The following photos are my favorite sunset shots, taken on our eight-year sailing journey (2007-2015) in the Caribbean and South Pacific, aboard our 35ft catamaran Irie. These photos are shown in their “original” form. No editing has occurred, except for adding my watermark. The sun can really be this bright and colorful. 🙂
My travels and experiences (and then some) on Irie have been memorialized in my recently published travel memoir Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary. You can find more information about this compelling, “refreshingly honest,” well-received book here.
Caribbean Sunsets
Sunset in Puerto Rico
Caribbean sunset at anchor
Sunset in the Grenadines
Tranquil sunset
Sunset in Grenada
Island sunset in Panama
Spectacular sunset in the San Blas Islands, Panama
Quiet sunset at anchor
Sailing into the sunset
Pacific Sunsets
Sunset at anchor
Last glimpse of the sun
Pacific sunset
Sunset in Raiatea, French Polynesia
(This last photo became the cover photo of All At Sea magazine a few years ago.)
If you enjoyed these photos of our sailing years and are curious to see more, you can access the free photo gallery of my travel memoir Plunge here. For bonus photos regarding my book, you will have to purchase it first. You can do so here.
This blog post is linked to #sundaystills, (almost) #wordlesswednesday, and Natalie’s #weeklycoffeeshare.
What’s your favorite of the bunch?
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June 23, 2021 at 15:17
What gorgeous photos, Liesbet, and a clever idea adding them as online resources to accompany the book.
June 23, 2021 at 19:33
Hi Jacqui!
I recently realized that I never mentioned my photo gallery – the free one that is part of my book – on my blog anywhere. The link is towards the back of the book (and so is the one for the bonus photos), right after the B&W gallery in the paperback and the color gallery in the eBook.
The idea was to entice potential readers with the gallery to buy my book. After almost seven months of having the book published, I’ve overlooked quite a few intentions and plans I had way back when, haha.
June 23, 2021 at 15:20
I like them all, but I would say my favorite is sunset in the Grenadines.
June 23, 2021 at 19:34
Good choice, Pete. That’s in my top three as well. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 15:30
Stunning photos! Each one so different!
June 23, 2021 at 19:35
Thanks, Helen. Some of them were taken thousands of miles apart. You are right, they are very different, but all bring back nice memories.
June 23, 2021 at 15:30
Sunsets are my “glory” place where I leave troubles behind and just glory in being. These are gorgeous, Liesbet.
June 23, 2021 at 19:37
I can see why, Pam. I think I must have similar feelings as I don’t remember ever being stressed while watching a sunset. Unless we really had to make a certain anchorage (or campground) by day’s end for safety. Hm… I guess this must have happened at least once in all our years of sailing and camping.
June 23, 2021 at 16:08
Beautiful photos, Liesbet. What gorgeous sunsets over the water!
June 23, 2021 at 19:38
Thank you, anonymous. I’m glad you enjoyed this selection of snapshots.
June 27, 2021 at 16:04
Wow! Stunning photos!
June 28, 2021 at 04:38
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the images.
June 23, 2021 at 17:11
WOW! What an absolute delight! Thank you for sharing.
June 23, 2021 at 19:39
I’m glad you enjoyed these photos! Your comment made me smile! I love the word “delight,” but always associated it with food. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 18:08
Your photo blog prompted me to check what’s on my desktop in a folder of images, one marked “Sunsets,” Yours are spectacular!
June 23, 2021 at 19:40
Thanks, Marian. Maybe you should join in with Terri’s Sunday Stills this week as well? I saw your post in my inbox, so it’s too late for today, but maybe next Wednesday, you can spin a topic around your sunset photos… 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 18:14
I’m so happy you shared your incredible sunsets with Sunday Stills this week, Liesbet! I’m always happy to help promote a fellow self-published author’s works, which I did. Your love and talent for photography is quite evident in how you capture the essence of each sunset and how each tells a different story. They are all amazing but my top one is the Caribbean sunset; the pinks and ships silhouetted against the thunderclouds are truly inspired! My next two faves are the San Blas then the Pacific sunsets. Congrats on the success of your book and hope you are enjoying summer!
