Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore St. Augustine’s waterfront while enjoying some good wine and wildlife sightings, the Wine Tasting Cruise offered by Florida Water Tours might just be your ticket. This 90-minute journey blends relaxed sightseeing with the pleasure of sampling six different wines, all aboard a comfortable pontoon boat.

What makes this experience stand out? We love how it lets you see the city from a fresh perspective, enjoy a curated wine selection, and possibly spot dolphins or spoonbills along the way. It’s a relaxed, friendly outing that combines scenic views, engaging commentary, and a touch of indulgence. However, keep in mind that this is an adult-focused experience, with a minimum age of 21, and it’s best suited for those comfortable on the water and with a moderate interest in wine.

One possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include food, and the wine tasting is limited to six wines, which, according to some reviews, might be just okay for wine connoisseurs. Still, the overall value—given the views, wildlife, and friendly guides—makes it a popular choice. Perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxing afternoon on the water, this cruise offers both entertainment and a touch of luxury.

Key Points

• Scenic Water Views: Offers an exclusive perspective of St. Augustine’s coastline, including iconic landmarks.
• Wine Tasting: Enjoy six wines with insightful commentary, including local options like San Sebastian Winery.
• Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to see dolphins, spoonbills, and eagles add a lively, natural element.
• Small Group Intimacy: With a maximum of 25 travelers, it feels personal and engaging.
• Inclusive Experience: All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included; on-board bar offers additional drinks.
• Family Friendly: Only adults (21+) can participate, but service animals are welcome.

The Experience Breakdown

Meeting Point and Boarding

Starting at 107 Yacht Club Dr, the check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure. The process is straightforward, with free parking available nearby, and the boat—called the Osprey—is a modern, well-equipped pontoon designed for comfort and safety. It can host up to 38 guests, with shaded and enclosed seating, making it pleasant even on hot days. The crew conducts a safety briefing, ensuring everyone is comfortable before setting sail.

The Cruise Itself

Once on board, you’ll immediately notice the relaxed atmosphere. The boat cruises along the bayfront, giving you a fresh look at landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. The water provides an ideal vantage point, and the crew offers lively commentary, sharing insights about the city’s history, architecture, and wildlife.

Highlights of the Route

• St. Augustine Bayfront: You’ll cruise past the historic city skyline, catching views of the fort and waterfront, which many reviews describe as “beautiful” and “resplendent.”
• The Great Cross: A striking sight from the water, providing a symbolic and visual focal point during the cruise.
• The Bridge of Lions: Not just admired from land, the bridge’s craftsmanship is appreciated from the water, especially as you sample wines with it in the background.
• Pirate’s View: The boat offers a fresh perspective on the city’s skyline, giving a sense of how pirates or explorers might have viewed the city centuries ago.

The Wine Tasting

The highlight for many is the sampling of six wines, which are carefully rotated to provide variety. The crew provides knowledgeable commentary, explaining what makes each wine special—whether it’s local San Sebastian Winery options or other regional favorites. Reviewers like Alfred mentioned the “very knowledgeable explanation” and “interesting commentary” about the wines, making it both an educational and enjoyable part of the cruise.

Some reviews point out that the wines are “good for the price,” and while they might not satisfy serious connoisseurs, they are perfect for casual sipping and casual conversation. The onboard bar offers additional drinks—such as sangrias, beers, champagne, and canned cocktails—that can be purchased with cash or card. Water and snacks are also available, ensuring you stay hydrated, especially when the Florida sun is out.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters

One of the biggest surprises—and delights—are the wildlife sightings. Multiple reviews highlight dolphins that are seen in the bay, with some guests lucky enough to observe feeding pods or even eagles and ospreys. The crew’s knowledge about local wildlife adds an educational touch, and they often slow down the boat to allow guests to take photos or just enjoy the moment.

Audrey commented that she loved how the boat slowed down “to enable her to pick an empty plastic bottle from the water to protect the wildlife,” showcasing the crew’s care for the environment. Watching dolphins play in the water is often described as a “pleasant addition” and a memorable part of the experience.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

With a cap of 25 guests, the tour is small enough to feel intimate but lively enough to foster fun interactions. The crew is consistently praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and humorous—making sure everyone feels comfortable and entertained. Guests like JoAnn and Stephanie highlighted the crew’s friendliness and the good vibes onboard, making it a great outing for friends or small family groups.

Practical Details and Value

Duration and Cost

At approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, this cruise strikes a balance between a relaxing afternoon and an engaging tour. Costing around $49 per person, it delivers good value considering the scenic views, wildlife sightings, and the wine tasting. Many reviewers say it’s a “fair value,” especially given the memorable wildlife encounters and friendly service.

Accessibility and Comfort

The boat has amenities like a restroom onboard and shaded, fully enclosed seating—important considerations for comfort. While not handicap accessible for those with mobility challenges, the crew can accommodate if you can walk onto the boat from the dock. Service animals are permitted, and the environment is generally accommodating.

Booking and Cancellation

The tour is usually booked about 24 days in advance, indicating its popularity. It’s fully cancellable up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, which offers peace of mind in case of weather concerns or change of plans. The experience relies heavily on good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refunded or rescheduled.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for couples and small groups seeking a tranquil, scenic experience with a touch of luxury. If you enjoy wine, wildlife, or water views, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also perfect for those wanting a relaxed, social outing rather than a high-energy adventure.

However, it’s primarily designed for adults (21+), and those with a keen interest in wine or wildlife will appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s a wonderful way to combine leisure, education, and scenery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

The Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine offers a charming way to enjoy the city’s waters while sampling local wines and observing wildlife in a laid-back setting. The small group size, friendly crew, and stunning views make it a memorable experience that balances relaxation with discovery.

While the wine selection might not be for the serious connoisseur, the overall atmosphere, scenic beauty, and wildlife sightings add significant value. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a gentle, enjoyable afternoon on the water—whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to unwind.

In summary, this cruise provides great value for money, excellent guides, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. If you’re in St. Augustine and want a taste of local scenery, wildlife, and wine—all in one gentle boat ride—this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

• Are there restrooms on board? Yes, the boat has restroom facilities for guest convenience.
• Is there parking nearby? Yes, free parking is available at the departure location.
• When should I arrive? Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure for check-in and safety briefing.
• What type of boat is used? The tour operates on the Osprey, a fully enclosed, shaded pontoon boat with comfortable seats.
• What drinks are available onboard? The onboard bar offers wine, sangrias, beer, champagne, and canned cocktails for purchase. Water and snacks are also available.
• Can I bring my own snacks or drinks? Yes, outside non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are welcome, but outside alcohol is not permitted.
• Is the boat handicap accessible? The boat isn’t fully handicap accessible, but if you can walk onto the boat, the crew can assist with your wheelchair.
• What should I bring? Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, bottled water, and perhaps a light jacket for cooler days.
• Can kids join the tour? No, guests must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID.
• What happens if the weather is bad? If there’s a small craft advisory or lightning, the tour could be canceled, but you will be offered a reschedule or refund.