St. Augustine boat tour: Holiday lights, Bridge of Lions

Watch the city's holiday lights from the water instead of the street

A guided boat tour of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights holiday display, departing from Vilano Beach Public Pier north of downtown with a live English-speaking guide. The route passes under the Bridge of Lions, along the main lit-up strip, and past the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument glowing against the night sky. The cruise runs about an hour. You can bring your own beverage and bring dogs if you let the operator know ahead of time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nights of Lights Holiday Boat Cruise

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Board boat at Vilano Beach Pier
• Float under Bridge of Lions
• View Lion Statues in park
• Pass main strip light display
• See Castillo de San Marcos lit up
• View The Cross light shadows
• Return to dock

The experience

The boat leaves from Vilano Beach Public Pier, a quieter departure point with free parking that keeps you out of downtown crowds. You'll float under the Bridge of Lions to see the stone statues donated in 1920, then move along the main waterfront strip where the holiday lights turn the buildings into something the street view can't match. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument sits lit and reflected in the water: on a cloudy evening, the light cast on the Cross creates shadows that shift as you drift past.

A live guide narrates the route in English, so the history of each lit landmark comes through as you move. The boat has a restroom on board and is wheelchair accessible. Bring something warm if the night is cold. You're on the water and the wind picks up. Children 18 and under have their own ticket price. Dogs are welcome if you mention them when you book. They ride the same route as everyone else.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your departure time. The boat leaves promptly. You can bring your own beverage if you want one. This is the Florida version of a holiday tradition: the lights, the boat, the crew you bring with you, without the work of hosting it on land.

What’s included

• Guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• boat departure from Vilano Beach Public Pier with free parking.
• restroom on board.
• family-friendly cruise with children's pricing for ages 18 and under.
• dogs welcome with advance notice.

Options for this experience

4 options

Nights of Lights tour on the GatorGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 17:15, 18:45, 20:00 and 21:15Boat: Gator

Nights of Lights tour aboard InsatiableGuide in English · Available from 22 Nov · 18:45, 20:00 and 21:15Boat: Insatiable

Twilight Nights of Lights tour on the GatorGuide in English · Available from 22 Nov · 17:15

Twilight - InsatiableGuide in English · Available from 22 Nov · 17:15Boat: Insatiable

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

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 44 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:15, 18:45, 20:00 and 21:15Last departure this season: 18 Jan 2027Another time? ›

GroupUp to 32

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

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 welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Adventure Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're spending your first evening in St. Augustine or have a free afternoon during the holiday season and want to see the city's lights without walking the crowded downtown streets. The water route shows you the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions lit up, and the guide's narration fills in the history as you float past. It's a different view of the same landmarks you'd see on foot, and the boat keeps the whole group together without anyone having to navigate or plan stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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 exactly do I see on the St. Augustine holiday lights boat tour?

The route passes under the Bridge of Lions with its 1920 stone statues, along the waterfront strip lit for the holiday season, past the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument glowing against the night, and by the Cross where the holiday lights cast shadows on foggy evenings. A live guide in English tells the history of each landmark as you float past.

How long is the boat tour and when does it depart?

The cruise runs about an hour. The boat departs from Vilano Beach Public Pier, just north of downtown St. Augustine, and leaves on time, so arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to board.

Can I bring my family and pets on the holiday lights cruise?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and children 18 and under have their own ticket price. Dogs are allowed if you let the operator know when you book. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring on the boat tour?

Bring your own beverage if you'd like one: alcohol is not sold on board. Bring something warm to wrap up with on cold nights, since you're on the water and the wind can pick up. Free parking is available at Vilano Beach Public Pier.

Is the boat tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels. Service animals are allowed on board, and public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer not to drive.