St. Augustine’s charms extend far beyond its cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks. When the sun dips low, cruising the waters offers a fresh perspective on this historic city. Many tours highlight its rich maritime history, show off the stunning architecture, or simply let you relax with a drink while watching the sunset. The waters around St. Augustine are teeming with dolphins, and the city lights up beautifully during Nights of Lights, making boat tours a memorable way to see it all. Whether you’re after a quick water glimpse or an elaborate sunset celebration, options abound. These tours are well-suited for families, couples, and anyone eager to experience the city from a different angle.
If you’re considering a boat trip in St. Augustine, this guide introduces you to the top options, from informative eco-tours to luxurious sunset sails. Each has its own flavor and highlights, ensuring you find one that suits your interests, schedule, and budget.
Quick Overview
We’ve compiled a list of 16 of the best cruises and boat tours in St. Augustine. Highlights include short sightseeing cruises like Adventure Boat Tours – Sunset Water Tour, eco-dolphin searches, private day sails, and evening Nights of Lights excursions. For those wanting to combine entertainment and scenery, options like Live Music Sunset Sail and Nights of Lights Viewing with Drinks and Live Music provide festive atmospheres. For a more intimate experience, several private and semi-private options are available, including Private Day Sails and Nights of Lights Private Boat Tour.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews and insights on each tour to help you decide which fits your plans best.
1. Adventure Boat Tours – Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine
This 1-hour sunset cruise offers a fantastic way to see St. Augustine’s skyline and landmarks from the water. You’ll cruise along the downtown banks, passing by the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The tour is perfect for capturing great photos and is very family-friendly—children and pets can join. The boat is small, holding up to 15 people, which makes for an intimate experience where you might even spot dolphins swimming near the boat, especially around the inlet.
The tour’s highlight is the chance to enjoy the dolphin sightings and the sunset in a relaxed setting, with knowledgeable guides sharing local facts. The reviews praise the crew for their friendliness and knowledge, with many noting the dolphin encounters as a major plus. At $40 per person, it’s a great value for a quick, scenic escape into the water.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a short, relaxed cruise with ample photo opportunities and dolphin sightings—especially ideal for families or small groups.
2. Live Music Sunset Sail with Drinks Included
This 2-hour luxury catamaran cruise combines stunning sunset views with live local music and unlimited beer, wine, and margaritas (non-alcoholic options available). For about $69, you’ll enjoy complimentary snacks, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to sip your drinks while taking in the colorful sky over St. Augustine’s historic waterfront.
The live music adds a festive touch, making it ideal for romantic evenings or celebrating special occasions. Passengers often rave about the entertaining crew and the beautiful scenery, including views of the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The boat is large enough to accommodate around 24 people, creating a lively yet intimate environment.
This tour is perfect if you want a combination of scenery, drinks, and entertainment. The reviews reflect a high satisfaction rate, with many mentioning how relaxing and fun the experience was, especially during sunset.
Bottom Line: A romantic, lively experience with drinks and music, suited for couples or small groups seeking a memorable evening on the water.
3. Adventure Boat Tours – One Hour Dolphin/Eco/History/Sightseeing Boat Tour
This family-friendly hour-long tour covers a lot of ground—dolphins, historic landmarks, and insights into local ecology. Meeting at Vilano Public Pier, the tour combines dolphin spotting with lessons on the area’s ecology and history. The boat floats past the Bridge of Lions and Fountain of Youth Park and ventures into Hospital Creek and the Inlet, giving a well-rounded water perspective of St. Augustine.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on education and wildlife, with guides sharing interesting facts that keep both kids and adults engaged. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins near the inlet. The price is $38 per person, making it an affordable way to explore the city from the water.
Bottom Line: A great choice for families and eco-enthusiasts wanting a short, educational cruise with dolphin sightings.
4. Sunset Cruise – #1 Party Boat in St. Augustine, FL
This 1.5-hour party cruise takes the fun to the water—up to 24 party-goers can dance and toast as the sun sets. Operated on a cycle boat, it’s perfect for celebrating bachelor/bachelorette parties or just having a lively night out. You can bring your own beverages, as a cooler and ice are provided, plus the boat features lights and music to enhance the party vibe.
