St Augustine: Champagne Sunset Cruise w Nights of Lights opt

If you’re considering a boat cruise in St. Augustine, this Champagne Sunset Cruise with the optional Nights of Lights view is worth a close look. Offering a blend of scenic beauty, relaxing vibes, and festive illumination, it promises a memorable way to see the city from the water. While it might not be the fastest or most adrenaline-filled adventure, it excels at providing a laid-back, scenic experience that’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to unwind and soak in the views.

What we really like about this cruise is the quality of the vessel and amenities—it’s a modern catamaran with covered seating and a nautical bathroom, making it comfortable even in unpredictable weather. We also appreciate the complimentary drinks—beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and water—adding a celebratory touch without extra costs. The chance to see landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos from the water is another big plus, offering a fresh perspective on this historic city.

However, it’s worth considering that the duration is just 1.5 hours, which means this is a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth tour. If you’re looking for a longer, more detailed exploration, you might find this cruise on the shorter side. Also, since the Nights of Lights viewing is only available from mid-November to early January, those visiting outside this window won’t have that experience.

This cruise is well-suited for travellers who want a relaxed, scenic, and festive outing—especially during the holiday season when the city’s Nights of Lights are in full display.

Key Points

• Comfortable modern vessel with covered seating and a nautical bathroom
• Includes complimentary drinks like beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and water
• Offers iconic views of landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions
• Perfect timing for sunset viewing and holiday lights, from November 15 to January 11
• Short duration of 1.5 hours makes it ideal for a quick, relaxing experience
• Skilled captain and crew focus on a scenic, stress-free cruise

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Cruise

From start to finish, this cruise aims to deliver a peaceful yet scenic adventure. The Fury Corinthian Catamaran, described as state-of-the-art, features covered seating—great for shielding from the sun or a light rain—and a nautical bathroom for comfort. Check-in is straightforward, located at the Vilano Beach Public Fishing Pier, where you’ll find a giant bluebird and dolphin arch, guiding you to the floating dock at the end of the pier.

As the cruise begins, you’ll feel the gentle ocean breeze and see the coastline stretch out on either side. With the captain at the helm and a dedicated crew, the atmosphere is friendly and professional. The journey is designed to showcase the best sights of St. Augustine from the water, including historic landmarks and the city’s famed bridges.

The highlight, of course, is the sunset. Expect a vibrant display of colors as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city’s rooftops and waterways. According to reviews, the views are stunning and well worth the price of $59, especially if you’re a fan of scenic, laid-back activities.

During the cruise, you’ll be served complimentary drinks—including beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and water—making it feel like a relaxed happy hour on the water. And if your timing aligns with the Nights of Lights, you’ll see the city sparkle from the water, with illuminated trees, buildings, and bridges creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Landmark Viewing and Photo Opportunities

One of the cruise’s big appeals is the chance to see iconic landmarks from a different angle. The Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., looks impressive from the water, especially as the sun sets behind it. The St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a striking silhouette, and the Bridge of Lions, with its graceful arches, becomes even more photogenic against the changing sky.

Many travelers mention how much they appreciated the photo opportunities. The water acts as a mirror, amplifying the sunset colors and offering perfect shots of the city’s skyline and historic structures. The crew is usually helpful in pointing out landmarks, adding context for those interested in the city’s past and present.

The Nights of Lights Experience

Running from November 15 through January 11, the Nights of Lights transforms St. Augustine into a fairy-tale city, with millions of tiny lights decorating historic buildings, trees, and bridges. Seeing this spectacle from the water adds an extra layer of magic, as the lights dance on the water’s surface and illuminate the coastline.

Travelers who’ve experienced it agree that this water view offers a unique perspective—less crowded, more romantic, and beautifully illuminated. One reviewer even called it “awesome and beautiful,” highlighting the combination of a great crew and the spectacular scenery.

Note that if you visit outside the specified dates, this feature isn’t available, so plan accordingly if the Lights are a highlight of your trip.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, generally scheduled in the evening to catch the sunset. It’s a relatively affordable way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty without the expense of longer boat trips. The check-in point at Vilano Beach is easy to find, marked by the distinctive arch and located conveniently at the end of the pier.

What to bring: A passport or ID card is recommended, especially if you plan to enjoy the drinks freely. It’s best to avoid bringing glass objects, coolers, or strollers—these aren’t permitted onboard for safety and convenience.

Accessibility: The vessel features covered seating, which offers some protection from the elements, but it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the boarding process.

Weather considerations: Since the cruise is outdoor, it’s wise to check the forecast. Light rain or wind can affect comfort, but the covered seating helps mitigate this.

Gratuity: Not included in the price, but tipping the crew for good service is customary.

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Pricing and Value Analysis

At $59 per person, this cruise provides a solid value for a scenic, relaxing experience. For the price, you get a modern vessel, a knowledgeable crew, and complimentary drinks, which can easily turn into a casual, festive experience. The quick 1.5-hour duration makes it perfect as part of an evening plan without requiring a significant time commitment.

Compared to other water-based outings in St. Augustine, this cruise’s focus on comfort and scenic views makes it stand out. It’s especially appealing during the Nights of Lights season, when the city transforms into a glowing winter wonderland.

Summing Up: Is This Cruise Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxing, visually stunning way to experience St. Augustine, this cruise checks many boxes. It’s particularly suitable for those who appreciate good scenery, a laid-back atmosphere, and a bit of holiday magic during the Nights of Lights. The friendly crew, modern boat, and included drinks make it a hassle-free outing that adds a special touch to your trip.

However, if you’re craving a longer, more in-depth tour or a very active outing, you might prefer other options. Likewise, if your travel dates don’t align with the Nights of Lights season, you’ll miss out on that particular spectacle.

This cruise offers a nice balance of comfort, scenic beauty, and festive cheer, making it an excellent choice for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a peaceful sunset experience in historic St. Augustine.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Guests under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult with ID, and guests under 15 must have a chaperone during the tour. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly environment, but the focus is often on adults enjoying drinks and the scenery.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 1.5 hours, usually in the evening, making it a perfect short activity after a day of sightseeing.

Are drinks included?
Yes, complimentary beer, wine, champagne, sodas, and water are provided onboard.

What landmarks can I see?
You might see the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions, among others. The crew often points out these landmarks during the cruise.

Can I see the Nights of Lights from the water?
Yes, if you book between November 15 and January 11, you can enjoy the seasonal Nights of Lights display from the boat.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
Check in at the Fury vessel at the Vilano Beach Public Fishing Pier, near the giant bluebird and dolphin arch.

Is the vessel accessible?
The boat has covered seating and a nautical bathroom, but accessibility might be limited depending on mobility needs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during the peak holiday season when the Nights of Lights are on display.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is there a gratuity expectation?
Tipping the crew is customary but not included in the price.

To sum it up, this Champagne Sunset Cruise in St. Augustine offers a lovely, laid-back way to see the city’s skyline and landmarks while enjoying a drink and, during the right season, the enchanting Nights of Lights. It’s especially perfect for travelers seeking a gentle, scenic experience with an emphasis on comfort, stunning views, and a touch of celebration.

You can check availability for your dates here: