St. Augustine: Nights of Lights Cruise with Music and Drinks

Planning a festive evening in St. Augustine? The Nights of Lights Cruise offered by Fury Water Adventures promises a relaxing, scenic way to enjoy the city’s stunning holiday display. While we haven’t taken this cruise ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s an experience that balances visual delight with a touch of holiday cheer.

What we love about this tour is how it combines beautiful views of illuminated landmarks with live music and complimentary drinks—creating a joyful, relaxed atmosphere. We also appreciate the spacious catamaran, which offers a comfortable vantage point for everyone. One potential consideration? The tour lasts just 1.5 hours, so it’s a quick but memorable snapshot of the holiday magic.

This kind of experience works best for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, holiday ambiance, and a lively, social vibe. Families, couples, or friends looking to escape the city crowds for an evening of magic will find this tour especially appealing.

Key Points

• Scenic views of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks illuminated at night
• Relaxed 1.5-hour cruise on a spacious catamaran
• Live music enhances the festive atmosphere
• Complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, water, and soda
• Delicious holiday cookies add to the seasonal charm
• Ideal for couples, families, and holiday visitors seeking a memorable tradition

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Nights of Lights Cruise Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a city bathed in thousands of twinkling lights from the water, this cruise might be your perfect holiday outing. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is famous for its dazzling display, and seeing it from a boat offers a uniquely enchanting perspective.

What makes this tour stand out is how it blends scenic sightseeing with festive entertainment. Expect a gentle cruise through the heart of the city’s illuminated streets, with the added ambiance of live music that lifts the holiday spirit. Plus, the inclusion of complimentary drinks and holiday cookies makes it a cozy, cheerful experience—something that really captures the essence of the season.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a 1.5-hour cruise, so it’s a brief but impactful event. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, intimate way to enjoy the lights without committing to a longer tour. Also, since it’s a boat cruise, dressing warmly is advisable to fend off the evening sea breeze.

How to Prepare for Your Cruise

Prior to your trip, you’ll need to complete an electronic waiver—an easy step that keeps the check-in process smooth. Meeting is at the Fury vessel behind Beaches Restaurant, so plan some extra time for parking and walking to the dock.

What to bring? Warm clothing, a camera to capture the stunning views, and perhaps a small bag of extra snacks or a favorite beverage if you prefer. Remember, glass objects and coolers are not allowed on the boat, and strollers might be tricky to manage on the deck.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once aboard the Fury catamaran, you’ll notice the spacious deck that makes for excellent viewing from all angles. The boat, described as state-of-the-art, offers a smooth ride that passengers from reviews say is quite comfortable—worthy of a relaxed evening rather than a bumpy adventure.

Your route takes you through Matanzas Bay, where the skyline is dotted with historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Great Cross, both of which glow beautifully against the night sky. From the deck, you’ll get close-up views of these decorated landmarks, making the experience more intimate and awe-inspiring.

As you cruise, you’ll enjoy live music—a feature consistently praised for its quality and the way it adds to the holiday ambiance. From reviews, people loved the “exceptional” music that truly enhanced the experience.

Meanwhile, the complimentary drinks include beer, wine, water, and soda, which are plentiful and allow you to toast the season. Holiday cookies are served as well, adding a sweet touch and a fragrant aroma that mingles with the salty air.

The View from the Deck

The view from the deck is a major highlight. From the boat, you get an unobstructed panoramic view of the thousands of lights that decorate the historic downtown, stretching along the waterfront. This perspective offers a different appreciation compared to walking or driving through the city—less crowded and slower-paced, giving you more time to soak in the sights and take photos.

One reviewer described it as “getting up close and personal with the decorated boats and the glowing city,” which really captures the intimacy of the experience. It’s a peaceful, almost magical way to see the lights, especially when you’re wrapped in warm clothing and surrounded by holiday music.

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Authenticity and Value

At $69 per person, this cruise offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, entertainment, and comfort. For many, it’s a good value considering it includes live music, drinks, cookies, and scenic views—all in one 1.5-hour package.

What keeps this experience compelling is how it manages to feel both festive and relaxed, making it suitable for all ages. The reviews highlight that families and couples alike find it a memorable outing. One traveler remarked, “Loved the live music along with the free munchies and drinks, making it a fantastic night for all ages.”

Since it’s a boat tour, it’s a different way to experience the holiday lights than walking through the crowded streets. Plus, viewing the illuminated landmarks from the water adds a layer of visual drama, especially with the optional close-up views of decorated boats and historic sites.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for people who enjoy scenic boat rides with a festive spin. It’s ideal for those seeking a romantic outing, a family-friendly activity, or a fun group event during the holiday season.

If you’re someone who values atmosphere and ambiance over long tours or intense sightseeing, this cruise hits the mark. It also suits travelers who want a break from the busy streets and prefer to see St. Augustine’s holiday lights from a quieter, more intimate vantage point.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise

• Dress warmly. The evening sea breeze can be brisk, especially after sunset.
• Arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in at the dock behind Beaches Restaurant.
• Bring your camera—the views are stunning, and the lighting perfect for photos.
• Limit strollers and coolers, as these aren’t allowed on the vessel.
• Complete your waiver beforehand to avoid delays.
• Consider bringing a small bag of snacks or additional beverages if you prefer.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

The Nights of Lights Cruise offers a breezy, beautiful way to celebrate the season. It balances spectacular views with festive entertainment at a reasonable price. The live music and complimentary drinks elevate the experience from just a sightseeing tour to a lively celebration.

While it’s a quick ride—lasting only an hour and a half—the impact is long-lasting. Many reviews mention how special and memorable it is, especially for those who love the holiday lights and a bit of seaside romance.

In terms of value, considering the scenic views, entertainment, and inclusions, this cruise offers a great way to enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights without the hassle and crowds on land. It’s a perfect activity for visitors wanting a cozy, festive experience that combines history, beauty, and holiday spirit.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic, and festive outing. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a special holiday memory. If you love beautiful vistas paired with good music and drinks, you’ll find this cruise a charming way to celebrate the season.

If you prefer longer or more interactive tours, you might want to explore other options. But if your goal is to enjoy a short, joyful slice of St. Augustine’s holiday magic from the water, this cruise is a solid choice.

FAQs

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing a good window to enjoy the lights without feeling rushed.

Where do I check in?
Check-in is at the Fury vessel located behind Beaches Restaurant at 250 Vilano Road in St. Augustine.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, complimentary beer, wine, water, soda, and holiday cookies are provided.

Is there parking nearby?
Fury does not own parking, so plan ahead and allow extra time to find a spot and walk to the dock.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for the evening breeze; comfortable clothes are recommended.

Can I bring a stroller or cooler?
Strollers and coolers are not allowed on the boat, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a chaperone with a valid ID. Those under 14 need constant supervision.

This cruise combines the best of St. Augustine’s holiday lights with a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see the city in its festive best, it offers a memorable way to experience the season’s sparkle from a new perspective.

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