St. Augustine: Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour with Bar

Summary

Wild dolphins, historic sights & salty air along St. Augustine’s coast

You’ll cruise St. Augustine’s waterways with a naturalist guide—watching dolphins play near your boat, spotting pelicans and spoonbills overhead, and catching glimpses of historic landmarks from the water. With drinks from the onboard bar and live stories from your guide, you’ll feel both relaxed and unexpectedly connected to this old city’s wild side.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the OSPREY just as the sun was starting to soften, not too hot yet but that sticky Florida air already had me craving something cold—luckily there’s a bar on board (mimosas at 10am? Don’t judge). Our guide, Jamie, had this way of talking about the estuary that made me actually pay attention—I mean, I thought I knew what a pelican looked like until she pointed out their clumsy landings and how they always seem to squabble over fish scraps. The boat drifted past the old lighthouse and you could smell salt and sunscreen, hear gulls fighting overhead. I tried to take a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry wings and my own thumb in the shot.

I didn’t expect to see dolphins so close—they popped up right by the bow, chasing each other or maybe hunting (Jamie said it’s both). There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for one little kid who gasped so loud he startled his dad. We passed Castillo de San Marcos after that; Jamie told us about pirates and cannon fire (she did her best pirate voice—pretty good honestly) and I realized how much of St. Augustine you miss if you’re only walking around town. The water gives you this whole other angle—literally—and suddenly history feels less like homework.

The best part might’ve been when we got close to the Great Cross near the Fountain of Youth—the light hit it just right and for a second everything felt still except for the hum of the boat motor. Someone handed me a bag of chips from the snack bar and I remember thinking how weirdly perfect it was: salt on my lips, wind in my hair, osprey circling overhead. Not sure why that sticks with me but it does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin and wildlife boat tour

• Board vessel with naturalist guide
• Pass by St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Watch for dolphins and wildlife
• View bridge from Pirate's perspective
• See Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Observe Great Cross near Fountain of Youth
• Enjoy snacks and drinks onboard

Top questions

Are dolphins guaranteed on this St. Augustine wildlife tour?

No, dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed since it’s real wildlife.

Is there food or drink available during the dolphin tour?

Yes, there’s a bar with beer, wine (including mimosas), plus snacks and soft drinks onboard.

Does this St. Augustine boat tour include a local guide?

Yes, an experienced naturalist leads every trip with live commentary.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

You can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks or food; no outside alcohol allowed except BYOB on ISLAND BREEZE.

Is parking available at the departure point?

Yes, there’s plenty of free parking at the location.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board for your convenience.

Is this dolphin cruise suitable for children or infants?

Yes, all ages are welcome; infants can ride in prams or strollers but must be accompanied by an adult.

What landmarks will we see during this wildlife tour?

You’ll pass by St. Augustine Lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, and Fountain of Youth (Great Cross).

What’s included

Your day includes free parking at departure, live commentary from an experienced local naturalist guide throughout the cruise, plus access to an onboard bar serving beer, wine (including mimosas), snacks and soft drinks—with restrooms available for comfort along the way.