St Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour

When it comes to exploring America’s oldest cities, St. Augustine is often at the top of the list. But rather than just wandering around with a guidebook in hand, many travelers prefer a more immersive experience—something that covers both water and land, offering a thorough look at its historic charm. The St. Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour offers just that: a two-and-a-half-hour journey that combines scenic boat rides with breezy golf cart excursions. It’s a balanced way to see key sights, learn about the city’s complex past, and enjoy the relaxed pace that suits most travelers.

What we love about this tour is how accessible it makes discovering St. Augustine’s highlights. The boat cruise provides views of the waterfront and historic fortifications that are best appreciated from the water. The golf cart ride then takes you through the narrow, shady streets of the historic district, ending just in time for a casual dinner or a stroll through the art-filled alleys. Plus, the small group size—capped at ten—means you get a more personalized experience compared to larger bus tours.

One possible snag is that some reviews mention difficulty hearing on the boat or during the land portion, especially in windy or noisy environments. If you’re hard of hearing or expecting a very quiet tour, it’s worth noting. Still, most find the guides friendly and engaging, making the experience worth it for those eager to see the city from multiple angles. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of scenic visuals, historical stories, and a relaxed pace—ideal if you want a taste of St. Augustine without the hassle of navigating on your own.

Key Points

• Combines water and land exploration for a rundown of St. Augustine
• Guided by knowledgeable, friendly guides
• Small group size for a more personal experience
• Suitable for most travelers, with some hearing considerations
• Ends in time for a casual dinner or further exploration
• Offers excellent photo opportunities and authentic insights

An In-Depth Look at the St. Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour

If you’re considering this tour, you’ll want to understand what makes it stand out—and where it might fall short. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how it might fit into your travel plans.

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off at 38 Cathedral Place, a central point in St. Augustine, and concludes at the municipal marina just a few blocks away. It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is a good length for a half-day activity. The price is $85 per person, and considering the guided experiences, boat ride, and the small-group atmosphere, it’s a reasonably priced way to hit some of the city’s most iconic sights.

The Itinerary: Land and Water Highlights

The journey begins at Plaza de la Constitución, right at the heart of the city. This historic square is perfect for setting the scene, as your guide discusses the Spanish Conquistadors and the city’s significance to Spain’s empire. Here, you’ll get a quick overview of the city’s origins before heading to the marina for the boat cruise.

The boat cruise is the core of the water portion. You’ll board a 100-plus seat vessel for a narrated tour of Matanzas Harbor. Expect to glide past the waterfront mansions, capturing classic Florida-architecture shots, and see the Castillo de San Marcos fortress from the water—a perspective that reveals the fort’s impressive scale and strategic location. As you cruise, your captain will point out notable buildings and tell stories about their construction and role in history. The boat also offers close-up views of Anastasia State Park and its abundant birdlife, including ospreys and egrets, with the chance to see dolphins swimming nearby.

Most reviews highlight how special it is to see the city skyline and harbor from this vantage point. One reviewer notes, “You will observe the US Oldest masonry fort and be able to capture unique pictures from the water side as you listen to the fascinating history of the fortress.” This is the kind of insight that makes a water tour truly worthwhile.

On land, the tour continues with a walk through St. Augustine’s art district and along Aviles Street, recognized as the oldest street in the United States. Here, the tour stops at notable sites like the Lightner Museum, a former hotel built during the Flagler era, and Villa Zorayda, a Moorish Revival mansion that now functions as a museum. You’ll get a taste of the city’s opulence, architecture, and stories of the wealthy visitors who once frequented these grand buildings.

The guide also points out the historic Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum and City Hall, and shares amusing ghost stories about the building and the area. Expect to learn about the architecture and history that made this city so unique. The walking segment, although brief, is dense with sights, making it ideal for those who appreciate architecture and history.

Guide and Group Size

The guides are a highlight, according to reviews. One reviewer praised Robert’s depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor, emphasizing how well he kept the group engaged. Others mention that guides like Wendy are very personable and provide excellent restaurant tips, adding value beyond just sightseeing.

With a maximum of ten travelers, the tour feels intimate, which is a plus for those who dislike large bus crowds. This smaller group dynamic fosters conversation and allows the guide to tailor some commentary to the group’s interests.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Your ticket includes bottled water, soda, and a narrated boat tour, along with a certified guide for the land portion. The tour ends in time for you to explore on your own or enjoy a nearby restaurant. It’s a flexible experience that can be tailored to your schedule and energy levels.

Some comments from travelers mention that audio could be better on the boat or during the land walk, especially in windy or noisy environments. But overall, most find the guides engaging and the stories captivating enough to overlook occasional sound issues.

Value and Practicality

At $85, this tour strikes a fair balance between cost and value. It includes both water and land exploration, guided commentary, and small group intimacy. Many reviews cite this as a “must-do” activity, especially for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded overview without feeling rushed.

The timing is also practical. Starting early in the day leaves you free to enjoy a leisurely dinner afterward or visit other attractions like the historic district or shops. The tour’s duration is just right for those looking to conserve energy while still experiencing the city’s highlights.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, first-timers in St. Augustine, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, guided introduction rather than wandering solo. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate waterfront scenery and architecture, and who want insights from passionate guides. If you’re sensitive to sound issues, you might want to bring ear protection or plan to sit closer to guides during the land portion.

Final Thoughts

This boat and golf cart combo tour offers a comprehensive, engaging way to get to know St. Augustine. The water segment provides stunning visuals of the harbor, fort, and wildlife, while the land portion offers a walk through the city’s historic districts and architecture. The guides are well-trained and personable, bringing history alive with stories and local tips.

While some minor sound hiccups are noted, they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience, especially given the value and intimacy of the tour. It’s a flexible half-day activity that ends just in time for a relaxed dinner or more sightseeing.

If you’re after an authentic, immersive tour that balances scenic views, historic storytelling, and a manageable group size, this experience would serve you well. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a blend of relaxation, education, and picture-perfect moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s a relaxed pace, but consider any mobility issues if walking on uneven streets or boarding boats.

How long is the boat portion of the tour?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 20 minutes, with narration and sightseeing from the water.

Will I see dolphins or other wildlife?
Yes, some travelers have observed dolphins swimming nearby during the boat ride, along with bird species like ospreys and egrets.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 20 days in advance, especially during peak seasons, but last-minute availability depends on demand.

Are food or drinks included?
No, but bottled water and soda are provided. You’ll want to plan for a meal afterward since the tour ends in time for dinner.

What is the group size?
The maximum is ten travelers, making for a more personal and engaging experience.

Is there any special attire recommended?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are best, plus sun protection and perhaps sunglasses for the boat ride.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In essence, the St. Augustine Boat and Golf Cart Tour offers an authentic glimpse into one of America’s most historic cities. It balances scenic water views with a stroll through charming streets, guided by friendly experts who love sharing their city’s stories. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking to see the sights without tiring yourself out, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.