Tropical Light Unplugged
A stunning 45 minute sunset + twilight cruise on Darwin Harbour during the tropical summer months.
An inspirational blend of Top End nature and history Darwin Twilight Cruise
Tropical Light: Twilight Cruise available from November to March
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Sea Darwin 2019 Telstra Business Awards NT Finalist
Experience Tropical Light on Darwin Harbour Twilight Cruise Highlights
An opportunity to see the real Green Flash
The elusive Green Flash is part of sailing folk lore - try your luck with us!
Tropical Light
Return to Kitchener Bay to see the water towers illuminated.
Gathering of the Clans
Have a birds eye view of the back of the city, and hear the inspiration for the Gathering of the Clans
Safe, comfortable new vessel
Our vessels have canopies and clears for weather protection. They are state of the art, the latest one launched in 2019.
Local crew
Experienced crew members with intimate knowledge of Darwin Harbour
Licenced Bar Available
Beer, wine, Sea Darwin whisky or gin, soft drinks available for purchase.
Small Group Experience
Our group size for this cruise is up to 16 pax
Ready to go? Book now
$ 65 Opening Promo! Enter code "BRUCE" for 10% discount
Children and family rates available at time of booking
Operation Dates
Tour operates on Thursdays and Fridays from November to April.
Tour Times
Cruises departs 15 minutes before sunset and returns 45 minutes later.
Your tour ticket will have specific departure time between 6.30 to 7.00pm.
Tour departs and concludes at:
Dock 2
Stokes Hill Wharf
Darwin 0800
"The twilight cruise was a beautiful way to end our day in Darwin. It was well organised and informative, with nature throwing in a pod of frolicking dolphins, sea eagles and a gorgeous sunset. The boat was clean and comfortable and the crew very friendly. We would definitely do it again."
Diana and Eduard, from NSW
About the tour Darwin Twilight Cruise Experience
Do you love extraordinary!
Just add water for your tropical light experience, and start your Tropical Light entree mother nature’s best free light show. This is tropical light unplugged, a short sunset and twilight cruise on Darwin Harbour during the tropical summer season when the sky is stretched with colour catching storm clouds, multi-hued sunsets and a peppering of electrical light shows. This is the cruise where you will experience the inspiration behind the Tropical Light art installations - from seeing the birth place of Telegraph Rose ashore, to chasing the Green Flash and hearing the real time screeching of the Gathering of the Clans.
Tropical Light Unplugged!
This is a time of year when there is an abundance of natural beauty on the harbour, with that famous Top End sunset, and magnificent storms clouds rolling by, legendary for the speed they move and the spectacular light shows they bring. On this cruise nature will awaken your senses, and you will know that you are alive!
"What a fantastic night!! I was pretty close to bailing because it was very choppy (in my eyes) and Jim was happy to transfer to the next night but then called me back to say he’d alter the plans slightly to ‘guarantee’ calmer waters quickly and he delivered. Can’t recommend Jim & his team enough - awesome 👍👍👍"
Michelle from Adelaide
When Twilight Talks to You!
This 45-minute cruise is for those with a love of the extraordinary. Board your vessel 15 minutes before sunset. Settle into your seat and make yourself comfortable. Perhaps buy a beverage to sip on for the show. Next comes a cruise out on the harbour past the site for the inspiration of Telegraph Rose to catch the last rays of the setting tropical summer sun. With bated breath we'll watch that golden ball of Top End glow dip below the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of that elusive Green Flash that inspired Bruce Murno.
As twilight awakens, expect the colours to stretch the sky and intensify, a quintessential Darwin experience enjoyed through a unique perspective. We will journey to the back of the harbour to a thriving landscape of trees in the sea, where birds find sanctuary at the end of the day, and where natures embrace has a backdrop of Darwin city reflecting twilight’s mood. This is an area of Darwin that few tourists visit, but it home to truly Territorian sounds - Sounds that inspired the Gathering of the Clans and Linger Longer.
"Well and truly spoilt rotten with another incredible sunset. It was our last night in Darwin and one of our last nights in Australia, and what a way to spend it! Thank you seadarwin for the awesome views!"
Matt and Gemma - England
And to Finish - Tropical Light!
Returning to Kitchener Bay, we swap nature’s light for the conventional variety where you will be greeted with ‘plugged light’ and the stunning view of Bruce Munro’s Tropical Light sculpture ‘Water Towers’ at the Darwin Seawall, where stacked recyclable water bottles are illuminated by optical fibre, like enormous liquid batteries of light.. This sculpture pay homage to the multi-cultural nature of Darwin, and the importance of the surrounding harbour and sea to the Saltwater people, and all the others that choose to make Darwin their home.
Disembark at Stokes Hill Wharf in perfect proximity to walk through the Sea Wall exhibit and into the Darwin Waterfront precinct to stroll through the 3 additional art installations, inspired by nature and the seasons of the Top End. Linger longer, and take the opportunity to feast from one of the many restaurants in the precinct, or perhaps choose the specific food and beverage Tropical Light packages.
Your questions answered Frequently asked questions
What is your cancellation policy?
Customers will be entitled to a full refund or a reschedule of the ticket if the cruise is cancelled because of bad weather or any other reason. If a customer cancels a cruise a full refund (less cc and booking fee charges) will be available unless it is within 48 hours where the ticket will be non-refundable.
What should I bring?
Please wear flat shoes or sandals. We also recommend you bring a camera. We supply sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water.
Can I purchase other drinks on board?
Yes, our vessel includes a fully licensed bar and aside from beer and wine we have a unique selection of Top End whisky and gin.
Will I be allocated a seat?
At times when our tour is fully booked, seating will be allocated to ensure that people traveling together sit together.
What if there are storms about?
In the tropical summer we expect storms to be about, and these provide fantastic natural light shows. We avoid the storms, and cruise at a distance.
Is the boat protected from the weather?
Yes, our vessels have a canopy and "clears" that can be dropped in the event of rain.
What if the weather turns unexpectedly?
Our crew are very capable, they know the harbour and our boats are very fast should we need to return to Dock.
How many people will be aboard?
The Tropical LIght Twilight Cruise is a small group experience, up to 20 pax.