St Augustine: Sunset Boat Tour with Fort & Lighthouse Views

Summary

St Augustine’s golden hour by boat, fort shadows and lighthouse glow

You’ll drift along St Augustine’s waterfront as sunset colors hit Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse, with a local guide sharing stories and maybe even a dolphin sighting if luck’s on your side. Bring your own drinks, relax with family or friends (pets welcome too), and see downtown without any crowds — just water, light, and laughter.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the air felt different on the water — cooler, with that faint briny smell you only get near the Atlantic. We’d barely left the dock in St. Augustine before our guide, Mike (he grew up here — you could tell from his stories), pointed out the Castillo de San Marcos. The old stone walls looked almost soft in the evening light. Kids were waving from shore; someone’s dog barked at us like it had urgent news to share.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel drifting past downtown — you see all the buzz but don’t hear any of it, just low voices from our boat and a couple of seagulls arguing overhead. Mike handed out bits of trivia about the Bridge of Lions (“those statues? They’re named after lions from Roman myth,” he said, or something close — I probably got that wrong). We sipped drinks from our little cooler and watched as the St. Augustine Lighthouse came into view, its stripes catching that last bit of sun. It’s funny how landmarks you’ve seen in photos feel so different when you’re actually there, gliding by.

We slowed near the inlet where dolphins sometimes show up with the tide — everyone got quiet for a second, just listening for splashes. No dolphins this time (unless you count my friend pretending to spot one), but honestly I didn’t mind. The whole thing felt like sitting on someone’s porch while the city floated by, which is exactly what Mike said at the start. I still think about that view back toward town with all those old rooftops turning gold. If you’re looking for a day trip in St Augustine that’s gentle but not boring, this sunset water tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour in St Augustine

• Arrive 10-16 minutes early
• Board the tour boat
• Travel along downtown St Augustine bank
• View St Augustine Lighthouse from distance
• Float near St Augustine Inlet
• Pass under the Bridge of Lions
• Pass by Castillo de San Marcos fort

Top questions

Is this St Augustine sunset boat tour family-friendly?

Yes, children are welcome on all sunset tours and infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes, pets are welcome — just let them know when booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from a dock in downtown St Augustine; arrive 10–16 minutes early for boarding.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and transportation options nearby are as well.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Adult beverages are permitted onboard; small coolers are allowed.

Will we see dolphins during the tour?

Dolphins may be spotted near the inlet if they come in with the tide, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What landmarks will we see on this sunset boat tour?

You’ll pass Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Bridge of Lions, and downtown waterfront sights.

What’s included

Your sunset boat tour includes relaxed cruising past downtown St Augustine sights like Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse, friendly local guiding throughout (with stories and fun facts), family- and pet-friendly boarding policies, plus you can bring your own adult beverages in small coolers for an easygoing evening on the water before returning to shore together.