St Augustine: Sunset BYOB Cruise & Wildlife on Matanzas Bay

Summary

Sunset cruise st augustine byob wildlife and city views

You’ll step onto the Pellicano for a sunset BYOB cruise through St Augustine’s waterways, with friendly locals guiding you past city landmarks and wildlife like dolphins or pelicans. Cozy blankets, complimentary water, and relaxed laughter set the mood as you drift along Matanzas Bay — leaving you with an unexpected sense of calm long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll just say it — I didn’t expect to feel so immediately at ease stepping onto the Pellicano. The deck had this lived-in comfort, like someone’s back porch but floating. We’d brought a couple of cans (the guy next to us had a whole cooler, respect) and as soon as we pushed off into the Matanzas Bay, the air felt cooler than in town — that salty edge you get near dusk. Our captain, who everyone just called Red, tossed out a few stories about St Augustine’s old bridges and pointed out the Castillo in the distance. He seemed to know everyone on the docks; people waved as we drifted by.

I kept thinking I’d be glued to my phone for photos but honestly, after a while I just wanted to watch the light shift across the water. There was this one moment where three dolphins surfaced right near us — not jumping or anything showy, just gliding along. Someone handed me a blanket (they keep them stacked up for chilly evenings) and I remember how soft it felt against my arm while I tried not to spill my drink. The main keyword here is “sunset cruise St Augustine,” but really it’s more about that feeling of being part of the river for a bit. Red cracked jokes about pelicans being the “real locals” and I laughed more than I thought I would.

The city skyline looked different from out there — smaller somehow, and softer around the edges. We passed under low bridges where you could smell briny mud and hear osprey calling overhead. A couple near us tried to spot manatees (no luck this time), but we did catch sight of turtles sunning themselves on a half-sunk log. It wasn’t fancy or fussy; just slow-moving water, people sharing snacks, and that golden hour light stretching everything out. When we finally docked again it felt too soon — you know? Still think about that easy quiet sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise on St. Augustine waterway

• Board the Pellicano boat
• Bring your own beverages
• Relax on plush padded seats
• Enjoy complimentary water and blankets
• Cruise through St. Augustine and Matanzas Bay
• Watch the sun set behind skyline
• Observe local wildlife like dolphins and manatees
• View famous St. Augustine landmarks

Top questions

Is this sunset cruise in St Augustine wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of the boat are wheelchair and walker accessible.

Can I bring my own drinks on this St Augustine sunset cruise?

Yes, this is a BYOB cruise so you can bring your own beverages.

Are children allowed on the Pellicano sunset cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can join and ride in prams or strollers.

Will I see wildlife like dolphins or manatees during this tour?

You may spot dolphins, pelicans, osprey, turtles or manatees during the cruise.

What’s included with my ticket for this St Augustine sunset cruise?

Bottled water, cozy blankets for cool evenings, live commentary from your guide and professional photos are included.

Does this tour operate during Nights of Lights season?

No, it does not run between 11/15/2025-01/10/2026 due to Nights of Lights events.

What’s included

Your evening includes bottled water ready whenever you want it, live stories from your local guide as you pass St Augustine’s best-known sights by boat, cozy blankets if it gets chilly out on Matanzas Bay, plus professional photos snapped along the way — all while you enjoy whatever drinks or snacks you’ve brought aboard before heading back after sunset.