GULF SHORES TALLSHIP FIELD GUIDE
After Dark Cruise Aboard The Dark Star: A Two‑Hour Pirate Evening on Sunset Lake
A two-hour, BYOB evening cruise around Sunset Lake and Jarvis Sound aboard the 50‑ft Dark Star; this guide lays out what to expect, what to bring, and practical details.
After Dark Cruise Aboard The Dark Star: A Two‑Hour Pirate Evening on Sunset Lake.
Board the Dark Star for the After Dark Cruise: a two‑hour, evening trip that circles Sunset Lake and Jarvis Sound, trading shorelines and back‑bay hush for music, salt air and an informal BYOB atmosphere.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Dark Star — a modern‑day pirate ship
The Dark Star is a 50 foot modern day pirate ship, custom designed and certified to carry 49 passengers; she is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art electronics and the latest life‑saving equipment, and has one head below deck for guests.
A twilight loop through sheltered bays
The cruise hugs the shore, running a short circuit through Sunset Lake and Jarvis Sound and exploring the back bays rather than venturing offshore.
BYOB, music and salt‑air conviviality
After Dark is an evening of merriment under the stars — listening to great tunes while enjoying the salt air. The cruise is BYOB and you may bring food or have it catered; the operator provides tables, table cloths and ice.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
For two hours the Dark Star moves slowly through protected water under evening light: music sets the tone, people bring their own drinks and food, and the crew tends the vessel and the vibe while everyone takes in the salt air and shoreline views.
THE VESSEL
The Dark Star — a modern‑day pirate ship
The Dark Star is a 50 foot modern day pirate ship, custom designed and certified to carry 49 passengers; she is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art electronics and the latest life‑saving equipment, and has one head below deck for guests.
THE ROUTE
A twilight loop through sheltered bays
The cruise hugs the shore, running a short circuit through Sunset Lake and Jarvis Sound and exploring the back bays rather than venturing offshore.
THE EVENING
BYOB, music and salt‑air conviviality
After Dark is an evening of merriment under the stars — listening to great tunes while enjoying the salt air. The cruise is BYOB and you may bring food or have it catered; the operator provides tables, table cloths and ice.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This cruise is BYOB; guests may bring food or arrange catering. The operator supplies tables, table cloths and ice—bring any serving gear you need and remember this is an open‑air marine environment.
The Dark Star has one head (bathroom) below deck; guests are recommended to use restrooms at the dock before boarding. The vessel is US Coast Guard regulated and carries life‑saving equipment.
The ship is not wheelchair accessible. If you are pregnant or have medical concerns, consult your physician before participating.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if it rains?
The operator runs rain or shine. In the event of severe weather that would result in the cancellation of the trip, you may reschedule or receive a voucher for a future event.
Tell me more about the Dark Star.
The Dark Star is a 50 foot modern day pirate ship, custom designed by Naval Architect Michael LeMole, certified to carry 49 passengers, and equipped with state‑of‑the‑art electronics and life‑saving equipment; there is one head below deck.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Yes — the cruise is BYOB and you are welcome to bring food or have it catered; the operator provides tables, table cloths and ice.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes, there is one head (bathroom) below deck for guests, but the operator recommends using the restrooms at the dock before boarding.
Are life jackets available?
Yes. The operation is US Coast Guard regulated and the Dark Star is equipped with the latest life‑saving equipment.
Is the ship wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately the ship is not wheelchair accessible, though the operator will try to accommodate where possible.
How far out will the boat go?
The cruise stays very close to shore and ventures only into Sunset Lake and the back bays rather than out into the ocean.