Water-based exploration of St. Augustine starts at the historic bayfront, where several excellent boat tours depart daily. My favorite cruise combines wine tasting with sunset views — you’ll float past the imposing Castillo de San Marcos while sampling Florida wines. For good value, choose the combination boat and golf cart tours, which efficiently cover both water and land highlights in one outing. The seasonal Nights of Lights cruise (November-January) offers the best views of the city’s famous holiday illumination. Nature lovers should opt for the morning dolphin and eco-tours, when wildlife is most active. Our recommended tours follow, ranked for quality and value:
Key Points
- Sunset cruises with scenic views of historical landmarks, like the Castillo de San Marcos and Bridge of Lions, are highly rated and recommended for visitors.
- Private and shared sunset sails offer personalized experiences along the historic bayfront, with options for drinks, snacks, and charcuterie.
- Wine tasting cruises and scenic boat rides provide unique ways to explore St. Augustine’s waterways and potentially spot dolphins.
- Combination tours, such as boat and golf cart tours, offer comprehensive sightseeing experiences to learn about the city’s history and architecture.
- Nights of Lights boat cruises showcase the stunning holiday light displays, with options for families, pets, and wheelchair accessibility.
Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine
The Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine offers a breathtaking experience for visitors. Operated by Florida Water Tours LLC, this activity has received an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 1,033 reviews, with 96% of travelers recommending it.
Priced from $46 per person, the cruise provides live commentary, free parking, and a choice of vessels – the adults-only Osprey or the non-alcoholic Island Breeze.
Highlights include views of the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Guests can enjoy scenic vistas, sip on beer or wine, and learn about the local history from knowledgeable guides.
While some suggest a later start to see the city lights, the Sunset Cruise remains a popular and highly-rated activity in St. Augustine.
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Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine
Frequently, travelers embark on the Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine, a popular activity with a 97% recommendation rate from 342 reviews.
For $49 per person, the cruise offers a maximum of 25 guests a chance to sample 6 rotating wines while enjoying live commentary and sightseeing opportunities.
The tour departs from Dock A-24 or the Florida Water Tours retail gift shop, where guests must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and a safety briefing.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.
Positive reviews highlight the friendly crew, fun atmosphere, and engaging commentary, though some feedback mentions the music selection and wine tasting experience.
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St Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour
Exploring the historic city of St. Augustine is made easy with the St Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour. This popular excursion combines a boat tour and a golf cart tour to provide a comprehensive experience.
Participants will enjoy a narrated boat tour along the waterways, with the potential to spot dolphins. The golf cart portion allows access to the city’s smaller streets, enhancing the overall experience.
Knowledgeable guides provide extensive information about St. Augustine’s rich history. While some customers have reported difficulty hearing during the tours, the experience is generally well-received, with positive reviews praising the informative guides.
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Sunset Cruise – #1 Party Boat in St. Augustine, FL
Sunset Cruise – #1 Party Boat in St. Augustine, FL is the top-rated boating experience in the city.
With 222 reviews and a 93% traveler recommendation, this 25-passenger cruise offers an unforgettable party atmosphere. Priced from €45.26 per person, the cruise features BYOB, coolers, ice, party lights, and music.
Guests can enjoy scenic views of the National Shrine, Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and St. Augustine Lighthouse.
The crew, including a first mate and master captain, ensures a friendly and engaging experience.
While not recommended for those with health conditions, the cruise is perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties seeking a memorable sunset celebration on the water.
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Adventure Boat Tours – Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine
For those seeking a tranquil way to experience St. Augustine by water, Adventure Boat Tours offers a Sunset Water Tour.
With 97% of travelers recommending this highly-rated activity, guests can expect beautiful sunsets, dolphin sightings, and knowledgeable guides.
The tour is family-friendly, accommodating children, pets, and those with accessibility needs. Passengers can bring small coolers with adult beverages and enjoy the relaxed, one-hour cruise.
Departing from the convenient meeting point, the tour provides historical insights and entertaining commentary, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a relaxed evening in St. Augustine.
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Nights of Lights Boat Cruise
Nights of Lights Boat Cruise offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting Nights of Lights display in St. Augustine from the comfort of a boat.
With over 300 positive reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the area during the holiday season.
Guests can expect a professional and knowledgeable guide, a comfortable and USCG-inspected boat, and complimentary hot chocolate and 3D glasses to enhance the experience.
