The Sea Lion Cruise itinerary covers three major Halong Bay stops, a premium seafood buffet, Jacuzzi time, and a sunset cocktail party — all packed into exactly 6 hours on the water, departing at 12:00 noon from Sun World Marina.
This guide breaks down every segment of the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary so you know exactly what to expect, how long each stop lasts, and how to make the most of your time at each location.
Essentials:
- Total duration: 6 hours (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Stops: Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking
- Onboard: Seafood buffet lunch, Jacuzzi pool, sunset cocktail party
- Departure: Sun World Marina, Ha Long City
- Hanoi pickup: 7:30 AM from Old Quarter (shuttle/limousine packages)
Sea Lion Cruise Itinerary — Complete Timeline
The Sea Lion Cruise itinerary follows a fixed route every day. The schedule below reflects actual operating times as of May 2026.
| Time | Activity | Duration | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Hanoi pickup (shuttle/limo only) | — | Pickup from Old Quarter hotels. Water bottle provided on bus |
| 10:00–10:30 AM | Arrive Sun World Marina | — | Check-in, restrooms, photo opportunity at marina |
| 12:00 PM | Board Sea Lion & departure | 15 min | Welcome drink served, safety briefing, vessel departs |
| 12:30 PM | Premium seafood buffet lunch | 90 min | 30+ dishes in panoramic restaurant |
| 2:00 PM | Ti Top Island | 45 min | Beach swimming or 427-step summit climb |
| 3:00 PM | Sung Sot Cave | 30 min | UNESCO cave with stalactite chambers |
| 3:45 PM | Luon Cave kayaking | 25 min | Paddle through limestone tunnel |
| 4:15 PM | Jacuzzi & sundeck free time | 75 min | Rooftop heated pool, karst panorama |
| 5:30 PM | Sunset cocktail party | 30 min | Live music, golden hour on the bay |
| 6:00 PM | Arrive Sun World Marina | — | Disembark. Bus passengers depart 6:15 PM |
| 9:00–9:30 PM | Arrive Hanoi (bus only) | — | Drop-off at Old Quarter |
12:00 PM — Boarding and Welcome Aboard
The Sea Lion Cruise itinerary begins at Sun World Marina with a streamlined check-in. The crew collects your booking confirmation (digital or printed), assigns you a table in the restaurant, and hands you a welcome drink — fresh juice or a soft drink — as you step aboard.
The vessel departs promptly at noon. Within the first 10 minutes, you’ll pass the marina breakwater and enter the main bay channel, where limestone karsts begin appearing on both sides. The upper sundeck is the best spot for this first view — bring your camera.
12:30 PM — The Seafood Buffet Lunch
Lunch is the longest segment of the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary at 90 minutes. The buffet runs in the main restaurant — a glass-walled space on the second deck with unobstructed bay views from every table.
The spread includes 30+ dishes: fresh prawns, grilled squid, Vietnamese spring rolls, pho station, stir-fried vegetables, and a dedicated dessert bar. Under the current Sail Into Summer 2026 promotion, each guest receives one complimentary beer or soft drink. For full menu details, see our seafood buffet lunch guide.
⚓ Insider Note: The prawns and squid are the standout items — delivered fresh from Ha Long’s fishing boats that morning. The Vietnamese pho station is also excellent, with the broth prepared onboard. Avoid filling up on bread and rice early; save room for the seafood.
2:00 PM — Ti Top Island (45 Minutes)
Ti Top Island is the first shore excursion on the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary. Named after Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited Halong Bay with Ho Chi Minh in 1962, this small island offers two distinct experiences:
- Beach option: A crescent-shaped beach with calm, clear water. Beach towels are provided free by Sea Lion
- Summit option: 427 stone steps to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire bay — the most photographed spot on Halong Bay
You have 45 minutes on the island. Doing both (quick swim + summit climb) is possible if you move efficiently — allow 15 minutes for the climb, 5 at the top, 10 down, leaving 15 for a swim. More details in our Ti Top Island guide.
3:00 PM — Sung Sot Cave (30 Minutes)
Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) is the largest cave open to visitors in Halong Bay. The Sea Lion Cruise itinerary allocates 30 minutes for this stop — enough for the full walking circuit through both chambers.
The cave features two main caverns connected by a narrow passage. The first chamber is roughly the size of a theater, with stalactites and stalagmites formed over 500 million years. The second opens to an elevated viewpoint above the bay. The walkway is paved and lit throughout, with handrails on steeper sections.
Temperature inside the cave stays at 20–22°C year-round — a welcome relief from Halong Bay’s summer heat. The entrance requires climbing approximately 50 stone steps from the dock.
3:45 PM — Kayaking at Luon Cave (25 Minutes)
The kayaking segment of the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary takes you through a limestone tunnel into an enclosed lagoon — a hidden bay surrounded by sheer karst walls where the water is perfectly still.
Double kayaks are provided (two-person), along with life jackets and dry bags for phones and cameras. The route is approximately 1.5 km round trip through calm water. No previous kayaking experience is needed — the guides provide a 2-minute briefing before launch. Children 5+ can participate when paired with an adult.
4:15 PM — Jacuzzi Pool and Sundeck
After the three shore excursions, the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary shifts to relaxation. The rooftop Jacuzzi pool — the feature that distinguishes Sea Lion from every other day cruise — is at its best during this 75-minute window.
The heated pool (36–38°C) fits 8–10 guests comfortably, with a 270-degree view of Halong Bay’s karsts. Cocktails and champagne are available from the adjacent bar. The sundeck surrounding the Jacuzzi has loungers and shade areas for those who prefer to stay dry.
This is also prime photography time — the afternoon light hitting the karsts creates the warm golden tones that define Halong Bay photography. The upper deck provides unobstructed sightlines in every direction.
5:30 PM — Sunset Cocktail Party
The final event on the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary is the sunset cocktail party on the main sundeck. The vessel positions itself in open water facing west, giving every guest a clear view of the sunset behind the karst silhouettes.
Background music plays from the entertainment stage while the crew serves drinks. The atmosphere shifts noticeably here — after an active day of swimming, hiking, caving, and kayaking, the sunset party is deliberately calm and social.
6:00 PM — Return and Hanoi Transfer
Sea Lion docks at Sun World Marina at approximately 6:00 PM. Self-transfer guests can depart immediately. Shuttle and limousine bus passengers board at 6:15 PM for the return to Hanoi, arriving in the Old Quarter between 9:00 and 9:30 PM.
For the full experience guide including pricing, booking channels, and what’s included, see our complete Sea Lion Cruise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip any stops on the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary?
Yes. Each shore stop (Ti Top, Sung Sot, kayaking) is optional. If you’d rather stay onboard and use the Jacuzzi or sundeck during a shore stop, you’re free to do so. Many guests skip one stop in favor of more pool time.
Is the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary the same every day?
The itinerary and timing are identical daily throughout the year. The only variation is weather-related: in rare cases of heavy fog or storms, the captain may adjust the route order while keeping all stops included.
What time does the Sea Lion Cruise itinerary start from Hanoi?
Hanoi pickup is at 7:30 AM from the Old Quarter. You arrive at Sun World Marina around 10:00–10:30 AM, board at noon, and return to Hanoi by 9:00–9:30 PM. Total time from Hanoi: approximately 14 hours including transfers.