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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.
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.
Book with Red Boat Water Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Red Boat Water Tours · St. Augustine, Florida
When winter settles over St. Augustine, Florida, the city transforms into a luminous wonderland during its acclaimed Nights of Lights festival. Red Boat Tours offers an exceptional way to experience this spectacle—from the water aboard the Pellicano, a sleek and comfortable vessel that glides silently through the marina and city waterways. This tour uniquely couples the magic of shimmering holiday lights with the tranquil reflections dancing on the water's surface, creating an atmosphere that’s both festive and serene.
St. Augustine, America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement, dresses its historic architecture and moss-draped oaks in over three million tiny white lights. The Nights of Lights celebration is one of the longest-running holiday traditions, dating back to the early 1990s, drawing visitors who want to admire the colonial-era drama and coastal charm from an exclusive vantage point.
Onboard the Pellicano, guests enjoy unobstructed views of iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos fortress illuminated against the night sky, and the Bridge of Lions aglow with twinkling bulbs stretching over calm waters. The reflections double the visual impact, making it a photographer’s dream and a romantic setting for couples or families looking for a memorable holiday outing.
The tour’s relaxed pace invites visitors to sip their favorite beverages as the boat meanders past St. Augustine’s waterfront, offering a clear escape from the crowds onshore. Attentive guides share stories about the city’s rich history and the origins of the festival, enriching the experience with local insights.
What sets Red Boat Tours apart is its specialization in waterborne adventures in St. Augustine combined with a commitment to creating festive, intimate experiences that highlight the city’s unique maritime heritage. This is a must-book during the holiday season for visitors staying in or near downtown St. Augustine, where charming inns and historic hotels put you close to both the lights and the boat docks.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting to see the Nights of Lights anew, this tour offers a magical, offbeat perspective that captures the essence of St. Augustine's holiday spirit. It blends history, nature, and celebration into an unforgettable evening on the water.
NearbyCity: St. Augustine
Slug: experience-st-augustines-nights-of-lights-aboard-red-boat-tours
Excerpt: 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.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Minimal fitness needed; suitable for most passengers comfortable sitting during the ride.
Tours typically run from early November through late January, coinciding with the city's Nights of Lights festival.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring or purchase beverages to enjoy during the tour.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, although children should be able to remain seated for the duration.
Pets are generally not permitted except for service animals; check with the operator for specific policies.
Access may be limited due to boat design; contact Red Boat Tours directly to discuss accommodation needs.
The dock is located in downtown St. Augustine near the waterfront; ample parking and lodging options are close by.
St. Augustine was founded in 1565, making these historic streets and waters the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US.
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 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.
Book with Red Boat Water Tours