St. Augustine Island Tour: Private boat, up to 6 passengers

Four hours on the water: Lighthouse, fort, and island stops

A private 4-hour boat tour for up to 6 passengers departing from St. Augustine, traveling the Intercoastal Waterway to view the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Fort Matanzas National Monument from the water, stop at an island, and spot dolphins and birds along the way. Captain Dan provides history at each landmark and can arrange a waterfront restaurant stop if requested.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private 4-hour St. Augustine boat tour

• See St. Augustine Lighthouse from water
• Hear lighthouse history from Captain Dan
• Photo stop at Fort Matanzas
• Hear Fort Matanzas history from Captain Dan
• View Bridge of Lions from water
• Hear Bridge of Lions history from Captain Dan
• Enjoy holiday sights and sounds (Nov-Jan)
• Experience holiday music, hot cocoa, blankets

The experience

The tour runs 4 hours and covers the Intercoastal Waterway, the route that connects the barrier islands and coastal habitats around St. Augustine. You'll see the St. Augustine Lighthouse from the water, a strong photo opportunity, and pass Fort Matanzas National Monument, where Captain Dan shares the history of both sites. The Bridge of Lions appears from the water as well, another landmark with its own story. Wildlife sightings are common: dolphins, birds, and other creatures that live along this stretch of coast.

An island stop breaks up the route, and if the group wants to eat, Captain Dan can arrange a detour to a waterfront restaurant (this adds time and a separate fee). Snacks and bottled water come with the tour. The boat holds up to 6 passengers, so the group stays small and the captain can tailor the pace and stops to what the group wants to see.

From November 18 through January 31, the tour shifts to a sunset departure during St. Augustine Nights of Lights, adding holiday music, hot cocoa, and blankets to the standard itinerary. The same 4-hour window applies, but the timing and atmosphere change with the season.

What’s included

• Snacks and bottled water.
• live guide narration.
• island stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure in Paradise, Private Boat tours

Is this one for you?Four hours leaves room for another activity earlier or later in your day, but not enough for a second full tour. The private boat fits groups up to 6, so families and small groups travel without strangers aboard.

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Top questions

What is the St. Augustine Lighthouse like from the water?

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a strong photo opportunity when viewed from the boat, and Captain Dan gives a brief history of the structure and its role in the area's maritime past.

Will we see wildlife on this tour?

Yes, dolphins, birds, and other wildlife are common sightings along the Intercoastal Waterway during the tour.

Can we stop to eat during the tour?

A waterfront restaurant stop can be arranged if the group requests it, though this requires additional time and an extra fee beyond the tour price.

What is Fort Matanzas National Monument?

Fort Matanzas is a historic national monument visible from the water on this tour. Captain Dan provides a brief history of the fort during the pass.

Does the tour change in winter?

From November 18 through January 31, the tour runs at sunset during St. Augustine Nights of Lights and includes holiday music, hot cocoa, and blankets instead of the standard daytime route.