St Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour

Looking for a way to get a true feel for St. Augustine, one of America’s oldest cities? The Boat and Golf Cart Tour offers a well-rounded peek into its historic streets and scenic harbor, combining two different perspectives to maximize your experience. It’s a popular choice, consistently booked about 20 days in advance, and provides a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and fun—all at a reasonable price of $85 per person.

What makes this tour special? We appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the stunning water views, and the chance to explore hidden corners in a golf cart. However, a word of caution: the schedule can sometimes get extended unexpectedly, so plan your day accordingly. This tour works best for those who love a blend of history, scenic photography, and small-group intimacy.

Ideal for first-timers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive look at St. Augustine’s highlights, this experience is perfect if you don’t want to walk endlessly or miss out on key sights. Let’s get into what exactly makes this tour tick—and whether it’s worth your time.

• Balanced Experience: Combines scenic boat ride with intimate golf cart tour for a comprehensive city overview
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly manner, making history accessible and fun
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect stunning waterfront views, historic landmarks, and plenty of photo opportunities
• Flexible & Intimate: Small group size (max 10 travelers) allows personalized attention and comfortable exploration
• Value for Money: At $85, it offers a detailed introduction to St. Augustine, including water and land perspectives
• Potential Schedule Variability: Some reviews highlight occasional delays or extended durations, so be prepared for a flexible timetable

From the moment you hear about the St. Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour, it’s clear that this experience is designed for those wanting a multi-dimensional look at the city. It’s not just a sightseeing pass; it’s an engaging journey through history, architecture, and nature, with guides who are genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge.

We love that the tour kicks off right in the heart of the city at Plaza de la Constitución, offering a perfect starting point to understand the city’s origins. The boat ride provides a relaxed way to see the historic waterfront, with the chance to snap photos of Castillo de San Marcos and the lighthouse from the water—something many visitors find unforgettable. Moving onto a golf cart tour, you’ll avoid tiring your feet and get into the smaller streets and hidden alleys that big buses can’t access, revealing the city’s true character.

One of the main perks is the expert guidance, with reviews mentioning guides like Wendy, Robert, and Cindra who deliver engaging, well-informed commentary.

A potential downside? Several travelers note that scheduling can be a bit confusing or delay the experience, especially with traffic or miscommunication. If timing is tight, it’s worth giving yourself a little buffer to avoid missing parts of the tour.

This combo is best suited for history lovers, small groups, and those who want a relaxed yet rich overview of St. Augustine with the added bonus of dolphin sightings and scenic water views.

For $85, you get a narrated boat tour around Matanzas Harbor, plus a guided golf cart ride through the city streets. Bottled water or soda is included, keeping you refreshed as you explore. The tour starts at 38 Cathedral Place at 10:30 am and generally lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes, blending water and land experiences seamlessly.

The tour is capped at 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience, with guides providing insightful commentary on each landmark, from the oldest masonry fort to the art district and historic hotels.

Meeting logistics are straightforward: the tour begins in the city center, at a scenic spot near the cathedral, and ends at the municipal marina, close to parking options and restaurants—perfect for grabbing an early dinner afterward.

Stop 1: Plaza de la Constitución
This lively square is the beating heart of St. Augustine and offers a snapshot of its Spanish roots. Here, your guide will introduce you to the Conquistadors and explain the city’s role in the Spanish empire. Expect to see notable monuments and hear stories that bring the cobblestone streets to life. This stop sets a historical tone for the entire experience.

Boat Tour of Matanzas Harbor
Board a boat with over 100 seats, and settle in for a scenic 1.5-hour cruise. You’ll glide past colorful waterfront houses, the looming Castillo de San Marcos, and the lighthouse on Anastasia Island. The captain will narrate the sights, sharing stories about the fort’s construction—some reviewers mention great photo opportunities, especially capturing the fort from water level.

