St. Augustine Champagne Sunset Cruise w Seasonal Nights of Lights

If you’re seeking a peaceful yet visually captivating way to enjoy the historic charm of St. Augustine, the Fury Champagne Sunset Cruise might just be your ticket. While we haven’t personally taken this cruise, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a delightful mix of scenic beauty, festive lights, and relaxed luxury. Whether you’re traveling with a loved one, friends, or simply craving a serene moment on the water, this cruise offers a unique perspective — especially during its seasonal Nights of Lights display.

What we love about this experience are two key things: the stunning sunset views over the city’s landmarks and the complimentary drinks, including champagne and wine, which make the entire atmosphere feel elevated and special. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the weather — since it’s an outdoor experience with covered seating, chilly evenings might require an extra layer or a blanket (available for purchase). This cruise is best suited for those who appreciate scenic vistas and a touch of elegance in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Beautiful sunset views over St. Augustine’s historic skyline.
• Seasonal Nights of Lights create a magical holiday backdrop from mid-November to early January.
• Complimentary drinks including beer, wine, and champagne add to the festive atmosphere.
• Modern, comfortable catamaran with covered seating and amenities ensures a relaxed experience.
• Ideal for romantic outings or peaceful evenings with friends.
• Stops include iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Lighthouse, providing great photo opportunities.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Fury Champagne Sunset Cruise combines several lovely elements that make it stand out among other activities in St. Augustine. Starting at Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, the tour takes about an hour and a half, offering plenty of time for travelers to unwind and take in the sights. The boat itself, the Fury Corinthian Catamaran, is described as modern, with covered seating and onboard amenities — a thoughtful touch for comfort, especially during cooler evenings or windy days.

The Journey and Highlights

The cruise begins at Vilano Beach Pier, where you check in about 30 minutes prior to departure. This allows for a leisurely start, giving you time to settle in, snap some pre-cruise photos, and get a feel for the boat’s layout. Once aboard, the crew and captain tend to be friendly and knowledgeable — reviews frequently mention their professionalism and welcoming attitude.

As the boat slips out into the water, the real magic begins. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the setting sun casting warm hues over the city. The cruise’s route includes stops at key landmarks, each offering a chance to marvel at their architecture and significance.

Castillo de San Marcos is a highlight: its thick, gray coquina walls form a star shape, creating a striking silhouette against the evening sky. One reviewer mentioned watching it “rise proudly along the shoreline,” emphasizing its photogenic appeal. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is another favorite, with its distinctive black-and-white spiral stripes. Surrounded by trees, it’s a classic image that the cruise allows you to admire from a comfortable distance, perfect for snapping memorable photos.

The Bridge of Lions provides a graceful link between the historic district and the island, featuring lion statues and intricate architecture. While the cruise doesn’t stop on land, viewing these landmarks from the water offers a different perspective — more relaxed and scenic.

Seasonal Nights of Lights

From November 16 through January 11, the cruise transforms into a holiday spectacle. The city’s world-famous Nights of Lights illuminate the streets, bridges, and buildings with millions of sparkling bulbs, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. This display is often hailed as one of the best holiday light shows in the country, making the cruise an especially enchanting experience during this period.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

One of the biggest draws is the complimentary drinks. You can enjoy beer, wine, and champagne as you relax, making the voyage feel more like a celebratory toast to the sunset. Several reviews highlight how the staff are attentive and friendly, adding a personal touch to the atmosphere. For some, this elevates the experience from a simple boat ride to a memorable celebration.

While photos are not included in the price, you have the option to purchase them onboard. Several reviewers mention that they appreciated the opportunity to capture the moment, especially given the stunning lighting conditions during sunset and the lights.

Comfort and Practicalities

The catamaran itself is modern and designed for comfort, with covered seating that shields you from wind or light rain. However, as one reviewer pointed out, it can get breezy and chilly, especially if you’re sensitive to the wind — carrying a sweater or purchasing a blanket might be wise. Restrooms are onboard, which is always a plus for a boat trip of this length.

The group size is capped at around 40 travelers, providing a cozy yet social environment. The check-in process is straightforward, and the staff is praised for their professionalism. The cruise runs rain or shine, but poor weather might lead to cancellations, with full refunds offered if conditions aren’t suitable.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 10 reviews. Many travelers highlight the beautiful scenery and friendly crew as standout features:

• “Very enjoyable with a very friendly crew. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the scenery was beautiful.” — Tory_S
• “The views were perfect, and the captain was very gentle on the water.” — Emma_P
• “Ask for Espinoza, James and Hugh — they made the cruise even more fun.” — Janet_I
• “Nice short cruise, and we even watched fireworks from the boat.” — Tela_E
• “Relaxing, scenic, and fabulous. The crew was happy, knowledgeable, and accommodating.” — Annalisa_O

These comments reinforce that the cruise provides a relaxed, scenic, and friendly environment, especially during the sunset and holiday lighting season.

Price and Value Analysis

At $58.52 per person, this cruise offers good value considering the combination of stunning views, free drinks, and a comfortable boat. The experience is particularly attractive during the Nights of Lights season, when the city transforms into a dazzling display. For travelers who appreciate a relaxed, scenic outing with a touch of celebration, this is a worthwhile splurge.

Compared to other water-based activities, the inclusion of complimentary drinks and the modern boat makes this a more upscale and enjoyable experience. It’s ideal for those seeking a low-key, memorable evening rather than a high-energy party or long tour.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early to check in and get settled comfortably.
• Wear layers — it can get breezy, especially on the water in the evening.
• Consider purchasing a blanket if you tend to feel cold, as some reviews suggest blankets are available for sale.
• Bring your camera or smartphone for capturing the sunset, landmarks, and holiday lights.
• Book in advance during peak season (November to January) as bookings can fill up quickly.
• Tip your crew — they are often praised for their friendliness and professionalism.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience suits romantics looking for a memorable sunset, families wanting a relaxed outing, or anyone curious about St. Augustine’s landmarks from the water. It’s especially perfect for those who enjoy drinks with a view and want to combine sightseeing with a festive holiday atmosphere during the Nights of Lights season. Not ideal for travelers seeking a lengthy or highly active tour, but perfect for a peaceful, visually stunning cruise.

The Sum Up

The Fury Champagne Sunset Cruise offers a delightful way to see St. Augustine’s iconic landmarks against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset. During the holiday Lights season, it becomes even more enchanting, with millions of sparkling bulbs transforming the city into a winter wonderland. The cruise’s modern amenities, friendly crew, and complimentary drinks elevate it from a simple boat ride to a relaxing celebration.

While the experience is weather-dependent, good weather enhances the views and overall enjoyment. The short duration makes it a manageable, low-commitment activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing or a special evening out. If you love scenic vistas, some bubbly, and a touch of holiday magic, this cruise is definitely worth considering.

This tour is best for those seeking a relaxed, scenic experience with quality touches, rather than high-energy adventure. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and take in the beauty of St. Augustine from the water — especially during its most festive season.

FAQ

Is the Champagne Sunset Cruise suitable for children?
While the tour is primarily adult-oriented due to alcohol consumption, most travelers of all ages can enjoy the scenic views. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes complimentary beer, wine, and champagne, along with a modern catamaran, beautiful sunset views, and onboard amenities including restrooms.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier at 260 Vilano Rd. Check-in begins about 30 minutes prior to departure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the cruise, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Is this cruise weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the views, and maybe have a drink or two.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the cruise provides complimentary beer, wine, and champagne. Additional drinks or photos can be purchased onboard.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably with layers — it can get breezy at sunset. Bringing a sweater or purchasing a blanket might enhance your comfort.