Dining on the Water: Lunch & Dinner Cruises Aboard the Marina Jack II

If you’re looking for a unique Sarasota experience that combines great food, stunning views, and a relaxing time on the water, a cruise on the Marina Jack II is hard to beat. Whether you prefer the sunshine of a midday sail or the golden glow of a Sarasota sunset, both the Lunch and Dinner Cruises offer a memorable way to explore the bay.

We’ve done the lunch cruise twice — and honestly? You can’t go wrong. The first time we went we took Rod’s mom for her 85th birthday. It was the first time she had ever been on something like this. It was a memorable time for her & us as well. The second time Trish’s sister was in town & we enjoyed this lunch cruise as much as the first one.

🚤 The Marina Jack II Yacht

Marina Jack’s is located downtown Sarasota and you will see in the parking lot the famous World War 2 statue of the Kissing Sailor that was featured in Life magazine in 1945.

Departing from the Marina Jack restaurant and marina complex in downtown Sarasota, the Marina Jack II is a 96-foot yacht with air-conditioned dining decks, a full-service bar, and an open-air top deck for soaking in the Florida sunshine or catching the evening breeze. It’s elegant without being stuffy — perfect for a casual afternoon or a special evening out.

☀️ Lunch Cruise: Relaxed Bay Views & Midday Delights

The Lunch Cruise departs around 12:00 PM, giving you a beautiful view of Sarasota Bay in the daylight. It’s a great way to see the local islands, wildlife, and waterfront homes from a whole new angle — all while enjoying a relaxing, unhurried meal.

What to Expect:

• A scenic 1.5 to 2-hour cruise around Lido Key, Bird Key, and Siesta Key
• A buffet-style lunch with dishes like:
  • Grilled chicken
  • Catch of the day
  • Pasta primavera
  • Salad bar & fresh rolls
  • Mini desserts
• Light narration of points of interest from the captain
• Plenty of sunshine and photo ops from the top deck

🌅 Dinner Cruise: Romance, Sunset, and Sparkling Waters

We haven’t done the dinner cruise yet but have heard the Dinner Cruise is the showstopper. Departing in the late afternoon (usually between 5:30–6:30 PM, depending on season), it offers sunset views over the bay followed by the soft glow of twilight as the city lights start to twinkle.

What to Expect:

• A 2-hour cruise timed for sunset
• A more upscale buffet, often featuring:
  • Prime rib carving station
  • Herb-roasted chicken
  • Grilled salmon
  • Vegetable medley & salad bar
  • Decadent desserts
• Full bar service at your table
• The chance to step out onto the upper deck for sunset photos, breezy conversation, and dolphin sightings
• A romantic and relaxed atmosphere — ideal for couples or celebrating a special occasion

📝 Tips for Both Cruises:

• Book early, especially during high season or holiday weekends
• Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in and settle in
• Dress code: resort casual for lunch; a little dressier for dinner (think sundress or button-up)
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for lunch; a light sweater for dinner if it’s breezy
• Keep your camera ready — you might see dolphins or manatees!

Our Take? Try at least one! If your schedule allows, we truly recommend at least one of the lunch and dinner cruises if you’re here for a week or longer. Each one offers a different vibe, different views, and a fresh way to enjoy the beauty of Sarasota Bay.