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing participants to take in the stunning light displays along the historic waterfront.
Priced at $45 per person, this tour provides a delightful and memorable way to enjoy the Nights of Lights.
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Adventure Boat Tours – Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL
Adventure Boat Tours offers a captivating way for visitors to experience the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine.
Their “Nights of Lights by Water” tour provides stunning views of the historic city’s skyline and holiday lights from the water. The 91% traveler recommendation and 4.5-star rating attest to the tour’s popularity and quality.
With a maximum capacity of 32 passengers, the family-friendly experience features informative commentary, the possibility of spotting dolphins, and the unique reflections of the lights on the water.
Guests can bring their own alcohol and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, while the wheelchair-accessible boat and free cancellation policy cater to various needs.
The tour is a must-do for those seeking a memorable and unique perspective of St. Augustine’s enchanting Nights of Lights.
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Take a Scenic Boat Ride in St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers a scenic boat ride that showcases the city’s historic landmarks and natural beauty. The 1,192 reviews give it an impressive 4.5-star rating.
The narrated tour takes up to 100 travelers on a relaxing journey, with the option to see dolphins and enjoy sunset views. At $26.09 per person, it’s a budget-friendly activity.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with restrooms on board. Reviewers praise the informative commentary and recommend sitting near the front for better sound quality.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible option for first-time visitors to St. Augustine.
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St Augustine Boat and Walking Tour
Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of St. Augustine, the St Augustine Boat and Walking Tour offers an immersive experience. This 4.5-star rated tour combines a relaxing boat ride with an in-depth walking tour, showcasing the city’s rich history.
With a maximum group size of 10, the tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Luis, Kevin, Chip, and Anes. Highlights include opportunities to spot dolphins and jellyfish, as well as insightful historical commentary.
While some guests wished for more details during the boat portion, the overall experience is praised for its seamless integration of land and water perspectives. This tour is suitable for couples and families, though the summer heat may pose challenges for young children.
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St. Augustine Private Boat Tour Daytime, up to 6 Passengers
Exploring St. Augustine’s picturesque waterways is a must-do for many visitors. The St. Augustine Private Boat Tour is a fantastic option, offering a private boat experience for up to 6 people.
Operated by Adventure in Paradise, this tour provides guests with a daytime or sunset excursion filled with scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a relaxing atmosphere. Priced at $325 per group, the tour includes non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour departs from a meeting point in Jacksonville, and the exact docking location is confirmed at booking. With a 100% traveler recommendation and high praise for the knowledgeable captain, this private boat tour is an excellent choice for families and groups looking to explore St. Augustine by water.
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St. Augustine Sightseeing Boat Tour – St Augustine
Adventure Boat Tours invites visitors to embark on a one-hour Dolphin/Eco/History/Sightseeing Boat Tour in the historic city of St. Augustine, USA.
With a 100% recommendation from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, the tour accommodates up to 32 guests at €36.59 per adult and $19 for children.
The tour focuses on eco and historical aspects of St. Augustine, offering the chance to spot dolphins, enjoy sunset views, and explore the city from the water.
The tour departs from the Vilano Public Pier, with wheelchair accessibility and service animal accommodations.
Guests praise the knowledgeable crew and memorable sightings, as well as the flexibility to reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
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2 Hours – Private Sunset Sail Along Historic Bay Front
As the sun dips below the horizon, guests have the opportunity to embark on a private sunset sail along St. Augustine’s historic bay front.
This 2-hour activity offers a unique perspective of the city, passing by notable sites like Porpoise Point, Vilano Beach, and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
With a 5.0 rating from 26 reviews and 100% traveler recommendation, the sail is ideal for groups, families, or couples.
Inclusions like bottled water, snacks, and optional charcuterie and alcoholic beverages ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The tour departs from St. Augustine Sailing, located within the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor & Marina, with free parking available.
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2 Hours – Private Day Sail Along Historic St Augustine Bayfront
Guests seeking a unique perspective of St. Augustine’s historic bayfront can embark on a private day sail aboard a well-appointed vessel.
This 2-hour excursion offers breathtaking views of the charming old city, with a 5.0 rating based on 16 reviews. The tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers endorsing the experience.
Inclusions feature bottled water, a restroom on board, and gratuities. While not wheelchair accessible, the sail is suitable for most travelers.
Departing from Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor & Marina, the tour returns to the same location, providing a seamless beginning and end to this picturesque adventure.
