Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise St Augustine: Matanzas Bay Tour

Dolphins share the bay with the city's oldest streets, and you see both from the water.

A guided cruise through Matanzas Bay from St Augustine searches for dolphins and local wildlife while passing the St Augustine Lighthouse, Bridge of Lions, the Bayfront, Castillo de San Marcos, and other historic sites. The tour runs about an hour and includes a guide and bottled water. Suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can travel in a stroller.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and wildlife viewing

• Cruise Matanzas Bay
• Look for dolphins and wildlife
• Pass by St Augustine Lighthouse
• Pass by St Augustine inlet
• Pass by Bridge of Lions
• Pass by The Bayfront
• Pass by the Fort
• Pass by The Great Cross
• Learn history of St Augustine

The Experience

The boat leaves from the St Augustine waterfront and heads into Matanzas Bay, where the Atlantic breeze and the chance to spot dolphins frame the hour. A guide narrates as you pass the St Augustine Lighthouse, the inlet, the Bridge of Lions, the Bayfront, the Fort, and the Great Cross—each one tied to the city's history. The route stays on the water, so you see St Augustine's oldest landmarks from an angle most visitors miss.

Dolphins are the draw, but they are not guaranteed; the guide knows where they tend to gather and what time of day improves the odds. Local wildlife—birds, fish, and whatever else moves through the bay—fills the gaps. The water itself is part of the experience: the Atlantic breeze, the sound of the engine, the sight lines that only open from a boat.

Bottled water is included, and the guide handles the narration and the route. The boat accommodates infants in strollers, and the pace suits all fitness levels since you are seated the whole time. No special gear is needed.

What’s included

• Guided narration of St Augustine's history and landmarks.
• bottled water.
• passage past the St Augustine Lighthouse, Bridge of Lions, the Bayfront, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Great Cross.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by St. Augustine Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you have a free afternoon in St Augustine and want to see the city's oldest landmarks from the water while looking for dolphins—the boat does the navigating and the guide does the storytelling, so you just sit and watch.

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Top questions

Can I bring my infant on the dolphin cruise in St Augustine?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed on board.

What wildlife might I see on the Matanzas Bay cruise?

Dolphins are the main target, along with various local wildlife and birds that inhabit the bay. The guide will point out what appears during the hour on the water.

How long does the St Augustine dolphin tour last?

The cruise runs about an hour on Matanzas Bay, passing the Lighthouse, Bridge of Lions, the Bayfront, and other historic sites as the guide narrates.

What is included in the dolphin and wildlife tour?

The tour includes a guide, bottled water, and access to the boat for the full route through Matanzas Bay and past the historic landmarks.

Do I need to be in good shape to take this cruise?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels since you remain seated on the boat for the entire hour.