angeles to where the Colorado River carves its way through the ancient rock.
Undoubtedly one of the best sunsets in the world, the golden rays illuminate the vast canyon, creating shadows that play across a labyrinth of gorges and rock formations and offer a dynamic display that changes by the minute. Under the twilight sky, it’s a sight that is both humbling and exhilarating.
What Time Is Sunset At The Grand Canyon?
In June, sunset at the Grand Canyon is around 7:45 pm. However, be sure to get there earlier to secure a good viewing point.
The Maldives
As a tropical paradise of over 1,000 coral archipelagos, the Maldives is known for its crystal-clear waters and paradise beaches. It is also one of the best sunset destinations.
As your cruise drops anchor at various spots, the setting sun bathes the sky and sea in vivid shades of orange and pink. Meanwhile, the silhouettes of palm trees, beach bungalows and distant dhonis (traditional Maldivian boats) add an artistic touch to the landscape.
This serene environment makes each sunset viewing a peaceful, almost spiritual experience, especially during the solstice period.
What Time Is Sunset In The Maldives?
The sun dips below the horizon just after 6:15 pm in the Maldives during the month of June.
Ibiza, Spain
Often synonymous with vibrant nightlife, Ibiza also offers some of the most picturesque sunsets in the Mediterranean. You’ll find some of the best Ibiza sunsets in the area around Cala Conta and Cala d’Hort, with the mystical Es Vedrà rock in the background.
Alternatively, head to the Sunset Strip for an Ibiza sunset in San Antonio. As the sun sinks below the Mediterranean Sea, it paints the sky with fiery hues that slowly mellow as dusk falls. This experience perfectly complements the laid-back, festive atmosphere of Ibiza, where music and beauty fill the air.
What Time Is Sunset In Ibiza?
Like many things in Ibiza, the sky really comes alive later into the evening at around 9:30 pm during the summer solstice.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui’s sunsets provide a tranquil end to exciting days spent exploring or lounging on Thai beaches. The sun’s descent is slow and dramatic, offering a spectacle of light from vantage points around Nathon Pier, where your cruise ship will likely dock.
However, you can experience one of the best sunsets in Koh Samui at the more secluded Lipa Noi Beach, thanks to its western-facing coastline. This tropical setting, complete with swaying palms and gentle waves, creates a perfect backdrop for one of the best sunsets in the world.
What Time Is Sunset In Koh Samui?
In Koh Samui, expect sunset at around 6:40 pm in June.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers a dramatically beautiful sunset location, with the iconic Table Mountain creating one of the most stunning silhouettes against the fading light. When looking for the best places to watch the sunset in Cape Town, you’ll have a variety of incredible vantage points.
If your cruise ship approaches Cape Town in the evening, you’ll be treated to this majestic view from the water, often with the sun dipping below the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacle of colours. You can also take a cable car up Table Mountain to watch the sun setting from above the city—a truly unforgettable experience.
What Time Is Sunset In Cape Town?
As Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere, June 20th is its winter solstice. Therefore, expect sunset at around 5:45 pm.
Wait, There’s More!
Finally, there’s something profoundly peaceful about watching the sunset on the open ocean from your cruise ship. Away from the hustle and bustle of the world, these vast waters offer an unobstructed view of the horizon, where the sun meets the sea in a dazzling explosion of colour and takes a final bow that feels like a private show just for you.
It’s awe-inspiring moments like these that remind us why cruising is such a unique way to travel.
As you plan your summer solstice adventure, consider aligning your travel with the mesmerising sunsets in one of these exceptional destinations. Each provides a unique backdrop against which the day’s end plays out in glorious colour and compelling wonder, enhancing your cruise experience and leaving you with everlasting memories.
To learn more about the best cruise destinations for sunsets, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