June 23, 2021 at 19:45
Hi Terri,
It was a pleasure to be part of the “gang” this week. Thank you for the compliments about my photos. I have thousands of photos from that time/adventure in my life. It’s a tremendous mess. I remember going through ALL of them (I think it was over 13K) to pick a small selection for Plunge. I’m not to do that again any time soon. 🙂 Luckily, I created a “sunset” folder after browsing all those photos last year.
Thanks for promoting my book! I’ll hop back over to your post whenever I have a moment. I’m sitting at the IcelandAir gate at Boston Logan airport right now, ready to board in fifteen minutes. 🙂 Not sure how this summer will go…
June 23, 2021 at 19:55
Certainly a pleasure to promote your book, Liesbet! I think we all struggle with too many image files and where to put them! Enjoy your flight and keep an open mind…!
June 23, 2021 at 19:57
Always an open mind. 🙂 Thanks, Terri!
June 23, 2021 at 18:16
Gorgeous, Liesbet!
June 23, 2021 at 19:45
Thanks, Janis. A tad different looking than the ones from your gorgeous deck. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 18:30
Talking about sunsets! You have seen them in many places:) That was a long journey! Like traveling too, but then live, where I end up:)
June 23, 2021 at 19:46
Life is an adventure, Jeshie. Especially for nomads like us. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 19:12
Wow Lisbiet, your photos are absolutely stunning. They make me want to walk (or swim) right into the photo.
June 23, 2021 at 19:49
Hi Lea! Thank you for your lovely comment. One of these could become your desktop background. If you’re interested in that, let me know and I can make that happen. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 22:20
Hi Liesbet, what a kind offer. How could I say no? Being there must have been so very soothing for your soul.
June 26, 2021 at 06:32
It will be my gift to you, Lea, for being such a supportive and wonderful reader of Roaming About. Let me know which your favorite is and I will send it to the email I have “on file” here, the “your name + numbers” Yahoo one. If you’d like me to send it elsewhere, let me know via my contact us page. 🙂
July 4, 2021 at 11:07
Hi Liesbet, you are so kind!! Please forgive the delay in answering you. The photos are all so beautiful but the one I’ve chosen is Island sunset in Panama. I appreciate your kindness. Yes, the e-mail you have on file would work perfect. Thank you. I hope you are enjoying your 4th of July.
July 14, 2021 at 11:56
I sent you the photo by email as you noticed, but I don’t remember if I ever answered this comment. We didn’t celebrate July 4th at all this year, as we found ourselves in Belgium. We did celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary two days later in Ostend, though. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 20:13
I like Puerto Rico because the water looks silky. I look silky looking water. It seem calm, tranquil, serene. A great yellow sunset!
June 26, 2021 at 06:18
Thanks, Duwan. This scene struck me as we walked along the beach near Fajardo, in the early days of our cruising. Silky water means tranquil water. Tranquil is good when you are at anchor. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 20:26
I did smile when looking at the pictures, I could not help myself! Tranquil Sunset, is one favorite, but each one you chose to share was special. Thanks and blessings, Michele
June 26, 2021 at 06:20
I’m so glad I made you smile, Michele. I imagine it is like how I can’t wipe the smile off my face reading your and other readers’ comments here. 🙂 I just love the Tranquil Sunset as well – each photo that has a nautical theme incorporated in the sunset shot is special to me.
June 23, 2021 at 20:54
Exceptionally stunning photos, Liesbet! The concept of watermarking came up again, yesterday with a friend. I sometimes watermark and other times, not. All of your photos are beautiful, yet I am drawn towards how “Tranquil sunset” makes me feel. Hard to pick a favourite!❤️
June 26, 2021 at 06:23
Thanks, Erica! Good pick! Part of me misses taking creative photos like that, but part of me is happy for a “photo break” these months, as it is nice to not carry anything around with me on walks or visits. That sense of freedom… 🙂
I rarely watermark my photos anymore on this blog, because I usually resize them so much that nobody could do anything with the shots anyway if they steal them. This collection is different, as I’m proud of them and their quality is a bit better than my usual blog photos.
