Red Boat Tours – World Famous St Augustine Nights of Lights

Introduction

If you’re visiting St Augustine during the holiday season, a boat tour of the Nights of Lights is an absolute must-do. While walking through downtown is charming, seeing the city from the water offers a whole new perspective — with shimmering reflections that double the visual magic.

What makes this particular tour stand out? First, the expert commentary and friendly guides make the experience informative and engaging. Second, the comfortable boat and cozy blankets truly enhance the enjoyment, especially on cooler evenings. Lastly, the stunning views of the holiday lights reflected across the water are impossible to beat.

One potential consideration is the weather — since it’s an outdoor experience, dress warmly and be prepared for cooler temperatures on the bay. This tour is ideal for travelers looking for an easy, relaxing way to marvel at the lights without the hassle of parking or battling crowds on foot. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy St Augustine’s festive display in style.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Water Views: See the iconic Nights of Lights reflected across the bay, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Expert Guides and Commentary: Learn about the city’s history and the lights from friendly, knowledgeable captains.
• Comfort and Convenience: Padded seats and blankets keep you cozy, making the experience pleasant even in cooler weather.
• Good Value: At $40 per person for about 75 minutes, this tour offers a memorable, hassle-free way to enjoy the lights.
• Accessibility: Includes live commentary, bottled water, and a professional photographer guide.
• Popular Choice: Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 168 reviews, and recommended by 98% of travelers.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

The Nights of Lights in St Augustine have become a renowned holiday spectacle, earning a place on National Geographic’s list of the world’s top-10 places to see Christmas lights. Over the years, the display has grown more elaborate, with millions of twinkling lights illuminating historic buildings, trees, and bridges.

While wandering the streets is charming, it can also become crowded, parking can be tricky, and you might only get to see a few blocks at a time. Opting for a water-based experience like this one offers a unique vantage point. Plus, it’s a relaxing way to take in the entire downtown in one smooth ride.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The tour begins at the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier at 260 Vilano Road. Here, you’ll board a 50-foot Pellicano boat, which comfortably accommodates up to 56 guests. A big plus for travelers is that the boat departs in the early evening, around sunset, allowing you to enjoy the transition from daylight to night.

The Ride Across Matzas Bay

As the boat gently glides across Matzas Bay, you’ll enjoy the cool night air and the panoramic views of the waterfront. The padded seats and warm blankets provided ensure everyone stays comfortable, even when the breeze picks up.

The Captain and crew, including the knowledgeable guides, add an extra layer to the experience with live commentary that highlights the history, architecture, and special lights of the city. Several reviews praise Captain Tuck and his team for their enthusiasm and storytelling skills, which help paint a vivid picture of St Augustine’s rich past.

Downtown Lights and Reflections

Once in the heart of downtown St Augustine, the real show begins. The lights reflect beautifully on the water, doubling the visual impact and creating a truly enchanting scene. Expect to see the city’s historic buildings, bridges, and landmarks illuminated in bright, colorful displays.

Guests have described the experience as “magical” and “like viewing a Christmas card come to life.” Seeing the lights from the water was a highlight for many, with one reviewer noting that the full moon rising added a special glow to the night.

Soundtrack and Photography

The tour features music that sets a festive mood, with many mentioning how it enhances the overall atmosphere. A professional photographer guide is available to help you capture the best shots, so you’ll leave with memories to share, if you choose to take photos.

The ability to take pictures in this setting is a big plus, especially since the lights and reflections are mesmerizing. Several guests appreciated having the guidance of a professional photographer, making it easier to get those perfect holiday shots.

Ending the Tour

The cruise concludes back at the Vilano Beach Pier, allowing you to continue your evening at one of the nearby restaurants or explore more of the city’s festive events. The entire experience lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a manageable, yet memorable outing.

Practical Details and Value

Price and What You Get

At $40 per person, this tour provides excellent value considering the length, comfort, and quality of experience. The price includes live commentary, bottled water, cozy blankets, and padded seats. The professional photographer guide adds a special touch, especially for those wanting memorable photos.

Group Size and Accessibility

Limited to 56 guests, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere without feeling crowded. The experience is suitable for most travelers, including children (accompanied by adults), and service animals are allowed.

Weather and Clothing

Since the tour is outdoors on open water, dress warmly and be prepared for cooler temperatures. The life preservers provided ensure safety for all ages, and cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Timing and Meeting Point

Departing from Vilano Beach early evening, the timing allows you to enjoy dusk and nightfall. Meeting at the pier is straightforward, and the tour ends where it begins, so planning your evening around it is easy.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviews emphasize the knowledge and enthusiasm of the crew. One reviewer, David, appreciated Captain Tuck’s superb narration, and how the full moon added a magical glow. Others highlighted the warm blankets and cozy seats as perfect for chilly nights, with one guest mentioning, “The crew was warm and accommodating, and had blankets available as the air grew chilly.”

The views—the stunning reflections of the lights on the water—are consistently praised. One guest summed it up as “the highlight of their three-day stay,” while another called it “a wonderful experience” to see the city from the bay rather than on land.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families wanting a relaxed, scenic night out. It’s also ideal for couples seeking a romantic, hassle-free way to view the lights. If you’re someone who appreciates comfort, expert narration, and stunning views, you’ll find this tour a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Travelers keen on avoiding street traffic and crowded sidewalks will benefit from the boat’s vantage point. Plus, those interested in capturing beautiful photos will appreciate the professional guidance and the abundance of photo-worthy moments.

The Sum Up

The Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights offers a genuinely special way to enjoy St Augustine’s holiday display. The combination of comfortable seating, expert guides, and breathtaking water reflections makes it a standout experience. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to see the lights without the chaos of crowded streets, while still soaking up the festive spirit.

The tour’s value for the price, coupled with consistently positive reviews, shows it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to make their holiday visit memorable. Whether you’re celebrating with family, a partner, or friends, this cruise offers a peaceful, picturesque way to embrace the holiday magic.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a family-friendly experience and generally accessible for most ages.

What should I wear? Dress warmly, especially in cooler months, as it can be cooler on the water. Warm blankets are provided to stay cozy.

Are the guides knowledgeable? Yes, reviews highlight the crew’s enthusiasm and expertise, with Captain Tuck being especially praised for his engaging narration.

What’s included in the price? The ticket covers live commentary, bottled water, comfortable padded seats, and blankets.

How long is the tour? Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, a perfect length for a relaxed evening.

Where does the tour depart from? The Vilano Beach Fishing Pier at 260 Vilano Road.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size? The maximum is 56 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience without feeling crowded.

What happens in case of bad weather? The tour will be canceled or rescheduled, and you will be offered a full refund if canceled due to poor weather.

Can I take photos during the tour? Yes, and a professional photographer guide is available to help you get great shots of the lights and reflections.

Is parking easy at the meeting point? Since it departs from Vilano Beach, parking is straightforward, but always check local parking options beforehand.

All in all, the Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights delivers a beautiful, relaxing way to enjoy St Augustine’s holiday sparkle. It’s well worth the price and a highlight for many visitors, especially those who love scenic water views paired with expert storytelling.