The 2 Best Dining Experiences in Moab
Moab is famous for its dramatic red rock landscapes, adventurous outdoors, and surprisingly memorable dining options. But what sets its dining scene apart is the chance to combine good food with breathtaking natural scenery. Think about sipping a cowboy-style dinner while drifting on the Colorado River or watching a vibrant sunset over the canyon walls with a cold drink in hand. These experiences turn a simple meal into a memorable event—perfect for winding down after a day of exploring Arches and Canyonlands or just soaking in the local vibe.
While Moab doesn’t boast a bustling foodie scene like larger cities, it compensates with unique experiences that blend culinary pleasure with stunning scenery. Whether you’re after a relaxed river cruise or a sunset cruise topped with barbecue, these two tours offer more than just a meal—they deliver a story and a view you won’t forget.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find two of the best dining experiences in Moab that make the most of the Colorado River setting. The first is the Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show, offering a cowboy-style Dutch dinner paired with a captivating light and sound show on the river. The second is the Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner, a shorter 1.5-hour cruise that ends with an optional BBQ dinner, perfect for catching vibrant colors at sunset. Both tours provide a relaxed way to enjoy the scenery and local culture, in different styles suited to different preferences.
1. Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show
At number 1 on our list is the Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show. This 3-hour adventure combines a cowboy-style Dutch dinner with a peaceful boat ride on a calm stretch of the Colorado River. What makes this experience stand out is the spectacular sound and light show projected onto the canyon’s rock face, illustrating the story of the canyon’s creation with lights, shadows, and music. It’s a visual and auditory journey that makes the natural landscape come alive in a different way.
The tour starts at 1861 N Hwy 191 and includes a stop at Canyonlands By Night & Day Dinner before heading onto the river for about two hours. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly hosts and the quality of the food, noting it’s hot, fresh, and plentiful. The light show is described as beautiful and educational, offering a non-tacky way to learn about Moab’s geology and culture. Many guests find this tour a perfect way to unwind and reflect on their Moab adventure.
Value-wise, it’s a solid choice at $108 per person, especially considering the included dinner, entertainment, and scenic cruise. It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed, immersive experience that blends dinner, natural beauty, and storytelling.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a cozy, engaging way to end your day, especially if you appreciate a bit of storytelling combined with scenic views and a good cowboy dinner.
2. Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner
For around $129, the Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner hits the mark for a shorter, more visual experience. This 1.5-hour cruise offers a chance to relax and witness the vibrant colors of the canyon walls during sunset. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the geology and history of the Canyonlands while soaking in the changing light that makes Moab’s scenery so striking.
The tour departs from 1861 N Hwy 191 and includes several stops, such as Little Arch, roadside petroglyphs, Jug Handle Arch, and the popular Intrepid Potash photo stop. It’s a more dynamic experience, with multiple short cruises and stops designed to give you different perspectives of the landscape. Afterward, many guests opt for the BBQ dinner at a riverside restaurant, which complements the scenic beauty perfectly.
Guests often describe the guide as entertaining and informative, with many mentioning how the boat’s back seat offers excellent views. Some reviews note that the guide’s humorous style adds to the experience, though boat noise can make it tricky to hear at times. Overall, it offers excellent value for a shorter, scenic, and engaging cruise with the chance to dine later on.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, sunset experience with a relaxed pace. The optional BBQ makes it a great way to combine sightseeing and a casual dinner.
How to Choose
Picking between these two memorable dining experiences depends on your schedule, budget, and what kind of atmosphere you prefer. If you love storytelling, a longer evening with a cowboy dinner and immersive light show sounds perfect. For those who want a shorter, picture-perfect sunset cruise with the option to dine afterward, the Sunset Boat Tour with BBQ offers a great fit.
Both tours depart from the same starting point, making it easy to book and plan. Consider your energy level—if you’re up for a longer, more detailed adventure, the first tour delivers. If you prefer a quick, scenic highlight with a casual meal following, the second is ideal.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time. Check availability, as some cruises run at specific times, and the sunset tour’s timing is weather-dependent.
Final Thoughts
Moab’s dining experiences on the Colorado River turn an ordinary meal into a memorable part of your trip. Whether you opt for the dinner cruise with a light show—which combines storytelling, scenic views, and a cowboy-style dinner—or prefer the shorter sunset cruise with an optional barbecue, both options offer a chance to relax and soak in the canyon’s beauty in a comfortable setting.
For those seeking a leisurely, story-filled evening, the first tour offers a distinctive cultural experience. If you value a shorter, visually stunning trip with the flexibility to dine afterward, the sunset cruise suits you better. No matter which you choose, Moab’s river adventures promise a unique way to enjoy this remarkable landscape. Be sure to book early—these popular tours fill up quickly and add a flavorful, scenic touch to your Moab visit.