St. Augustine: Sunset Party Boat Cruise with BYOB & Music

Summary

Party boat cruise through St. Augustine’s history with music, BYOB and river views

You’ll board a lively party boat in St. Augustine for a sunset cruise along the Matanzas River with your own drinks in hand. Dance to music as you pass historic sights like Castillo de San Marcos and the lighthouse, guided by locals who know every story behind these landmarks. Expect laughter, new friends, and river breezes as day slips into night.

What’s the experience like?

The second I stepped onto the party boat in St. Augustine, someone handed me a cold drink (my own, but still — ice was waiting) and the speakers were already humming with that kind of playlist you only get when the captain’s got taste. Our guide — Captain Mike — grinned and shouted something about “the oldest city in America” as we pulled away from the dock. The air had that salty, slightly sweet smell I always forget about until I’m back by the water.

We drifted along the Matanzas River, passing the Mission Nombre de Dios — you can’t miss that huge cross poking up over the trees. Someone tried to take a selfie with it in the background and nearly dropped their phone overboard (the mate just laughed and tossed them a towel). The Bridge of Lions looked almost fake in that light, all white stone and slow traffic crawling by. It was easy to lose track of time because everyone was either dancing or just leaning against the rail, watching Castillo de San Marcos slide past on one side. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed on what’s basically a floating dance floor, but there you go.

When we got close to the St. Augustine Lighthouse, Captain Mike pointed out how its stripes look different as the sun goes down — he says locals call it “the candy cane.” Not sure if he was joking or not; either way, it stuck with me. The sunset wasn’t all orange and dramatic like postcards; it was softer than that, more pinks and golds melting into each other while people clinked cans and sang along to whatever song came next. There’s something about seeing those old landmarks from the water that makes them feel less like museum pieces and more like part of some ongoing story you’ve just stumbled into for a night.

I still think about how everyone loosened up after a while — strangers sharing snacks they’d brought, swapping stories about where they’d come from or where they were headed next. It wasn’t perfect: someone spilled chips near my feet, and my attempt at dancing probably embarrassed my friends (sorry guys). But honestly? That’s what made it good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise with scenic views

• Board party boat in St. Augustine
• Bring your own food and drinks
• Party, sing, and dance on board
• Sail past Mission Nombre de Dios
• View the Bridge of Lions
• See Castillo de San Marcos Fort
• View St. Augustine Lighthouse
• Enjoy sunset over Matanzas River

Top questions

Is this sunset cruise in St. Augustine BYOB?

Yes, you can bring your own alcohol and food onboard.

What landmarks will we see during the party boat tour?

You’ll see Mission Nombre de Dios, Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Is there music on this party boat cruise?

Yes, music is provided throughout the cruise for dancing or relaxing.

Are there age restrictions for this St. Augustine party boat?

You must be 18 years or older to join this tour.

Does the cruise include a guide or captain?

You’ll have a master captain plus a first mate onboard during your trip.

Are coolers or ice provided on this sunset cruise?

Yes, coolers and ice are included for your drinks.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, there is a toilet available on the boat.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; pregnant travelers should avoid it too.

What’s included

Your evening includes sailing with a master captain and first mate along St. Augustine’s riverfront landmarks; coolers packed with ice for your BYOB drinks; lively party lights; music all evening; plus an onboard toilet so you can relax without worry—just bring whatever food or beverages you want to share or enjoy yourself before heading back ashore after sunset.