Red Boat Tours – BYOB Sunset Cruise on St. Augustines Waterway

Taking a sunset cruise in St. Augustine isn’t just about seeing the sky change colors — it’s about experiencing the city from a fresh perspective. This BYOB sunset cruise offered by Red Boat Tours makes the most of the golden hour, giving you a relaxing way to enjoy local sights, marine life, and maybe a drink or two. The boat’s spacious design, friendly crew, and the chance to sip your own beverages make this a popular choice for visitors craving a laid-back yet scenic outing.

What we love most about this experience? First, the flexibility to bring your own drinks means you can customize your relax-time without extra costs. Second, the informative commentary and friendly guides add a layer of insight that enhances the journey. Third, the stunning sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway and some wildlife sightings keep the evening lively and memorable.

A potential consideration? The activity is limited to adults who can bring their own beverages, so families with children or those expecting a party atmosphere might want to look elsewhere. Also, it’s advisable to prebook, especially during busy seasons, to secure your spot. This cruise is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who prefers a calm, scenic experience over big crowds and loud parties.

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to admire St. Augustine while enjoying some drinks and wildlife spotting, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate nature, history, and a touch of leisure on the water.

Good To Know

• Flexible BYOB policy allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks at no extra charge.
• Beautiful sunset vistas over the city skyline and waterway provide fantastic photo opportunities.
• Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, pelicans, osprey, and even manatees, add a lively element to the cruise.
• Informative guides and live commentary make the trip both relaxing and educational.
• Comfortable, spacious boat with cozy blankets and plush seats enhances the onboard experience.
• Prebooking recommended to secure your preferred date, especially during peak seasons.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Booking and Pricing

For just $39 per person, this 90-minute cruise offers great value. Most travelers plan to book about 18 days in advance, which shows how popular and well-regarded this tour is. The price includes bottled water, live commentary, and a professional photographer guide, giving you more than just a boat ride — it’s a chance to capture your trip and learn some local tales.

How It Works

You’ll meet at 260 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine — a straightforward location to find and access. The boat, named Pellicano, is spacious enough for the maximum of 56 travelers, ensuring a comfortable ride with plenty of room to relax. Since the tour is BYOB, you can bring your favorite beverages, but keep in mind that no ice or drink setup is provided, and sales tax applies separately.

The Itinerary

Once onboard, you’re treated to a leisurely cruise through the calm waters of St. Augustine and Matanzas Bay. The boat features plush padded seats and cozy blankets for cooler evenings, emphasizing comfort. The journey provides a panoramic view of the city’s famous landmarks, including the iconic Bridge of Lions, which you’ll see from a different perspective than on foot.

While enjoying your drinks, you’ll hear engaging tales about the city’s history and sights, often sprinkled with humor. Reviewers commend the crew, especially Captain James and co-captain Savanna, for their friendly, informative, and witty narration. When the sun begins to set, the atmosphere shifts to a tranquil showcase of colors, with reflections dancing on the water, perfect for photos.

Wildlife and Nature

One of the tour’s highlights? The wildlife sightings. Reviewers consistently mention dolphins playing near the boat, with some even catching glimpses of pelicans, ospreys, turtles, and manatees. These encounters add a lively touch to the relaxing cruise. Several reviews emphasize how the cruise is not just about the scenery but also about witnessing the natural beauty of the area.

The Sunset Experience

Expect to see the sky turn shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon. While some reviews mention that the timing can vary, most agree that the views are spectacular, even on cloudy days. The crew aims to coordinate departure times with sunset, but as one reviewer noted, it’s sometimes a bit off — so you might find that the cruise transitions from sunset to evening more gradually than expected.

Comfort and Safety

The boat is equipped with life preservers for all ages, and safety is clearly a priority. Service animals are allowed, and the crew takes care to ensure guests feel comfortable and secure. The boat’s design emphasizes a relaxing vibe, with space to stretch out and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Reviewers regularly mention the crew’s kindness and knowledge, with Captain Tony, James, and Savanna earning praise for their humor and hospitality. One guest noted, “They are so nice,” and another appreciated the “funny and informative” narration. Many mention how the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for couples or small groups looking to unwind.

Several reviews highlight the value of the tour, especially considering the included bottled water and the ability to bring your own drinks, which many appreciate as a cost-saving feature. For example, one user said, “BYOB kept the mood going, the crew was nice,” which encapsulates the laid-back nature of this cruise.

The natural scenery and wildlife also shine through in reviews, with multiple guests mentioning dolphin pods and birdlife as memorable parts of the cruise. Even on cloudy days, travelers found the experience worthwhile, with one noting, “The sunset was spectacular, even on a cloudy day.”

What Could Be Better?

A few reviews pointed out that the experience can feel more relaxed than party-like, which is perfect for some but might disappoint those seeking a lively, high-energy vibe. Also, since it’s BYOB, guests need to plan ahead for drinks and snacks, as no ice or setups are provided.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Prebook early — especially during popular times like holidays or peak season, to guarantee your spot.
• Arrive on time — the meeting point is straightforward, and punctuality helps maximize your time on the water.
• Bring layers and blankets — evenings can be cooler, and the boat provides blankets, but extra layers can boost comfort.
• Plan your drinks — remember, you can bring your own beverages, but no ice or mixers are supplied.
• Capture the moments — bring your camera or smartphone, as the views and wildlife sightings are photo-worthy.
• Consider the timing — the departure time is coordinated with sunset, but it can vary, so check in advance if you have specific timing needs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for adults looking for a relaxing, scenic experience. It suits couples, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting a peaceful way to see St. Augustine from the water during sunset. If you enjoy wildlife or stunning vistas, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer to sip their own drinks and skip the crowded, loud party atmosphere.

Families with older children might enjoy the scenery and wildlife, but note that the tour is adults-only regarding BYOB. Those seeking a lively party or a full bar experience should look elsewhere.

FAQ

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, bookings are fully cancellable for free up to 24 hours in advance. After that, cancellations are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is limited to adults because of the BYOB policy.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring your own beverages, layers for warmth, and a camera or phone for photos. Blankets are provided for cooler evenings.

Are there any age restrictions?
All ages are welcome, but the tour is adults-only for drinking.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing a comfortable window to enjoy the water, scenery, and wildlife.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll cruise past famous sights like the Bridge of Lions and enjoy views of the city skyline at sunset.

Is alcohol allowed?
You can bring your own beverages; alcohol is BYOB, but no sales or setups are offered onboard.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Tours canceled due to weather are either rescheduled or refunded, depending on your preference.

Are there restrooms on the boat?
The provided information doesn’t specify, but given the comfort level, it’s likely the boat is equipped for basic needs.

Can I bring my service animal?
Yes, service animals are allowed onboard.

Final Thoughts

The Red Boat Tours BYOB sunset cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife sightings, and relaxed vibes, all at a very reasonable price. Its friendly guides, comfortable boat, and flexible drinks policy make it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging way to experience St. Augustine’s waterways.

It’s best suited for adults who want to unwind in a tranquil setting, enjoy some local sights, and maybe toast the sunset with their favorite drink. For travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters, stunning views, and a laid-back atmosphere, this tour ticks many boxes — all without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a romantic outing, or just want a quiet hour on the water, this cruise promises a memorable experience in one of Florida’s most charming cities.