Stop 2: Mission Nombre de Dios & The Legend of the Fountain of Youth
Next, you’ll see the largest stainless steel cross in North America at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, marking the site of the first Mass in the U.S. The nearby Fountain of Youth, made famous by Juan Ponce de Leon, is another photo-worthy stop, often praised by visitors for its historic significance.

Wildlife and Scenic Spots
Just outside the city, Anastasia State Park provides chances to spot dolphins, ospreys, and egrets—a highlight according to many reviews. The boat ride often offers dolphin sightings, which travelers find delightfully unexpected.

City Landmarks & Streets
On land, your guide will take you through the art district, including Aviles Street, the oldest street in the U.S., lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The Villa Zorayda Museum and the former Alcazar hotel, now the Lightner Museum, showcase the opulence of the Flagler era, with stories about their construction and ghost tales that lend a little spooky charm.

Final Stops: Historic Hotels & Ghost Stories
You’ll also visit the ornate courtyard of the Zorayda Museum and the luxurious hotel with detailed decor. Some guides share ghost stories about Mr. Flagler and hauntings that add fun—and a dash of spooky mystery—to the tour.

Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience both educational and fun. Wendy, Robert, and Cindra get specific praise for their storytelling and engaging style. Several mention that guides go above and beyond, offering recommendations for local eateries and sharing fascinating tidbits that make the experience memorable.

The boat ride is often highlighted as a major perk, especially the chance to see the city skyline from the water and spot dolphins. The water views are described as “beautiful,” with some reviewers noting they were able to take great photos of the lighthouse and Castillo.

The small group size is a big plus, enhancing the feeling of intimacy and personalized attention. Several reviews mention that because of the size, guides can adapt the tour based on interests, and it’s easy to ask questions.

Timing and delays are the only common complaints. Some travelers experienced longer waits or schedule miscommunications, which could be frustrating if you’re on a tight timetable. Still, most agreed that the overall experience was worth the slight inconvenience.

The cost of $85 is seen as reasonable considering the variety of sights, the quality of guides, and the combination of water and land exploration. For those seeking a full, authentic snapshot of St. Augustine, this combo tour offers strong value.

This Boat and Golf Cart Tour provides a great introduction to St. Augustine’s historic streets and scenic waterfront, perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time. It’s especially appealing if you prefer small-group tours, personalized attention, and a mix of water views with land exploration.

You’ll love how the guides make history come alive, with stories that stick with you long after the tour ends. The water component adds a special touch—dolphin sightings and waterfront photos are common highlights—and the golf cart allows you to navigate narrow streets and discover hidden corners that larger tours can’t access.

While you should be mindful of potential schedule delays or miscommunications, overall, this experience offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to learn about the charm and history of St. Augustine.

Who should book?
Those interested in a relaxed, informative, and scenic tour will find this the perfect fit. It’s especially suited for small groups, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking to avoid walking long distances or dealing with crowded buses.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for those with serious medical conditions. The tour involves both water and land, so consider mobility needs.

How long does the entire tour last?
The combined experience takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including the boat ride and golf cart exploration.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the narrated boat tour, a guided golf cart ride, and bottled water or soda.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The tour starts at 38 Cathedral Place, near the city center, and ends at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations or changes less than 24 hours before are not refunded.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise their guides (like Wendy, Robert, and Cindra) for their depth of knowledge, friendliness, and going above and beyond.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re seeking an engaging, authentic glimpse of St. Augustine, this Boat and Golf Cart Tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. It balances scenic views with historical insights, all delivered by passionate guides who love sharing their city’s story.

The combination of water and land exploration makes it a flexible, enjoyable way to see the highlights without the fatigue of walking endless streets. Yes, schedule hiccups can happen, but most travelers find the value—dolphins, stories, and scenic views—far outweighs these minor inconveniences.

For a first-timer or anyone craving a comprehensive yet relaxed tour, this experience offers a memorable way to fall in love with America’s oldest city.