St Augustine: Nights of Lights Boat Tour & Downtown Views

Summary

See St Augustine’s holiday lights glow from the bay as laughter and city scents drift by

You’ll board a comfy boat in St Augustine for the Nights of Lights festival, wrapped in warm blankets with live local stories as millions of holiday lights reflect across Matanzas Bay. See Castillo de San Marcos up close and catch city scents drifting over the water — it’s quieter and more intimate than any walk through downtown crowds.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when I saw the parking chaos near downtown St Augustine. But my friend convinced me to try the Red Boat tour instead. We shuffled onto the Pellicano at Vilano Beach Pier — it smelled like salt and something sweet from a nearby food truck. Our guide, Mike (or maybe it was Mark? I’m terrible with names), handed out these thick blankets and grinned, “It gets chilly on Matanzas Bay.” He wasn’t kidding. The breeze was sharp but not unfriendly, kind of like the old lady next to us who kept pointing out which buildings had added new lights this year.

The city looked different from the water — softer somehow, all those millions of tiny bulbs doubled in the ripples below. We drifted past Castillo de San Marcos, which glowed in a way that made me wish I’d brought better gloves for my camera. Mike told stories about St Augustine’s Spanish roots while someone behind us tried (and failed) to quietly open a bottle of water. The air smelled faintly of cinnamon from some restaurant along the waterfront. At one point I just stopped listening and stared at all that light reflected back at us — it felt bigger than Christmas somehow, if that makes sense.

I still think about that quiet moment when everyone fell silent as we floated right under a string of lanterns near downtown. It’s funny how you can feel close to strangers just sharing a view like that. So yeah, if you’re looking for a way to see Nights of Lights without fighting crowds or freezing your toes off walking miles downtown — this boat ride is probably it. Just bring an extra scarf if you get cold easily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 festival

Top questions

Where does the Nights of Lights boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier at 260 Vilano Road in St Augustine.

Is this St Augustine boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas on board are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the Nights of Lights cruise last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect enough time to cross Matanzas Bay and see downtown lights comfortably.

Are children allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants and small kids can ride in strollers or prams.

What should I wear for this evening boat ride?

Dress warmly as it’s always cooler on the water; blankets are provided but layers help.

Does this tour include live commentary?

Yes, there’s live commentary on board with stories about St Augustine’s history and sights.

Will I see Castillo de San Marcos during the cruise?

Yes, you’ll pass by Castillo de San Marcos National Monument during the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding at Vilano Beach Pier, comfortable padded seats on Red Boat’s Pellicano vessel, warm blankets for chilly bay breezes, bottled water if you need it, plus live local commentary and a professional photographer guide throughout your journey into downtown St Augustine lit up for Nights of Lights.