St. Augustine: Boat Cruise and Electric Golf Cart Tour

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of St. Augustine through a captivating boat cruise and electric golf cart tour. Admire the iconic landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, from the comfort of the boat, then dive deeper into the city’s past with an up-close exploration of these significant sites. Enjoy the cooling breeze and gentle rocking of the water as you learn about St. Augustine’s strategic importance and colonial legacy. This small group experience promises to unveil the hidden gems of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• Set out on a 75-minute narrated boat cruise through the serene waters of Matanzas Harbor, offering breathtaking views of historic landmarks.
• Explore St. Augustine’s most iconic sites, including the Castillo de San Marcos, Alcazar Hotel, and Mision Nombre de Dios, aboard convenient electric golf carts.
• Discover the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish stone fortress that has guarded the city for centuries and offers panoramic views.
• Visit the late 19th-century Alcazar Hotel, now housing the Lightner Museum, and marvel at its ornate architectural details.
• Explore the Mision Nombre de Dios, the site of the first Catholic mass in the continental United States, and learn about the region’s rich history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Matanzas Harbor Boat Cruise

The 75-minute narrated boat cruise takes guests on a journey through the serene waters of Matanzas Harbor, allowing them to feast their eyes on the city’s picturesque landmarks from a unique vantage point.

As the boat glides effortlessly across the harbor, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the iconic Alcazar Hotel, and the Mision Nombre de Dios site.

The cool breeze and gentle rocking of the boat create a truly relaxing and immersive experience, transporting guests to a bygone era.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Matanzas Harbor boat cruise offers an unforgettable way to discover the rich history and natural beauty of St. Augustine.

St. Augustine’s Iconic Landmarks

Following the tour’s boat cruise, guests hop aboard electric golf carts to explore St. Augustine’s most iconic landmarks up close. These include the imposing Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress that has stood guard over the city for centuries, as well as the opulent Alcazar Hotel, a late 19th-century architectural gem. The tour also visits the site of the Mision Nombre de Dios, where the first Catholic mass in the continental United States was celebrated in 1565.

Landmark	Description	Significance
Castillo de San Marcos	17th-century Spanish stone fortress	Guarded the city for centuries
Alcazar Hotel	Late 19th-century architectural gem	Exemplifies the city’s rich history
Mision Nombre de Dios	Site of the first Catholic mass in the continental U.S.	Marks a pivotal moment in American history

Castillo De San Marcos

Towering over St. Augustine’s historic district, the Castillo de San Marcos stands as a testament to Spain’s colonial legacy. This 17th-century stone fortress, with its formidable coquina walls, has guarded the city’s harbor for centuries, withstanding numerous sieges and remaining a symbol of the region’s rich history.

As part of the electric golf cart tour, visitors can:

1. Gaze in awe at the massive structure, marveling at its sheer size and impressive architecture.
2. Explore the inner chambers and courtyards, imagining the soldiers who once patrolled its ramparts.
3. Climb to the top of the fort for panoramic views of the historic city and glittering waters of Matanzas Bay.
4. Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s complex past and the strategic importance of this enduring fortress.

Alcazar Hotel Tour

After exploring the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, the electric golf cart tour takes visitors to another iconic landmark – the Alcazar Hotel.

This grand, Spanish Renaissance-style building, constructed in the late 19th century, once served as a lavish hotel catering to the elite visitors drawn to St. Augustine’s charming historic district.

Today, the Alcazar Hotel houses the Lightner Museum, showcasing a collection of Victorian-era artifacts and art. Visitors can marvel at the hotel’s ornate architectural details, including the stunning indoor swimming pool.

The golf cart tour provides a convenient way to experience this historic site, allowing guests to soak in the grandeur of the Alcazar Hotel and its beautifully preserved interiors.

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Mision Nombre De Dios

The Mision Nombre de Dios site, located in St. Augustine, marks the spot where Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States in 1565. The mission’s historic significance is palpable, as visitors can:

1. Marvel at the impressive 208-foot Great Cross, a soaring monument erected to commemorate the first Catholic mass celebrated in the New World.

2. Explore the sacristy and nave of the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum, which offers a glimpse into the site’s religious heritage.

3. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and imagine the hardships faced by the early settlers.

4. Appreciate the enduring spirit of this hallowed ground, where the past and present converge.

Cooling Breeze on the Water

As you cruise through the Matanzas Harbor, you’ll feel the cooling breeze caress your skin, providing a refreshing respite from the warm Florida sun. The gentle wind whispers through the sails of the boats docked along the shore, creating a soothing ambiance.

You’ll inhale the crisp, salty air, which invigorates your senses and leaves you feeling energized. The boat’s smooth glide across the calm waters allows you to fully appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.

With the historic Castillo de San Marcos in the distance, you’ll be captivated by the juxtaposition of modern comfort and ancient grandeur. The cooling breeze is a vital part of the boat cruise experience, enhancing your exploration of St. Augustine’s beauty.

Small Group Experience

This small group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. With just 10 participants, you’ll enjoy attentive guidance from your knowledgeable tour guide, who can tailor the pace and content to the group’s interests.

The small size allows for easy conversation and the opportunity to ask questions, creating a more engaging and immersive exploration of St. Augustine’s landmarks.

The benefits of this small group format include:

1. Personalized attention from your guide
2. Flexibility to adapt the tour to your preferences
3. Opportunities for meaningful interaction with fellow travelers
4. A more relaxed, comfortable, and enriching experience overall

Meeting Point and Directions

Your guide will be awaiting you at the Plaza de la Constitucion on the corner of St. George and 48 Cathedral Place, across from the governor’s mansion museum.

This is the designated meeting point for the St. Augustine boat cruise and electric golf cart tour.

Once you’ve arrived, look for your guide who’ll be holding a sign or wearing a branded shirt. They’ll check you in and provide any necessary instructions before the tour begins.

The meeting location is easily accessible and centrally located, making it a convenient starting point to explore the historic city.

Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so the tour can depart on time.

Recap

St. Augustine’s boat cruise and electric golf cart tour offer a captivating way to discover the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

Guests can admire iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, Alcazar Hotel, and Mision Nombre de Dios from the comfort of the boat, then explore these sites up-close on an electric golf cart.

This small group experience immerses visitors in the city’s colonial legacy while enjoying the cooling breeze and gentle rocking of the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: