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

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

“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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Children ages 5 and up can join; kids under 5 are not permitted.

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.

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.