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Private Boat and Golf Cart Tour
For travelers seeking a comprehensive tour of St. Augustine, the Private Boat and Golf Cart Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
This 5-star rated tour includes a narrated boat tour and a private golf cart excursion, providing visitors with a well-rounded exploration of the city’s history and landmarks.
The tour includes a certified guide, bottled water, and soda, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience.
While the boat tour is shared, the golf cart segment allows for a more personalized tour, catering to the preferences of the group.
With positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences, this tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors and those interested in the city’s architecture.
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The Shared Sunset Sail along Historic St Augustine Bayfront offers travelers a chance to experience the city’s scenic waterfront during the most enchanting time of day.
This 2-hour activity takes place in St Augustine and can accommodate up to 6 participants. Inclusions feature bottled water, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and a charcuterie board upon request.
The meeting point is at St Augustine Sailing, and free parking is available. While stroller-accessible, the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
With an overall rating of 4.5 based on 6 reviews, the experience has received positive feedback for its family-friendly nature and beautiful sunsets, though some have noted hospitality concerns during boarding and pre-departure.
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Travelers can enjoy a 2-hour shared day sail along St. Augustine’s Historic Bay Front. This small-group cruise on a luxury sailing yacht accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, led by a USCG-licensed captain.
Guests can explore the Tolomato River, Matanzas River, and historic landmarks while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins.
Onboard, complimentary bottled water and snacks are available, and travelers can pre-order alcoholic beverages and charcuterie boards.
The meeting point is at St. Augustine Sailing, located inside Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor & Marina, with free parking available.
This experience is generally accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly, and has an impressive 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews.
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Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart
Those interested in experiencing the charming city of St. Augustine, Florida, at its most festive can take the Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart.
This guided tour includes a golf cart ride through the decorated streets of St. Augustine and a boat tour from Vilano Public Pier to downtown. The tour is operated by Adventure Boat Tours, with a maximum of 6 travelers per tour.
Visitors should follow the directions to the meeting point, where they’ll be picked up for the tour, which returns to the same location. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers and provides a unique way to enjoy the beautifully decorated sights of St. Augustine during the holiday season.
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Adventure Boat Tours – Ghost Boat – Boo Cruise
For those seeking a spooky yet entertaining boat tour in St. Augustine, the Adventure Boat Tours – Ghost Boat – Boo Cruise is a must-try.
This 32-passenger tour departs from the Vilano Public Pier and offers a comfortable, wheelchair-accessible experience. Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
The tour is service animal-friendly and near public transportation. Confirmation is provided upon booking, and the experience ends back at the meeting point.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, this ghost boat cruise promises an unforgettable haunting adventure on the waters of St. Augustine.
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Private Charter Boat Tour to St. Augustine, Florida
Explore the picturesque waterways of St. Augustine, Florida, on a private charter boat tour.
This 5-star experience takes you on a journey through the city’s historic sites, passing by the iconic Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos.
The tour includes bottled water, and you’ll be met at the designated pickup location.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers.
Keep in mind that it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions.
With open hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, this private tour offers a personalized way to discover the beauty of St. Augustine’s coastal landscape.
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Common Questions
What Is the Maximum Capacity for Each Boat Tour?
The capacity of each boat tour varies, but typically ranges from small, intimate groups to larger vessels that can accommodate up to 150 passengers. The specific capacity depends on the type and size of the boat being used.
Do the Boat Tours Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?
Many boat tours in the area offer discounts for children and seniors. Prices typically range from 10-20% off the regular adult fare for these groups. Passengers should inquire about available discounts when booking their tour.
Are the Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
Many boat tour operators provide wheelchair-accessible vessels, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the sights. It’s best to inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tours?
Passengers can generally bring their own food and drinks on the boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the specific tour operator as some may have restrictions or prefer that you purchase refreshments from them.
What Is the Duration of the Longest Boat Tour Offered?
The longest boat tour offered is typically 1.5 to 2 hours long, allowing visitors to fully explore the sights and history along the St. Augustine waterways. The duration can vary slightly depending on the specific tour operator.
The Sum Up
The historic city of St. Augustine offers a range of captivating boat tours and cruises. From sunset sails to ghost tours, there’s something to suit every interest. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or an exciting adventure, these experiences provide unique perspectives of the city’s stunning waterfront and landmarks. With numerous options available, visitors are sure to find the perfect boat tour to enhance their St. Augustine experience.