St. Augustine: Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB

St. Augustine: Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB

This party cruise along the Matanzas River offers a fun, relaxed way to see some of St. Augustine’s most recognizable sights while enjoying music, drinks, and good company. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply soaking up the lively waterfront vibe, this 1.5-hour adventure is all about good times on the water.

What we love most about this experience is the live DJ, which keeps energy high and the dance floor busy, the ability to bring your own drinks and snacks, making it a very flexible and personalized outing, and the chance to see iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos from a unique vantage point. The potential downside? It’s a BYOB event so you need to plan ahead with your drinks, and it’s limited to guests 18 and over, which might exclude families traveling with younger kids.

This cruise is best suited for groups of friends, celebrations, or couples who enjoy lively atmospheres, music, and scenic views, with a relaxed and social vibe. If you’re looking for a mix of sightseeing and party fun, this might just be your perfect water-based outing in St. Augustine.

Good To Know

• Flexible and fun: Bring your own food and drinks for a personalized experience.
• Scenic views: Cruise past historic landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions.
• Music and games: Live DJ, drinking games, and singalongs keep the energy lively.
• Comfort and convenience: The boat includes a toilet, coolers, and ice to keep drinks chilled.
• Ideal for celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a fun day with friends.
• Limited age: Only open to guests 18+; not suitable for children under 18.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Fun and Flexible Way to Experience St. Augustine’s Waterfront

The Matanzas River Party Cruise is a lively, social way to see St. Augustine from a different perspective. Departing from Vilano Beach, the boat is a friendly, upbeat vessel designed for relaxed fun with friends. The crew, while not named in the reviews, is described as welcoming and friendly, setting the tone right from the start.

The route takes you past some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos — the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. These sights provide a picturesque backdrop for your party, especially as the boat gently moves along the water, offering a different view of St. Augustine’s historic skyline than you’d get on land.

One of the standout features of this cruise is the music playlist curated to keep the party going. Guests report that the DJ’s selections are lively and well-suited for dancing, with some mentioning that they enjoyed singing along during the singalongs. The onboard drinking games add an extra layer of fun, making it clear that this cruise is about letting loose and celebrating.

The BYOB policy is a major draw — you can bring your favorite drinks (think wine, beer, or cocktails) and snacks, then keep them cold in provided coolers filled with ice. Multiple reviews mention that the coolers and ice are supplied, which saves you the hassle of bringing your own. The boat also has a toilet, making it comfortable for the duration of the cruise.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $46 per person, you get a lot of value. Included are ice, coolers, music, and a toilet, ensuring you have what you need to enjoy the cruise comfortably. However, food and drinks are not included — so come prepared. Many guests opt to bring snacks or light bites to munch on while they dance or soak up the sights.

The camaraderie and festive atmosphere are the main highlights, so even if you don’t have your own drinks, the lively music and group energy will likely keep you entertained. The boat’s size and capacity aren’t specified, but guests mention a group-friendly environment, with plenty of space to dance, socialize, or relax in the sun or shade.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The cruise departs from Vilano Beach, a convenient starting point for visitors staying near the coast. Once aboard, the crew will welcome you and play upbeat music to set the tone. As the boat begins its cruise along the Matanzas River, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the St. Augustine skyline, with landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche passing by.

The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours, a perfect length for a lively, engaging outing without feeling rushed. During this time, you can expect plenty of opportunities to dance, participate in drinking games, or simply relax with friends. The boat’s open layout ensures everyone can see the sights or get in on the fun, no matter where they’re standing.

Guests have mentioned that the party atmosphere makes this cruise great for celebrating special occasions such as bachelorette or birthday parties. It’s a flexible experience designed for socializing, with the scenic backdrop adding a touch of charm to your festivities.

Authentic Experiences and Tips from Reviews

One reviewer noted, “The crew was super friendly and made us feel welcome right away,” which emphasizes how approachable and inclusive the staff seem to be. Another mentioned, “Bringing your own drinks is a real plus — it’s nice to have control over what you’re sipping and avoid extra costs,” highlighting the value of the BYOB aspect.

Guests also appreciated the relaxed vibe: “It’s not a formal cruise, so you can really let loose,” and some reviewed that the music selection was upbeat and suited to the crowd. However, a few pointed out that since it’s a party cruise, it might not be ideal for those seeking a quieter, more scenic sightseeing trip without the lively atmosphere.

The scenic stops provide a good balance of picture-perfect views and fun, with the opportunity to see historic landmarks from the water that are otherwise hard to appreciate from land. The proximity to Vilano Beach makes this cruise easy to combine with other beach or water activities.

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Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

• Arrive early to settle in and get comfortable before the boat departs.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks — check the local rules, but most guests find it straightforward to pack a cooler.
• Don’t forget to bring ID for age verification, as guests must be 18 or older.
• Wear casual, comfortable clothing and consider bringing sunscreen, especially if you plan to be outside for the full duration.
• If you want to dance, wear shoes suitable for standing and moving around; the boat’s deck can be a little slick if wet.
• Check the schedule for morning or afternoon trips, depending on your plans, as availability varies.

The Sum Up: Is This Experience Worth It?

For travelers looking to enjoy an energetic, social experience with a scenic backdrop, this Matanzas River Party Cruise hits the mark. The combination of live music, the ability to BYOB, and views of historic landmarks makes it a unique way to spend time in St. Augustine.

It’s especially well-suited for groups celebrating special moments or those wanting a fun, interactive way to explore the city’s waterfront. The modest price point offers good value considering the lively atmosphere and scenic highlights, and the relaxed environment encourages mingling and making memories.

However, if you’re seeking a serene sightseeing trip or are traveling with children, this may not be the ideal choice. It’s important to remember this experience is designed for adults who enjoy music and socializing on the water.

All in all, this cruise provides a vibrant, flexible, and memorable way to experience St. Augustine’s waterfront from a different perspective — lively, fun, and full of good vibes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, guests must be 18 years or older to participate, so it’s not suitable for children under 18.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own food and drinks, as this is a BYOB experience.

Is ice and coolers provided?
Yes, coolers and ice are included to keep your drinks cold throughout the cruise.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering a lively experience without taking up the entire day.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Vilano Beach, making it convenient for visitors staying near that area.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You’ll cruise past the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, among others.

Is there a guide or narration?
No formal narration is mentioned; the focus is on music, dancing, and the scenic views.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for being outside. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.

Can I participate in games and singalongs?
Yes, drinking games and singalongs are part of the experience, adding to the fun.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this experience available in the morning or afternoon?
Yes, typically in the morning and afternoon, but check availability when booking.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, social, and scenic cruise in St. Augustine that lets you celebrate with friends and enjoy the lively waterfront, this tour offers a memorable option worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: