THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board the Pellicano at Vilano Beach for a relaxed 90-minute BYOB sunset cruise through Matanzas Bay. Expect close wildlife encounters, live onboard commentary, and waterfront views of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks.
Board the Pellicano at Vilano Beach for a relaxed 90-minute BYOB sunset cruise through Matanzas Bay. Expect close wildlife encounters, live onboard commentary, and waterfront views of St. Augustine’s historic landmarks.
You step off the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier as the first orange washes the horizon and the Pellicano rocks gently at the floating dock. A warm breeze carries salt and the distant call of gulls; the city skyline cuts a low silhouette across Matanzas Bay while pelicans wheel and dolphins arc near the boat’s bow.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Red Boat Tours, LLC · St. Augustine, Florida
You step off the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier as the first orange washes the horizon and the Pellicano rocks gently at the floating dock. A warm breeze carries salt and the distant call of gulls; the city skyline cuts a low silhouette across Matanzas Bay while pelicans wheel and dolphins arc near the boat’s bow.
St. Augustine is America’s oldest continuously occupied European-founded settlement — its Spanish masonry and coquina walls hold stories of colonial contests and maritime trade. The waterway itself is a living edge where barrier islands, tidal marshes, and the Matanzas Inlet sculpt the coastline; currents push and pull around oyster beds and seagrass flats that sustain fish, turtles, and manatees.
Culturally the cruise gives you a waterfront perspective: the Castillo de San Marcos, historic lighthouses and the Bridge of Lions all read like chapters in the city’s maritime biography. Local guides add color with live commentary and a photographer to capture the falling light.
Practically: this is a 90-minute, low-effort cruise that’s wheelchair accessible and BYOB-friendly — bring cans or bottles you can secure. Dress in layers; it is often cooler on the water. Watch for blackout dates during the Nights of Lights season, and arrive at the BIG BLUE DUCK statue on the pier about 20 minutes early. Expect wildlife sightings—dolphins and osprey are common—and take motion-sickness precautions if you get queasy. Operators reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated guests; weather can cancel or reschedule departures. It’s an easy, scenic way to trade land routines for tidal rhythms and a sunset view that slides across the city’s history.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal mobility required but must be able to step on/off a pier ramp
Yes — the cruise is BYOB, but beverages must be for personal consumption and staff can refuse service to intoxicated passengers.
Yes — the tour and pier access are wheelchair accessible; contact the operator in advance for specific assistance needs.
Wildlife sightings like dolphins, pelicans, and occasionally manatees are common but not guaranteed—animals are wild and sightings depend on conditions.
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather; you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund per the operator’s policy.
St. Augustine’s waterfront reflects four centuries of Spanish and British colonial maritime activity; many coastal structures date back to the 17th–18th centuries.
The estuary depends on clean tidal flows and seagrass beds; follow no-trace boating etiquette and avoid disturbing wildlife to reduce impact.
Red Boat Tours, LLC operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier as the first orange washes the horizon and the Pellicano rocks gently at the floating dock. A warm breeze carries salt and the distant call of gulls; the city skyline cuts a low silhouette across Matanzas Bay while pelicans wheel and dolphins arc near the boat’s bow.
You step off the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier as the first orange washes the horizon and the Pellicano rocks gently at the floating dock. A warm breeze carries salt and the distant call of gulls; the city skyline cuts a low silhouette across Matanzas Bay while pelicans wheel and dolphins arc near the boat’s bow.
St. Augustine is America’s oldest continuously occupied European-founded settlement — its Spanish masonry and coquina walls hold stories of colonial contests and maritime trade. The waterway itself is a living edge where barrier islands, tidal marshes, and the Matanzas Inlet sculpt the coastline; currents push and pull around oyster beds and seagrass flats that sustain fish, turtles, and manatees.
Culturally the cruise gives you a waterfront perspective: the Castillo de San Marcos, historic lighthouses and the Bridge of Lions all read like chapters in the city’s maritime biography. Local guides add color with live commentary and a photographer to capture the falling light.
Practically: this is a 90-minute, low-effort cruise that’s wheelchair accessible and BYOB-friendly — bring cans or bottles you can secure. Dress in layers; it is often cooler on the water. Watch for blackout dates during the Nights of Lights season, and arrive at the BIG BLUE DUCK statue on the pier about 20 minutes early. Expect wildlife sightings—dolphins and osprey are common—and take motion-sickness precautions if you get queasy. Operators reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated guests; weather can cancel or reschedule departures. It’s an easy, scenic way to trade land routines for tidal rhythms and a sunset view that slides across the city’s history.