Take the Bayliner M17 out of St. Augustine for an easy, affordable day on the water — perfect for dolphin sightings, shelling, and photos of Castillo de San Marcos. This small, nimble boat makes private boating approachable for first-timers and families.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical activity: boarding, brief moving around deck, and steady balance while seated.
Wildlife
History
St. Augustine was founded in 1565; nearby Castillo de San Marcos, completed in the 17th century, marks its colonial military history.
Conservation
Respect posted no-wake zones, avoid anchoring on seagrass, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce impact on marine habitats.
Gone2Sea Boat Rentals
Gone2Sea Boat Rentals operates private captained boat experiences in St. Augustine, Florida, specializing in sunset cruises and seasonal evening tours on Matanzas Bay. The company offers a fleet of comfortable, private boats — including the Harris 21BRZ Tritoon with Mercury 150hp, the Berkshire 253, and the Bennington SX Tritoon — available for intimate, captained outings that highlight local landmarks. Typical experiences include 90-minute sunset cruises that glide past the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos, with opportunities to spot dolphins and enjoy coastal views.
Guests may bring their own snacks, drinks, and music on most trips. The Nights of Lights trip provides a 90-minute private cruise along the illuminated seawall and through historic downtown during the seasonal lighting display; blankets and BYOB options are mentioned as part of the offering. Each trip is presented as a private, captained experience for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized outing on the water.
Gone2Sea Boat Rentals markets a range of options from standard private sunset cruises to specialized seasonal tours, all focused on Matanzas Bay and St. Augustine waterfront views. Bookers can select among distinct boat types and curated trip durations to match preferences for comfort, style, and sightseeing. The business emphasizes private access to local seascapes and historic views, delivering a straightforward way to experience St. Augustine’s coastal attractions from the water. Reservations and specific availability are provided through the business's booking process; trip lengths, vessel selection, and seasonal offerings vary by date and demand. Advance booking is recommended.
Tours Offered
5
Diverse private cruise options
Typical Trip
90 minutes
Standard sunset and Nights of Lights
Launch Area
Matanzas Bay
Historic St. Augustine waterfront
Captained Trips
Private
Personalized boat experiences
Choose a captained sunset cruise or Nights of Lights trip and secure a private Matanzas Bay experience today.
Fuel Up Before Launch
Fuel is not included—top off the tank and budget for 8–12 gallons per hour at cruising speed.
Watch No-Wake Zones
Slow down near marsh islands, docks, and wildlife haul-outs to avoid fines and protect seagrass beds.
Check Tides and Wind
Plan morning slack tides for creek exploring; avoid high wind days if you’re sticking to the Intracoastal.
Bring Sun Protection
Open boats heat up fast—reef-safe sunscreen, a hat with a strap, and polarized sunglasses matter.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life under prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare for spotting wildlife and reading the water surface.
summer
Brimmed hat with strap
Keeps sun off your face and stays put in breeze when secured.
summer
Dry bag (small)
Protects phone, camera, and snacks from spray and accidental swamping.