St Augustine Nights of Lights Boat Cruise with Drinks & 3D Glasses

See St Augustine’s holiday lights from the water with drinks & stories

You’ll glide through St Augustine’s sparkling Nights of Lights on a cozy boat cruise: hot chocolate in hand, 3D glasses making every light pop, with stories from your local guide as you pass landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. Expect laughter, warmth (even if it’s chilly), and a view you’ll remember long after you step back onto shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nights of Lights boat cruise tour

• Board the yacht for cruise
• View Bridge decorated with lights
• Pass by St. Augustine Lighthouse
• See downtown bayfront lights
• View The Old Fort from water
• Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa

The experience

“Is that really all one house?” someone whispered behind me as we drifted past a row of glowing balconies. I was still fiddling with my 3D glasses (they make the lights look wild, by the way), and our captain (Captain Mike, who grew up here) pointed out how even the old Castillo de San Marcos gets wrapped in tiny white lights. The air had that salty chill you only get near the bay at night, but they handed us hot chocolate as soon as we boarded. It was thick and sweet, not fancy but exactly right for December in St Augustine.

I’d never seen so many lights in one place. The Bridge of Lions looked like something out of a storybook, all strung up and reflected in the black water. Our guide told us little bits about each landmark (like how the lighthouse has its own traditions), and I kept trying to snap photos but mostly just ended up watching. There were families on board, some couples huddled under blankets (BYOB is allowed on some boats, which I didn’t realize until someone uncorked a bottle behind me). It felt relaxed, not crowded or rushed.

We passed by the old fort, the Castillo, and honestly, seeing it lit up from the water made it feel different than any other time I’ve walked by during the day. The whole city glowed quietly. At some point I stopped trying to get the perfect picture and just listened to people laughing and pointing things out. I think that’s what stuck with me most: everyone was a little kid again for an hour or so. If you’re thinking about a Nights of Lights boat cruise in St Augustine, bring someone you like talking to, and maybe gloves if your hands get cold easy.

What’s included

Your night includes complimentary hot chocolate and fun 3D glasses to make those millions of white lights even more magical. You’ll have free parking at the dock, a local guide sharing stories as you pass sights like Castillo de San Marcos and St Augustine Lighthouse, plus access to either a bar or BYOB options depending on your chosen vessel: all while staying warm inside with window shutters if it gets breezy outside.

Options for this experience

3 options

Suitable for families — BYOBGuide in English · Available from 25 Nov · 19:15BYOB: You're welcome to bring your preferred alcoholic drinks (glass containers are not allowed). Suitable for all ages — family friendly.

Great Blue Heron — adults onlyGuide in English · Available from 22 Nov · 20:15 and 21:45The 8:15 and 9:45 departures are for adults 21 and over only. A bar is available on board where drinks can be purchased.

Bar on board: OspreyGuide in English · Available from 22 Nov · 19:00 and 20:30A bar is on board: the 7:00 pm departure is family friendly, while the 8:30 departure is for adults 21+ only.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Saturday5 departure times: the first at 19:00, the last at 21:45

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 22 · max 6 per booking

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Florida Water Tours LLC

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

491 verified traveler reviews

5 ★429

4 ★37

3 ★10

2 ★3

1 ★12

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Nights of Lights boat cruise last?

The cruise is 75 minutes long.

Are drinks available on board?

Yes, some boats have a bar on board. Others are BYOB.

Is there hot chocolate included?

Yes, complimentary hot chocolate is served on all tours.

What landmarks do we see during the cruise?

You’ll see Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine Lighthouse, Bridge of Lions, and downtown bayfront lights.

Is parking available for this tour?

Yes, free parking is included for guests.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, all vessels have restrooms onboard.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup. You meet at the dock where free parking is provided.