St Augustine Nights of Lights Boat Tour: Holiday Lights

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/11

Duration1h 15m

GroupUp to 56

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

1h 15m

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.