June 23, 2021 at 21:18
These photos are obviously beautiful but what I appreciate even more is your use of various framing techniques and how you used other objects in the scenes to create depth and interest. Each picture is special not just because the subject matter is striking but because of the way you took the photo. Really, really awesome!
June 26, 2021 at 06:28
Thank you so much for your observation, compliment, and comment, Laura! That means a lot, coming from a photographer like yourself. This collection is special to me, as they are – in my opinion – the best sunset shots in my extensive archive. With a bit of editing, they have potential. 🙂
June 23, 2021 at 22:11
Beautiful.
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June 26, 2021 at 06:29
Thanks a lot for your visit and comment, Regine!
June 24, 2021 at 06:56
Beautiful pictures. I love it.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
June 26, 2021 at 06:33
Thanks again, Regine! It seems like you left two comments. When it’s the first time you leave a comment on my blog, it goes through moderation. From now on, you should be able to post comments freely. 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 04:11
Looks as if the sky is on fire in those photos, Liesbet. Wonderful scenes and fantastic photography.
June 26, 2021 at 06:39
Hi Hugh! Aren’t those colors amazing and bright!? I decided to leave the sunsets this way – without editing them – to reflect their raw beauty. Each time I look at them, I am amazed at the brightness, move my head back, and almost have to shield my eyes. I’m glad you enjoyed this selection!
June 26, 2021 at 10:38
They’d make great artwork on your walls (or anybody else’s), Liesbet. I love the different lighting sunsets and sunrises give off from different parts of the world. It’s very much like the different lighting they give off depending on which season it is. I especially love winter sunrises. I don’t have to get up too early to witness them.
June 26, 2021 at 13:18
One advantage about winter, Hugh, the late sunrises. I actually mentioned that to Mark earlier this year as well. I think it was in our van in February. I looked through a side window to see the sun rise over the Sea of Cortez and stated how nice it was to not have to get up early to witness the sun announcing a new day. 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 07:22
Liesbet, I love that fiery sky in the San Blas Islands. Beautiful sunsets and water, the stuff dreams are made of…
June 26, 2021 at 06:42
Thank you so much, Suzanne. I agree that this selection is truly special and magical. The shot you talk about beats all the other ones with its burst of color. I remember looking at this photo on my computer much later and wishing the boat in the shot was ours, but it is not. I think I took this photo from the bow of Irie.
June 25, 2021 at 16:25
All are amazingly beautiful, but the second one – Caribbean sunset at anchor – is my favourite. Something to do with the colours and the boats in silhouette. Just stunning.
June 26, 2021 at 07:22
The multitude of colors in that shot are special. Especially since the water has those hues of purple and pink as well. Almost like this particular sunset bounces off the water. This – plus the sailboat silhouettes – creates a very different mood than the other photos. Good choice, Anabel! 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 16:27
OH wow! What beautiful sunsets!!
June 26, 2021 at 07:23
Thank you, Joanne! For swinging by, commenting, and appreciating. 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 17:25
Liesbet, Such beautiful sunsets and water. Hard to choose. I think my three picks are San Blas Islands, Grenadines and Pacific sunset photos. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.
June 26, 2021 at 07:27
Hi Natalie! I agree it is hard to pick three favorites of this bunch. I think I selected one of them to go with the Plunge gallery. Grenadines is in my top three as well. I actually took another shot of the same scene, zoomed in. That photo is spectacular as well. I didn’t include it here, because it was basically the same sunset, just a slightly different timing and angle. I love the “special effect” on the Pacific sunset, those sunbeams, rays, shooting up from behind the cloud. This creates an etherical sensation. 🙂
June 25, 2021 at 18:50
Quite simply, stunning! So much fire in the sky #weekendcoffeeshare
June 26, 2021 at 07:28
Thanks, Jo. I think that’s the perfect description of this bunch: fire in the sky. It’s quite amazing, really, that the photos came out so vibrant in their original format.
