Red Boat Tours – BYOB Sunset Cruise on St. Augustines Waterway

Imagine gliding across calm waters at sunset, drinks in hand, surrounded by beautiful historic sights and playful dolphins. That’s exactly what the Red Boat Tours BYOB Sunset Cruise promises — and based on glowing reviews, it delivers a memorable and relaxing way to see St. Augustine from a different perspective. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful evening on the water, this experience offers a lot for a surprisingly affordable price.

Two things we really like about this tour are the flexibility to bring your own beverages — which adds a personal touch — and the stunning views of the sunset over the city skyline. The fact that it’s a small, intimate group helps create a laid-back vibe where you can genuinely unwind. However, one consideration is that the tour is limited to adults, so it’s not suitable for families with young children or those looking for a lively party scene.

This cruise is perfect for travelers who enjoy a combination of scenic beauty, wildlife spotting, and engaging stories about St. Augustine’s history. If you love relaxed, social experiences with a touch of local charm, you’ll find this tour strikes the right balance.

Key Points

• Sunset views over historic St. Augustine are a highlight.
• Bring your own drinks for a personalized experience.
• Wildlife sightings include dolphins, pelicans, and manatees.
• The 1 hour 30-minute cruise offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.
• Live commentary enriches the sightseeing with local tales.
• Suitable for adults seeking a peaceful, scenic outing.
• Prebooking helps save time and guarantees your spot.
• Comfortable boat with plush seats and blankets for cooler evenings.

What to Expect on the Water

The 90-minute sunset cruise aboard the Pellicano is designed to maximize your enjoyment of St. Augustine’s waterways. From the moment you step aboard at 260 Vilano Rd, you’ll find a spacious vessel equipped with plush padded seats and cozy blankets, making it suitable for cooler evenings. The boat’s location offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city, with a chance to see the Bridge of Lions and other landmarks from the water — views that are often more striking than from land.

The experience is set up for relaxation and informal socializing. Since it’s BYOB, you’re encouraged to bring your favorite beverages — a bottle of wine, craft beers, or perhaps a special cocktail — to enjoy as you watch the sun dip lower. The tour provides complimentary bottled water, which helps keep everyone hydrated, especially if you choose to indulge.

The boat is limited to a maximum of 56 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere friendly and intimate. Many reviews mention how the crew creates a warm, welcoming environment, with friendly and humorous guides. The live commentary offers interesting anecdotes and local stories that make the sights come alive, helping you appreciate the history and character of St. Augustine.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Water Departure from Vilano Road
Once aboard, you’ll set sail through the calm waterway, heading toward Matanzas Bay. As you cruise, you’ll pass by several iconic landmarks, such as the historic bridges, forts, and the city skyline, all bathed in the warm glow of sunset. The duration of 1 hour 30 minutes is perfect for unwinding without feeling rushed, allowing plenty of time for photos, sightseeing, and simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

Wildlife Watching
Many guests report sightings of dolphins, which often play near the boat, as well as pelicans, ospreys, and sometimes manatees or turtles. As the sun sets and the water calms, the wildlife becomes more active, providing excellent photo opportunities and memorable moments.

Landmarks and Local Tales
The live commentary brings the scenery to life, sharing stories about the city’s history, architecture, and notable sites. Several reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, like Captain Tony, make the experience lively, funny, and educational. One guest noted, “He was very informative of the history of the area and great with jokes,” which speaks to the approachable nature of the guides.

Return and Reflection
After the sun has dipped below the horizon, the boat heads back to the starting point, giving you time to reflect on the evening’s sights and perhaps share a toast with your fellow travelers.

The Value of the Tour

At just $39 per person, this cruise offers serious value. For the price, you’re getting a scenic water journey, engaging narration, wildlife viewing, and the chance to relax with your favorite drinks. The inclusion of complimentary water and cozy blankets enhances comfort, especially for those cooler evenings.

Prebooking is recommended, often happening about 18 days in advance, which suggests popularity and limited availability. The flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip** provides peace of mind, especially for travelers with unpredictable schedules or weather concerns.

Compared to other water excursions, this tour emphasizes a laid-back experience rather than a party atmosphere, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty without loud music or large crowds. Many travelers mention how the small group size and friendly guides make it feel personal, almost like a private outing.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you enjoy relaxing cruises that combine scenic views with wildlife sightings and local stories, you’ll find this tour a real treat. It’s ideal for adults looking for a peaceful evening on the water rather than a lively party scene. It also suits travelers who value authentic experiences and appreciate the opportunity to bring their own beverages, creating a more personalized and memorable outing.

History buffs and nature lovers alike praise the informative narration and the chance to see dolphins and other marine life in the wild — an experience that’s both fun and educational. Those seeking a romantic sunset or a tranquil way to wind down from a busy day will also find this cruise a perfect choice.

The Sum Up

The Red Boat Tours BYOB Sunset Cruise on St. Augustine’s waterways is a fantastic way to enjoy the city from a different angle. It combines stunning sunset views, wildlife encounters, and friendly, knowledgeable guides all at a reasonable price. The ability to bring your own drinks makes it a flexible and personalized experience, while the small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere.

This cruise is particularly well-suited for adults who appreciate scenic beauty, wildlife, and local storytelling. It’s not a party cruise, but rather a peaceful, scenic journey that leaves many guests feeling refreshed and more connected with the natural surroundings and historic charm of St. Augustine.

If you’re looking for a calm, scenic, and slightly indulgent way to see the city at sunset — with the added bonus of dolphin sightings and insightful commentary — then this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a memorable, authentic experience that captures the spirit of relaxed Florida waterway adventures.

FAQ

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Yes, the tour is limited to adults, so it’s best suited for travelers 18 and older.

Can I bring alcohol on the cruise?
You can bring your own beverages, but alcoholic drinks are not provided by the tour. Remember, no sales of alcohol are available on board.

What should I wear?
Since it’s cooler on the water and often at sunset, it’s wise to dress in layers and bring blankets if needed. Casual and comfortable clothing is suitable.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, providing a relaxed yet substantial experience.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at 260 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 for boarding and return.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes bottled water, live commentary, and cozy blankets for cooler evenings.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours canceled due to weather will be rescheduled or fully refunded, giving you peace of mind.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 18 days ahead, as the tour is popular, especially during peak seasons.

Is there a maximum number of passengers?
Yes, the boat can accommodate up to 56 travelers, maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.

This scenic, relaxed, and reasonably priced sunset cruise offers an authentic way to unwind and see St. Augustine from the water. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a local looking for a peaceful evening, this tour promises memorable views, wildlife sightings, and stories that bring the city to life.