THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Sail through St. Augustine’s stunning Nights of Lights festival aboard the Twinkle, enjoying a unique waterfront view of tens of thousands of sparkling holiday lights. This festive evening cruise offers a magical way to experience this historic city’s seasonal glow.
Sail through St. Augustine’s stunning Nights of Lights festival aboard the Twinkle, enjoying a unique waterfront view of tens of thousands of sparkling holiday lights. This festive evening cruise offers a magical way to experience this historic city’s seasonal glow.
Book with St Augustine Sailing
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by St Augustine Sailing · St. Augustine, Florida
When the holiday season transforms St. Augustine, Florida, into a glowing wonderland of light, the Nights of Lights celebration offers an unforgettable way to see this historic city shimmer. The "Nights of Lights - Twinkle Package" invites travelers to embark on a serene evening sail along the Matanzas Bay, where thousands of tiny white lights outline the city’s Spanish colonial architecture, casting magical reflections across the water.
St. Augustine, settled in 1565 and recognized as the oldest city in the United States, offers a rich backdrop for this seasonal spectacle. From the deck of the sailboat, guests glide gently past illuminated waterfront landmarks—the Castillo de San Marcos glowing with historic pride, bridges wrapped in festive hues, and palm trees adorned in twinkle lights. This vantage point creates a unique perspective that land tours cannot match, blending the calm Atlantic breeze with the city's radiant holiday spirit.
The Twinkle Package is more than just a boat ride; it’s an immersive holiday experience designed to captivate both locals and visitors. The expertly captained sailboat provides ample deck space for photography and quiet moments, while onboard narration highlights notable sites and the cultural legacy behind Nights of Lights. This nightly event is a seasonal tradition that transforms the cityscape, offering a fresh way to connect with Florida’s heritage during winter.
What sets this sailboat tour apart is the combination of maritime adventure and festive illumination, making it a standout option for travelers seeking something beyond the typical holiday outing. The calm waters coupled with the glow of tens of thousands of lights creates an enchanting atmosphere unique to coastal St. Augustine. Plus, being afloat reduces crowds and provides a relaxed environment to soak in the dazzling display.
Whether you’re visiting from nearby Jacksonville or planning a holiday getaway from further afield, the Nights of Lights sailboat experience is ideal for those looking to blend outdoor adventure with seasonal celebration. The city itself brims with additional cultural attractions, from historic streets to local dining, making a full visit rewarding throughout the day.
Reserve your spot to catch St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the water and discover why this coastal city’s winter festival remains a highlight of Florida’s holiday calendar. This experience promises a compelling balance of tranquility, history, and festive energy, all illuminated by the glow of thousands of tiny bulbs reflecting on the bay’s surface.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for most people comfortable with a leisurely boat experience; no special fitness required.
Nights of Lights runs annually from mid-November through January, typically encompassing the holiday and New Year season.
Please contact the tour operator directly for accessibility information, as accommodations may vary.
Food and beverages may be available for purchase or permitted, but check in advance with the tour provider.
Yes, the sail is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with appropriate supervision.
Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in case of severe weather; refund and rebooking policies vary by operator.
The average sail duration is between one and two hours, providing ample time to experience the light displays from the water.
St. Augustine holds the title of the oldest European-established city in the continental U.S., dating to 1565, blending Spanish colonial history with modern holiday festivity.
The tour operator supports responsible boating practices to minimize disturbance to local marine life during the light festival season.
St Augustine Sailing operates premium sailing experiences and certified sailing courses in historic St. Augustine, Florida. The company offers a diverse lineup of public and private excursions — from shared brunch sails and sunset tasting cruises to intimate private dinner charters and wedding packages aboard luxury yachts. Educational offerings include ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, Basic Keelboat prep classes, and hands-on day sails on 21–22-foot boats and larger Jeanneau models. Each experience blends local maritime history, coastal wildlife viewing, and elevated hospitality. Professional skippers and trained crew lead all trips, delivering safety briefings, navigation expertise, and attentive service. On private dinner and tasting cruises, guests enjoy chef-prepared courses, sommelier-curated flights, and tailored menus served onboard. Photography-focused sails provide short portrait sessions against landmarks like the Lighthouse and Historic Bayfront. St Augustine Sailing prioritizes safety and instruction for learners and recreational sailors. Courses emphasize seamanship, heavy-weather operation, docking skills, and practical boat handling on 30–45-foot auxiliary-powered catamarans. Short introductory sessions give beginners the confidence to handle sails and basic lines. For weddings and private events, the company offers packaged options including on-yacht ceremonies, dockside Marriage Knot services, bouquets, photography, wedding cake, and charcuterie boards for small to mid-size groups. Vessel maintenance, certified instruction, and transparent booking policies support reliability and repeat business. Located in downtown St. Augustine’s marina district, the operator leverages local knowledge of tides, wildlife patterns, and historic routes to create memorable, trustworthy coastal adventures for couples, families, learners, and food-and-wine enthusiasts. Bookings are available year-round with flexible cancellation policies online.
Book with St Augustine Sailing