June 26, 2021 at 05:19
Wow Liesbet these are all spectacular, I can’t pick a favourite! They definitely didn’t need any editing 🙂 #weekendcoffeeshare
June 26, 2021 at 07:30
Hi Debbie! Thanks for the lovely comment and the compliment. Some photos might be a tad blurry or have crooked horizons, but I didn’t care too much as I wanted to show the real colors of these sunsets. My way of picking favorites – in this situation and others – is by deleting the ones I like less. Eventually, I’ll have three or five left. 🙂
June 26, 2021 at 05:25
Those are some gorgeous sunset photos! I especially like the first one. Amazing colours!
June 26, 2021 at 07:32
Hello Susanne! Thank you for swinging by and leaving this lovely comment. The first sunset shot exudes peace and tranquility. It looks like a perfect anchorage. 🙂
June 26, 2021 at 12:48
Yes, maybe that’s why I like it so much! Peace and quiet always appeal to me these days.
June 26, 2021 at 13:21
I hear you! I hope you have nature around to immerse yourself in as well.
June 26, 2021 at 18:32
Magnificent bouquet of sunset photos Liesbet! Your book has travelled with me during our road trip on the West Coast and I so enjoyed reading it. It was honest and funny and well written and was very interesting to me. I couldn’t put it down, although had to, but then went right back into “your world’ on the ocean, so it is nice to see some of the corresponding sunsets.
Peta
June 28, 2021 at 04:31
Hi Peta! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Plunge! And that you were able to reunite with your sons in the US. I recommend anyone reading the paperback of my book to check out the photo galleries online. The links to reach those are mentioned towards the back of the book. I wish I could have printed color photos in Plunge, but that was cost-prohibitive. The sunsets represent the good times! 🙂
June 26, 2021 at 19:05
Such lovely sunset photos! Thank you for sharing.
June 28, 2021 at 04:32
Thank you for swinging by and leaving a comment, Pamela! I’m glad you enjoyed my sunset scenes!
June 27, 2021 at 12:02
Oh wow, you make me want to go cruising again! The sunrises were always my favorite. Just by myself, with my cup of coffee, watching the new day greet the water. But those sunsets are breathtaking!
June 28, 2021 at 04:34
Such a lovely way to describe a sunrise and the start of a new day, Bethany! Now you make me miss cruising. Except, I’d have a cup of tea. 🙂 One day it might happen again.
June 27, 2021 at 13:19
Stunning images 😃
June 28, 2021 at 04:38
Thanks, Jez!
June 27, 2021 at 20:33
Stunning photos!
June 28, 2021 at 04:41
Thanks a lot, Kirstin. I should post a little “themed” photo gallery more often.
June 28, 2021 at 05:54
All of these are stunning but the Grenadines one especially so – WOW!
June 29, 2021 at 03:41
Thanks, Sarah! The Grenadines one is in my top three as well. 🙂
June 29, 2021 at 00:53
Wow, they’re all stunning! I can’t decide which is my favourite – the one taken through the life ring (is the the right word for it?) or the gorgeous ‘magazine cover’ one. Lovely – thanks for sharing! 🙂
June 29, 2021 at 03:49
Yes, Diane. It’s called a life ring or lifebuoy. You’ve spotted some of my favorites. I like the ones with a nautical element to it. And, the romantic scene of someone rowing through the sunset is hard to beat. 🙂
July 3, 2021 at 09:57
Lovely photos from your sailing journey!
July 8, 2021 at 11:48
Thanks, Julie! Sometimes I wish I could go back in time! 🙂
July 3, 2021 at 17:30
I love sunrises and sunsets and these are some incredible sunsets!! Thanks for sharing
July 8, 2021 at 11:51
You’re very welcome, Sanch! I’m glad you enjoyed my special sunsets. 🙂
July 4, 2021 at 14:48
Beautiful sunset photos! What a great idea to have a bonus photo gallery linked to your book.
Jude
July 8, 2021 at 11:57
Thanks, Jude! I put two galleries together for Plunge – one with the photos from the book (in color) and another one that is only accessible for readers who bought my book. The first one I was going to use for promotional and attraction purposes, but I haven’t yet.
October 24, 2024 at 04:07
Wow! I love the scene. Great catch!
October 27, 2024 at 15:22
Thanks!