St Augustine Nights of Lights Boat Tour: Holiday Lights

See St Augustine's holiday lights from the water instead of the street

A 75-minute boat tour of St Augustine's Nights of Lights Festival departs from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier and cruises through downtown's holiday displays aboard the Pellicano, a 50-foot vessel with padded seats and live commentary. The tour runs nightly during the festival season, subject to favorable weather. If canceled, you receive an alternative date or full refund. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or enjoy complimentary bottled water on board. Maximum 56 people per departure. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening boat tour of holiday lights

• Depart from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier
• Travel across Matzas Bay
• View downtown St Augustine holiday lights
• Enjoy comfortable seating and warm blankets
• Experience sights, sounds, and smells of the festival

The experience

The Pellicano leaves Vilano Beach Fishing Pier and crosses Matanzas Bay into downtown St Augustine, where the holiday lights wrap the historic district. The boat's 50-foot length and padded seats mean you're not craning your neck from a crowded street or hunting for parking. You're seated with a clear view while the guide narrates what you're seeing. The reflections off the water effectively double the visual impact of the millions of lights strung across the buildings and waterfront.

The tour runs for 75 minutes, long enough to move through the lit sections of downtown without rushing. A professional photographer guide provides live commentary throughout, and the boat supplies warm blankets for the night air on the water. Complimentary bottled water is included. The tour is BYOB for other beverages and snacks, so you can bring wine, beer or food to enjoy during the cruise. Life preservers are provided for all ages, and the boat is wheelchair accessible with accessible transportation to and from the pier.

Departure is from the floating dock halfway down Vilano Beach Fishing Pier. Plan to arrive 25 minutes early to check in. St Augustine traffic can be unpredictable, so the extra time matters. The tour operates nightly during the Nights of Lights Festival season and is subject to weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Dress warmly, as it's cooler on the water than downtown streets.

What’s included

• 75-minute cruise through downtown St Augustine's holiday lights.
• professional photographer guide with live commentary.
• comfortable padded seats and warm blankets.
• complimentary bottled water.
• life preservers for all ages.
• BYOB policy for beverages and snacks.

Options for this experience

3 options

Adults-only Nights of LightsGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 19:15 and 21:00Wheelchair accessible, with a restroom on board. Lasts 1 hour 15 minutes

Nights of LightsGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 19:15 and 21:00Lasts 1 hour 15 minutes

Sunset cruise: Nights of LightsGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 17:15Pair an epic St Augustine sunset with your Nights of Lights experience for the best possible evening. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. World-class service: hot chocolate, cookies, candy and special viewing glasses for everyone!

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:15, 19:15 and 21:00Last departure this season: 18 Jan 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 56

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Red Boat Tours, LLC

Is this one for you?Choose the sunset departure if you want the lights as they're turning on and the sky still holds color. Pick the later Nights of Lights Adults Only option if you're traveling without children and want a quieter boat. The fixed 75-minute route means you see the full lit sections of downtown without the parking hunt or the walk. The reflections on the water do the work for you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

What is the Castillo de San Marcos and will I see it on the tour?

The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish fort and National Monument in downtown St Augustine. It's one of the key landmarks lit up during the Nights of Lights Festival and is visible from the water during the tour as the boat passes through the holiday-lit sections of the city.

Can I bring alcohol and food on the Nights of Lights boat tour?

Yes, the tour is BYOB for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Complimentary bottled water is provided, but you're welcome to bring your own drinks and food to enjoy during the 75-minute cruise.

How many people can board the Pellicano at once?

The boat holds a maximum of 56 people per departure. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What happens if the weather is bad on the night of my tour?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered either an alternative date or a full refund. Tours are subject to favorable weather conditions, so dress appropriately and check conditions before heading to the pier.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs and walkers?

Yes, the Pellicano and all areas of the boat are wheelchair and walker accessible. Transportation to and from the pier is also wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed on board.

How do I get to the boat at Vilano Beach Fishing Pier?

Walk out on the pier past the big blue duck, then walk halfway down and look on the left for a floating dock that leads directly to the boat. Arrive 25 minutes before departure to check in, as St Augustine traffic can be unpredictable.