Guests love how the crew makes the experience enjoyable and the beautiful views of landmarks like the Mission of Nombre de Dios, Bridge of Lions, and Castillo de San Marcos. Although it’s more about fun and socializing, the scenery is still impressive, especially during sunset.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups wanting to combine drinks, dancing, and sunset views—great for celebrating special occasions with friends.
5. Adventure Boat Tours – Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL
This hour-long tour offers a magical view of Nights of Lights from the water—an absolute highlight during the holiday season. You’ll float under the Bridge of Lions, pass the Old Fort, and marvel at the city lit up with holiday cheer. The tour can be booked as a public group or a small private tour (up to six), making it ideal for intimate gatherings.
The lights reflecting off the water create a magical ambiance, and many reviews mention how memorable this experience is, especially when dolphins appear in the water. The tour is $40 per person, offering a cost-effective way to see the city’s holiday decorations from a unique vantage point.
Bottom Line: Perfect for holiday visitors wanting a serene, festive experience with the chance to see dolphins and the city’s lights in a peaceful setting.
6. 2 hours – Private Day Sail along Historic St Augustine Bayfront
This private luxury sailing yacht offers a 2-hour day cruise with space for up to six people. It’s an excellent option for romantic getaways or special celebrations. The USCG-licensed captain will take you along the bay front, where you can relax, watch for dolphins, and admire historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos from the water.
Guests often appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to learn sailing basics or even take the helm. At $795 per group, it’s a premium experience, but the privacy and flexibility make it worthwhile for those seeking exclusivity.
Bottom Line: An intimate, personalized cruise ideal for couples or small groups wanting a relaxing, scenic day at sea with the option to learn sailing.
7. St. Augustine Private Day or Sunset Boat Tour, 6 passengers max
This private 2 to 3-hour tour includes stops at Fort Matanzas, the Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions, with the added option of a sunset experience. It’s perfect for romantic evenings or special family outings. The captain provides narration and photo opportunities, plus holiday themes during the Nights of Lights season, including hot cocoa, music, and blankets.
At $325 for up to six people, it offers private access to major landmarks and a personalized touch. Many reviews praise the captain for his knowledge and flexibility, making it a very customizable experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups wanting a personalized, flexible cruise that combines sightseeing and a romantic sunset.
8. Nights of Lights Viewing with Drinks and Live Music Sunset Sail
This 2-hour evening sail is a lively way to experience Nights of Lights, with live local music and complimentary drinks like beer, wine, and margaritas. The cruise leaves from Vilano and offers splendid views of the lights and landmarks like the Lighthouse and Bridge of Lions. The atmosphere is festive, with many reviews mentioning the great crew and beautiful scenery.
The boat is comfortable, and the music adds to the festive ambiance. It’s a great choice for small groups or couples who want to combine holiday cheer with the spectacle of the city lit up at night.
Bottom Line: A fun, energetic option for those wanting to combine live music, drinks, and Nights of Lights from the water.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in St. Augustine
When selecting the right cruise, consider your budget, time available, and what experience you’re after. For a quick glimpse with dolphins and landmarks, the Adventure Boat Tours – Sunset Water Tour offers a budget-friendly, family-friendly option. If you’re celebrating or want a lively night, the Party Boat or Nights of Lights with Drinks could be perfect.
For those dreaming of an intimate experience, the private Day Sails and Private Night Tours provide personalized service. During the holiday season, the Nights of Lights tours are especially popular, but booking early is recommended.
Final Thoughts
St. Augustine’s diverse boat tour options cater to different tastes and schedules. For a relaxing sunset cruise, the Sunset Water Tour offers excellent value, while Nights of Lights during the holiday season is a must-see for its magical illumination. The private and semi-private options suit those seeking more exclusivity or customized experiences.
If you’re eager to combine entertainment, scenery, and drinks, the Live Music Sunset Sail is a lively choice. For families or eco-minded travelers, the dolphin-focused tours offer a solid introduction to local wildlife.
In any case, booking early, especially during peak seasons, ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable water adventures in St. Augustine.
Enjoy your time on the water and explore the city from a whole new angle. Remember, the right boat tour can transform your visit into a truly unforgettable experience.