St. Augustine: Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB

Thinking of adding a splash of fun to your visit to St. Augustine? The Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB offers a lively way to enjoy the city’s waterfront with friends, music, and a relaxed party atmosphere. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a social, informal experience that combines scenic views with a festive vibe.

What we love about this cruise is its flexibility—bring your own food and drinks, making it a personalized celebration. Plus, the lively soundtrack and onboard games turn a simple boat ride into a mini-party. The one potential consideration is that it’s a relatively short outing—lasting just 1.5 hours—so if you’re craving a more immersive or historic experience, this might not be the best fit. Overall, it’s best suited for groups celebrating special occasions or those wanting a fun, casual outing on the water.

If you enjoy good tunes, scenic waterways, and a carefree social scene, you’ll find this cruise a worthwhile addition to your St. Augustine itinerary. It’s particularly appealing for groups, birthdays, or bachelorettes looking for a memorable, energetic experience with a local twist.

Key Points

• Flexible BYOB: Bring your own drinks and snacks for a personalized party experience.
• Scenic views: Cruise past iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos, offering memorable photo opportunities.
• Music and games: A live DJ sets the tone, with drinking games and singalongs keeping the energy high.
• Affordable fun: At $46 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a lively water experience.
• Convenience: The boat provides coolers, ice, a toilet, and onboard music, making the trip comfortable and entertaining.
• Ideal for celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a casual gathering with friends.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Overall Vibe

The cruise departs from Vilano Beach, a laid-back spot just outside the historic core of St. Augustine. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by friendly crew members and upbeat music, setting a festive tone right away. The boat itself is equipped for comfort and fun, with plenty of space to dance or lounge.

The essence of this experience is its party atmosphere. It isn’t a traditional sightseeing tour; instead, it’s about sharing good times with friends while taking in scenic views. The vibe is lively but relaxed—think of it as a floating backyard party with a view.

The Route and Viewpoints

As the boat glides along the Matanzas River, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of St. Augustine’s waterfront. Passing under the Bridge of Lions, you’ll see the historic charm of the city’s skyline. The cruise also passes the Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.—which makes for a striking photo backdrop.

One of the highlights is the view of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, a peaceful spot that adds a touch of serenity amidst the festive scene. The sights are great for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery while enjoying your drinks.

What Happens Onboard

Once on the boat, the entertainment kicks in with a live DJ spinning your favorite tunes. The playlist is curated to keep the energy lively, encouraging dancing and singalongs. Many reviews mention how the music really sets the tone; one notes, “We loved the way the DJ kept everyone dancing and singing along.”

The crew facilitates drinking games, which add an extra layer of fun—perfect for groups looking to break the ice or keep the party lively. You can also enjoy bringing your own food, making it easy to celebrate a birthday or bachelorette event with personalized snacks.

Drinks and Food

The cruise is BYOB, meaning you can bring your own alcohol and snacks. The boat provides coolers and ice to keep everything chilled, which is much appreciated. This setup offers excellent value—no need to pay extra for onboard beverages, and you can tailor your drinks experience exactly how you want it.

The boat is equipped with a toilet, ensuring comfort during the 1.5-hour trip, and there’s ample space for groups to spread out, dance, or relax with a drink in hand.

More Great Tours Nearby

Duration and Practicalities

The 1.5-hour cruise typically runs in both morning and afternoon slots, offering flexibility for your schedule. It’s a short but lively outing, making it easy to fit into a day of exploring St. Augustine.

The cost of $46 per person is quite reasonable considering the entertainment, scenic views, and the social aspect. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the option to reserve now and pay later, it offers travelers peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is ideal for groups celebrating special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with friends and want a fun, informal way to see the water and enjoy some music. Keep in mind, it’s restricted to guests 18 and older, and it’s not suitable for children under 18.

Authentic Reviews and Tips

One guest mentioned, “It was a blast dancing and singing with friends, and the views of the city were a bonus.” Others appreciated the cost-value ratio, noting that bringing their own food and drinks saved money while creating a custom celebration.

Since the experience is primarily focused on fun and socializing, travelers who prefer quiet, historical tours might find this a bit too lively. However, if you’re after a joyful, relaxed party with scenic backdrops, this cruise hits the mark.

The Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB offers a lively, flexible way to enjoy St. Augustine’s waterfront. It’s best suited for those who want to celebrate, dance, and enjoy the city from the water without the formalities of a traditional tour. The experience combines scenic views of landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos with a party atmosphere — music, games, and personal drinks all included.

At $46 per person, it provides good value for a fun, social outing. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with friends, celebrating a special event, or simply want a casual, memorable water experience. Just remember, it’s an 18+ activity designed for relaxed socializing, not quiet sightseeing.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, looking for a unique way to see the city, or just want to dance on the water, this cruise offers a spirited addition to your St. Augustine trip.

Is this cruise suitable for children?
No, the cruise is only for guests 18 years or older, and children under 18 are not permitted.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Yes, the cruise is BYOB—bring your own alcoholic beverages and food to enjoy during the trip.

What’s included in the price?
For $46 per person, you get the cruise itself, ice, coolers, onboard music, and access to a toilet for convenience.

Are there any additional costs?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be brought onboard at no extra charge.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, usually available in the morning and afternoon.

Is there a group size limit?
While not specified, the boat’s setup suggests it can comfortably accommodate small to medium groups, ideal for private celebrations.

What landmarks will I see during the cruise?
You’ll cruise past the Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You may reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

What should I bring for the experience?
Bring your own food and drinks, along with any personal items for comfort and fun, like dance shoes or sunglasses.

This lively, flexible cruise offers a playful perspective on St. Augustine’s scenic waterway, perfect for groups seeking fun and unforgettable memories on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby