St. Augustine: Night of Lights Party Boat Cruise BYOB

Twinkling landmarks and dancing on the water

You board a party boat in St. Augustine and cruise past four lit-up landmarks (the Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, Mission Nombre de Dios, and the Lighthouse), while dancing and drinking what you bring. A captain and first mate run the boat. Coolers and ice are provided. You're 18 or older, and you're out for the atmosphere as much as the sights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Party boat tour of St. Augustine lights

• Board Old Town Party Boat
• Bring your own food and drinks
• Cruise past Castillo de San Marcos
• View Bridge of Lions from water
• See Mission Nombre de Dios
• Pass St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Party, dance, and sing onboard
• Take photos of holiday lights

The experience

The string lights hit you first: thousands of them strung across the old fort, the lighthouse, the mission, all reflected in the black water. The boat pulls away from the dock and the music starts, and suddenly you're moving through St. Augustine's oldest neighborhoods from a vantage point most people never get. The Castillo de San Marcos glows white against the night sky, the Bridge of Lions arches overhead lit in gold, and the whole thing feels less like a tour and more like someone threw a party and forgot to tell the city.

This is a party boat, so the energy matters as much as the sights. You bring your own drinks and food (coolers are welcome), and the crew handles the ice, the music, and keeping things moving. The captain knows the waterways, the first mate keeps the vibe going, and there's enough room to dance or just stand at the rail with a drink watching the holiday lights blur past. It's not a quiet historical cruise. It's people singing along to whatever's playing, cameras out, the kind of night where you lose track of time because you're too busy making it.

The boat passes the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the Mission Nombre de Dios, and loops through the waterfront where the old city's architecture gets a second life under all that light. You're seeing the nation's oldest city from the water, which is how it actually looked for centuries before the roads came. The whole thing takes a couple of hours, and by the end you've got the kind of photos that make people ask where you were, because the lights and the water and the movement all blur together into something that doesn't quite look real.

What’s included

• A captain and first mate run the boat.
• You get coolers, ice, party lights, music, and a toilet on board.
• Bring your own beverages and food.
• The boat cruises past the Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, Mission Nombre de Dios, and St.
• Augustine Lighthouse, all decorated for the Nights of Lights holiday season.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:30 and 20:30Last departure this season: 26 Jan 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

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 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Old Town Party Boat

Is this one for you?Right for groups or couples who want to see St. Augustine's holiday lights while partying on the water, not sitting still. You're 18 or older, you bring your own drinks, and you're comfortable with music and dancing in close quarters on a moving boat.

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Top questions

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 need to bring?

Your own beverages and food. The boat provides coolers, ice, music, and a captain.

Is there a dress code?

No dress code mentioned. Casual party attire is typical for a holiday lights boat cruise.

Can I bring kids?

No. The age requirement is 18 years or older.

What if I have a back or heart condition?

The boat is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Check with the operator if you have concerns.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The reference doesn't specify cancellation or rescheduling policies. Contact the operator directly.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?

The reference doesn't detail accessibility. Contact the operator to ask about boarding and movement on the boat.

Can I bring my own music or request songs?

The boat has its own music system. You'd need to ask the crew about requests when you board.