Slip away from the bustling streets and witness St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the serene water aboard the Pellicano. This festive boat tour offers dazzling holiday views paired with quiet reflections and local history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness needed; suitable for most passengers comfortable sitting during the ride.
Wildlife
History
St. Augustine was founded in 1565, making these historic streets and waters the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US.
Conservation
Red Boat Tours supports local marine conservation efforts by limiting vessel emissions and educating guests on the area's delicate estuarine ecosystem.
Red Boat Water Tours
Slip away from the bustling streets and witness St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the serene water aboard the Pellicano. This festive boat tour offers dazzling holiday views paired with quiet reflections and local history.
Red Boat Water Tours is a St. Augustine, Florida boat tour operator specializing in scenic BYOB cruises, dolphin-watching excursions, seasonal Nights of Lights cruises, and scheduled water shuttle service between downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach. Operating out of historic Matanzas Bay, the company runs a fleet that includes the White Pelican and Pellicano for public and event-focused trips.
Red Boat Water Tours offers a variety of excursions tailored to different interests and occasions. Options include family-friendly dolphin tours with a reported 96% dolphin-sighting success rate on the Dolphin Odyssey; relaxed 90-minute BYOB sunset cruises aboard the White Pelican; specialty Nights of Lights cruises that navigate under the Bridge of Lions to view the city’s holiday illumination; and event-specific outings such as a Regatta of Lights cruise and a Fourth of July fireworks cruise on Matanzas Bay. Scheduled water shuttles connect downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach for passengers who prefer a scenic transit option instead of driving.
The company emphasizes customer convenience and memorable waterfront experiences. Trip summaries clearly state durations, onboard amenities like BYOB policies and complimentary snacks on select event cruises, and seasonal highlights. Red Boat Water Tours is a dedicated provider of sightseeing and seasonal-event cruises in St. Augustine, delivering straightforward options for visitors seeking coastal views, wildlife encounters, and holiday light displays from the water.
Location
St. Augustine, FL
Historic waterfront departures
Tours Offered
10+
Sunset, dolphin, shuttle, event cruises
Dolphin Sightings
96% success
Advertised Dolphin Odyssey rate
Seasonal Events
Nights of Lights
Holiday light and regatta cruises
Reserve a BYOB sunset cruise, dolphin tour, Nights of Lights trip, or water shuttle and secure waterfront views in historic St. Augustine.
Book Early for Peak Season
Nights of Lights tours sell out quickly between November and January; reserve your spot well in advance to secure a seat.
Dress Warmly
Evenings on the water can be chilly; layering will keep you comfortable during the ride.
Bring a Camera
Low-light photography is stunning here, but consider a tripod or stabilize your shot for sharper images.
Arrive Early
Getting to the dock early helps you avoid crowds and get settled before the boat departs.
Layered Clothing
Wind off the water can be brisk at night, so dress in layers to stay warm.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture the brilliant light displays and nighttime reflections.
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Small Flashlight or Headlamp
Useful for navigating dock areas after dark.
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Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially if enjoying alcoholic beverages on board.
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