Adventure Boat Tours – Nights of Lights by Water in St. Augustine FL

Anyone visiting St. Augustine during the holiday season quickly realizes that the city’s Nights of Lights is one of those sights that truly captures the magic of the holidays. While walking through the cobbled streets and gazing up at the shimmering buildings is delightful, seeing the city from the water offers a whole new perspective—and that’s where Adventure Boat Tours’ Nights of Lights cruise steps in. This review highlights what makes this experience worthwhile, and what to consider before booking.

What we love about this tour is its combination of relaxed comfort and stunning visuals. The boat floats gently past lit-up landmarks, turning the city into a sparkling fairyland. Plus, the ability to bring your favorite drinks makes this a casual, cozy way to enjoy the festive season with friends or family. That said, some might find the value less compelling if their expectations are overly high, especially considering price—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a peaceful cruise with lovely views.

One potential drawback is the limited duration—just about an hour. While that’s enough time to see key sights, it’s a quick peek rather than a deep dive. Still, for many, this short cruise offers a memorable snapshot of St. Augustine’s holiday glow. If you’re craving a relaxed, scenic tour that captures the spirit of the season from a different angle, this ride is a solid choice. Families, couples, and anyone looking for a festive water adventure will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• The tour offers both public and private options, accommodating different group sizes.
• The roughly 1-hour cruise provides a comfortable pace to admire the illuminated city.
• The boat passes iconic locations like the Bridge of Lions and the Old Fort.
• Bringing your own drinks is encouraged, adding to the laid-back vibe.
• The tour is suitable for children and service animals are allowed.
• It’s popular enough to be booked an average of 26 days in advance, suggesting good demand.

An In-Depth Look at the Nights of Lights Water Tour

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

Your journey begins at 260 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, offering easy access, especially if you’re already exploring the historic area or the nearby Vilano Beach. The vessel used for this tour is designed for small groups—either up to six on a private boat or up to 32 on a larger public tour. This flexibility allows for a more intimate experience if you prefer to avoid large crowds.

The tour lasts about an hour, which is enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed. Because it’s mobile-ticket based, you can have everything ready on your phone, making check-in straightforward. It’s worth noting that most travelers book about a month in advance, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during peak season.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

The cruise is designed to highlight the most photogenic and festive parts of St. Augustine’s holiday display.

First Stop: The Bridge of Lions
As you glide under this iconic bridge—built in 1927 and famous for its lion statues—you get a close-up view of the sculptures and a chance to appreciate their history. Sitting in the park nearby, the lions have been greeting visitors since 1920, adding a charming historical touch.

Next: The Main Street Light Display
The boat passes along the main strip, offering a panoramic view of the city’s holiday decorations. You’ll see the streets lit up in thousands of twinkling lights, turning the historic buildings and quaint storefronts into a glittering spectacle. Reviews highlight that this display is best appreciated from the water, where you can soak it all in without the crowds.

The Old Fort
The Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., looks especially striking when illuminated at night. The tour’s timing lets you admire its glow, which complements the overall Nights of Lights display.

The Cross and Special Light Displays
One of the most talked-about stops is The Cross, a prominent landmark on the route. On foggy or cloudy nights, the shadows cast by the lights on the cross are described as “something to see”—a unique, almost mystical moment. The display of lights here has received praise from travelers who found it “simply and beautifully lit.”

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Spectacular Views and Close-Ups
Unlike walking or driving through the city’s streets, a boat tour offers a panoramic, unobstructed view of the lights from the water—an angle that captures the scale and sparkle of the display. Most reviewers mention how stunning it is to see the city lights reflecting on the water, creating a shimmering mirror effect.

Knowledgeable Guides and Friendly Captains
Captains Jimmy and Bill, and others, are praised for their friendly attitude and knowledge about the area. Multiple reviews mention how personable and fun they are—adding humor and background stories that enrich the experience. For instance, one reviewer appreciated the “dad jokes,” which helped keep the mood light and enjoyable.

Flexibility and Comfort
Bringing your own beverages is encouraged, making the cruise feel more like a casual get-together. The boat has restrooms on board, a practical touch that makes the short duration more comfortable, especially for families or older travelers.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

Travelers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, with one review saying, “Both captains were super pleasant and knowledgeable about the area and what we were viewing.” The dolphin sightings, noted in some reviews, add an unexpected bonus, turning a sightseeing trip into a mini wildlife adventure.

The experience is family-friendly, with children’s prices at $19, making this accessible for families looking to celebrate the holidays together. Service animals are also permitted, so travelers with service animals can participate comfortably.

Price and Value

At $40 per person, the tour is fairly priced considering the scenic views, expert guides, and the festive atmosphere. For around an hour, you get a relaxing, picturesque cruise that captures the holiday spirit from a perspective few travelers get—on the water, under the lights.

Some travelers have expressed that their expectations were exceeded, citing the tour as “an excellent way to see the light display,” and “a wonderful experience.” Others, like one reviewer, felt it was less worth the cost—highlighting that the lights can be seen from the streets as well. However, most seem to agree that the added value lies in the ease of viewing from the water and the company of knowledgeable guides.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoyment

• Advance booking is recommended, as the tour is popular and tends to fill up about a month ahead.
• Weather plays a role—if it’s foggy or rainy, the tour might be canceled or less spectacular. Keep an eye on the forecast, and pack some warm clothing—the evenings can get chilly, especially on the water.
• Bring your own drinks to enhance the relaxed vibe. No alcohol is sold onboard, so plan to supply your beverages.
• Arrive early to get comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere before departure.
• Consider the timing: the tour is about an hour, so plan your evening accordingly for other activities afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat tour is best suited for those who appreciate serene, scenic experiences. If you enjoy seeing holiday lights from a fresh angle—without the crowds—and enjoy the chance to relax with a drink, this is a charming option. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, and families with older children.

If your main goal is to get a quick, inexpensive look at the lights without much fuss, you’ll likely find this tour worth the price. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a long, in-depth experience or don’t enjoy boat rides, you might want to explore other options in town.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Adventure Boat Tours’ Nights of Lights cruise offers a unique way to see St. Augustine’s holiday glow. The mix of beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a memorable addition to any holiday itinerary. The experience captures the spirit of the season in a peaceful, picturesque setting—perfect for those who want to enjoy the city’s lights without the hustle and bustle of street crowds.

While the one-hour duration might leave some wanting more, the views and personal touch create a sense of intimacy and exclusivity that many visitors appreciate. For families, couples, or anyone seeking a laid-back way to enjoy St. Augustine’s festive beauty from the water, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour can be booked for small private groups of up to six or larger public groups of up to 32 travelers.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately one hour, giving enough time to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely. The tour encourages bringing your favorite beverages, but alcohol is not sold onboard.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome, and their price is $19 for those 18 and under.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check specific accessibility needs in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

In summary, the Nights of Lights water tour provides a peaceful, picturesque way to see St. Augustine’s holiday lighting display from a unique perspective. It balances comfort, authentic sights, and heartfelt guide commentary—making it a delightful choice for a memorable holiday experience.