St. Augustine Sunset Cruise: Adults 21+ & Family Options

The sun drops behind a 400-year-old fort while you're floating past it

You board a boat in St. Augustine and watch the sunset hit the Castillo de San Marcos while a local guide talks through the history of the bay. You pass the lighthouse, the great cross, and the old bridge, with a beer or wine bar on board (or soft drinks), and you're back on solid ground before dark. Free parking means you don't waste time hunting for a spot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with historic sights

• View bay front history and Castillo
• Pass under historic bridge
• See great cross and learn history
• View lighthouse from the water

The experience

The boat leaves from the dock at a time that shifts with the season (you'll get the exact departure when you book), and the first thing that hits you is how close the water puts you to the Castillo de San Marcos. From the shore it's a landmark. From the water, it's a wall of history with the sun sinking behind it, and your guide is talking about the centuries that wall has stood there while you're watching the light turn orange and then gold. The Castillo doesn't move, but the angle does, and that's the whole point of a St. Augustine sunset cruise.

There are two boats running these tours, and they matter depending on who's coming. The Great Blue Heron is adults only, 21 and up, with a beer and wine bar on board. You can bring your own snacks but no outside alcohol. The Osprey runs the same route but welcomes families with kids seven and older, and it also has a bar for drinks you buy on the water. Both vessels have a guide who knows the bay, and both pass the same stops: the lighthouse you see from the water, the great cross near the Fountain of Youth, the bridge with its own history, and then the Castillo as the light changes. It's not a long trip (you're on the water, not driving somewhere), but it's the kind of thing where an hour and a half feels like enough because you're not trying to fit in ten stops.

The walk to the boat takes about four minutes down to the dock, and there are ramps and a few steps up to the floating dock itself, so you need shoes that won't slip. The tour runs in most weather, which means dress for what's coming. Free parking is included, which saves you the hunt for a spot in the old city, and the guide is live, not a recording, so you get the actual stories about how the bridge was built, why the Castillo matters, what the lighthouse has seen. Life preservers are provided and required by the Coast Guard, and they're already there waiting.

What’s included

Live commentary from a local guide, all required USCG-approved life preservers, free parking, and access to the bar on board (beverages available for purchase). You're welcome to bring small appetizers and snacks, though no outside alcohol is permitted.

Options for this experience

2 options

Adults Only (21+)Guide in English · 16:30 and 17:30Alcoholic drinks can be bought onboard the Great Blue Heron.

Sunset Eco CruiseGuide in English · 16:30 and 17:30Onboard bar available on the Osprey vessel.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:30 and 17:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Youth (13 to 20 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Florida Water Tours LLC

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the St. Augustine waterfront without arranging your own boat or navigating the old city's parking: the fixed departure time and included parking mean you show up and the rest is handled.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 20 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

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 time does the St. Augustine sunset cruise depart?

Departure time shifts with the sunset and season. You'll receive the exact time when you book.

Can I bring my own alcohol on the boat?

No outside alcohol is allowed. Both vessels have bars on board where you can purchase beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Is the sunset cruise family-friendly?

The Osprey is family-friendly for ages 7+. The Great Blue Heron is adults only, 21 and older.

What should I wear on the cruise?

Wear secured footwear: no heels, flip-flops, or slides. Dress for the weather, as the tour operates in most conditions.

Is parking included?

Yes, free parking is included with your cruise.

Do I need to be in good physical condition?

You need to be able to walk about four minutes to the dock, walk up and down ramps, and climb 2–4 steps onto the boat. Life preservers are provided.

What attractions do we see on the cruise?

You'll pass the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Fountain of Youth cross, and an historic bridge, all with live commentary from a local guide.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The walk to the boat and the steps onto the vessel require moderate mobility. Contact the operator if you have specific accessibility questions.