St. Augustine: Dolphin Watching Harbor Tour with Drinks

If you’re visiting St. Augustine and craving a relaxing water adventure, the Dolphin Watching Harbor Tour with Drinks offers a charming blend of wildlife, history, and good vibes. This 1.5-hour cruise, operated by Fury Water Adventures, combines the joy of spotting playful dolphins with sweeping views of the United States’ oldest city—all while enjoying complimentary beverages on a modern, open-air catamaran.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat is a major draw. Second, the open, spacious 65-foot sailing catamaran ensures comfortable viewing from multiple vantage points. Third, the free drinks and snacks add a relaxed, social element that makes it feel less like a tour and more like a laid-back outing with friends.

One thing to keep in mind is that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed — dolphins are wild animals, after all. Still, with avid guides and a scenic route, you’re more likely than not to leave with some memorable sightings and great photos. This tour is perfect for families, couples, or anyone eager for a combination of nature and history with a fun, social twist.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see bottlenose dolphins frolicking near Vilano Beach, which is often a highlight for visitors.
• Comfort & Space: The spacious 65-foot catamaran provides unobstructed views and plenty of room to relax.
• Inclusions: Enjoy complimentary sodas, water, beer, wine, and snacks—making it great value for a 1.5-hour cruise.
• Scenic Views: Take in beautiful panoramic sights of St. Augustine from the water, including its historic skyline.
• Flexible Booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and options to reserve now and pay later, planning is stress-free.
• Family Friendly: While not suitable for strollers or pets, the cruise is kid-friendly and suitable for those looking for a casual outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour begins at the Fury vessel located at Vilano Beach, behind Beaches Restaurant at the Beaches Marina. It’s worth arriving a little early to account for parking, as Fury doesn’t operate its own. The check-in process involves signing a liability waiver—so plan to arrive a few minutes beforehand. Once onboard, you’ll find the vessel ready for your cruise, which typically lasts about 1.5 hours.

The Route & Stops

The cruise route takes you through Vilano Beach, with scenic views en route that set a relaxed tone. It then continues into the historic waters near St. Augustine—a city famed for its Spanish colonial architecture and storied past. While the main goal is dolphin watching, the route’s flexibility depends on weather, wildlife activity, and sea conditions, meaning the captain might alter course for the best wildlife sightings or scenic vistas.

Dolphin Spotting & Wildlife

Guided by knowledgeable crew members, including Riley, who is praised for being great with kids, you’ll glide through the waters searching for bottlenose dolphins. Guests consistently mention sightings are plentiful, with many reviewers noting seeing pods of dolphins and even multiple encounters. One reviewer, Barbara, shared, “We saw a lot of dolphins — first time for us — and it was great.”

The dolphins tend to feed and frolic near Vilano Beach, creating great photo opportunities. The crew is careful to keep a respectful distance, ensuring the animals aren’t disturbed but still visible from the boat.

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The Views & Photography

Given the open-air deck on Fury, expect panoramic views of St. Augustine’s skyline and the coastline. Many reviews highlight how relaxing it feels to cruise past landmarks, with some guests saying it’s an excellent way to get a different perspective of the city. During the cruise, you can take photos of the skyline, the water, and of course, the dolphins.

Drinks & Snacks

The inclusive drinks and snacks are a real bonus. Guests rave about the variety of beverages like sodas, water, beer, and wine, all served in a laid-back atmosphere. The freedom to sip and relax while watching dolphins and enjoying the breeze is a key part of the charm. As one guest put it, “The free drinks and snacks were a bonus — it felt like a casual day out with friends.”

Crew & Atmosphere

Reviews lean heavily on the friendly, knowledgeable attitude of the crew. Riley, in particular, gets praise for her engaging manner, especially with children. The overall vibe is laid-back and family-friendly, making it suitable for all ages—though it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible or pet-friendly.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: At $43 per person, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the drinks and the chance to see dolphins.
• Timing: Check the schedule for available start times, as they vary. Arriving early ensures a smooth check-in.
• What to Bring: Pack your ID, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and clothes suitable for the weather. A camera or phone for photos is a must.
• Restrictions: No pets, strollers, drones, glass objects, coolers, or snorkeling gear allowed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This dolphin watching cruise is ideal for families with kids, thanks to its fun and relaxed nature, as well as the crew’s friendliness. It’s perfect for couples or groups of friends looking for a scenic, social outing that includes drinks and wildlife spotting. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural environment, while history buffs will enjoy the stunning city views from the water.

While not suitable for everyone—particularly those in electric wheelchairs or needing accessible facilities—the general vibe and inclusions make it a thoughtful choice for most casual water lovers.

Final Thoughts

The St. Augustine Dolphin Watching Harbor Tour with Drinks delivers a memorable mix of wildlife, scenic vistas, and relaxing hospitality. The generous inclusion of drinks and snacks, combined with a comfortable boat and friendly crew, makes it a standout experience for those seeking a laid-back, fun outing.

The opportunity to see dolphins in the wild from a spacious, open-air vessel, paired with the chance to soak in unobstructed views of historic St. Augustine, offers good value for the price. The relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable guides help ensure you leave with great photos, fun stories, and a sense of connection to the local wildlife.

If you’re visiting St. Augustine and want a short, engaging outing that combines nature, history, and good company, this cruise is well worth considering. It’s a charming way to spend a few hours on the water and makes for a memorable addition to your trip.

FAQ

• How long is the tour? The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
• What should I bring? Bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, and a camera.
• Are drinks included? Yes, sodas, water, beer, and wine are all included.
• Is parking available? Fury does not own parking, so plan extra time to find a spot and walk to the dock.
• Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Are children allowed? Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but minors must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ID.
• Do I need to book in advance? It’s recommended, especially during busy seasons, but you can reserve with the option to pay later.
• Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs? No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• What happens if we don’t see dolphins? Sightings are not guaranteed, but guides aim for the best wildlife encounters possible.
• Can I bring a pet? No, pets are not allowed on the tour.

To sum it up, this harbor cruise offers a wonderful way to enjoy St. Augustine’s stunning waters, playful dolphins, and a relaxed social atmosphere. Great for families, couples, and anyone wanting a scenic, wildlife-filled break, it combines value with a memorable experience. Just remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: