Enjoy a magical evening on the water with River Lion Excursions during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Sip gourmet treats and take in spectacular festive views from a boat—perfect for couples and holiday celebrations. Read on to discover why this cruise is a standout holiday activity in Florida’s oldest city.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, as it involves minimal physical activity
Wildlife
History
St. Augustine is the oldest European-established settlement in the U.S., with centuries of history reflected in its architecture and landmarks.
Conservation
The city actively promotes sustainable tourism, ensuring its waterways remain pristine for future generations.
River Lion Excursions
Enjoy a magical evening on the water with River Lion Excursions during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Sip gourmet treats and take in spectacular festive views from a boat—perfect for couples and holiday celebrations. Read on to discover why this cruise is a standout holiday activity in Florida’s oldest city.
River Lion Excursions is a St. Augustine–based boat tour operator specializing in wildlife encounters, historic harbor cruises, and seasonal Nights of Lights charters on the Matanzas River and Matanzas Inlet.
The company runs a range of experiences including dolphin-watching tours, extended eco expeditions, sunset cruises, private charters, and holiday light tours such as the Nights of Lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises. Many charters include curated food platters and dessert boards provided by Floating Food Inc., enhancing the onboard experience with local flavors.
All tours operate from licensed vessels captained by experienced, local guides who prioritize safety, conservation-minded narration, and respectful wildlife viewing. River Lion Excursions focuses on small-group and private bookings to deliver personalized service and quieter viewing opportunities away from crowded shorelines.
Visitors can expect interpretive commentary about native species—bottlenose dolphins, manatees, coastal birds—and local landmarks like the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Bridge of Lions. Seasonal offerings highlight the city’s holiday illumination displays from the water for a less crowded vantage point.
River Lion Excursions emphasizes reliable scheduling, clear boarding instructions, and well-maintained boats with standard safety equipment. The operator is positioned as a local, trusted option for families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking a memorable, educational, and tastefully catered time on St. Augustine’s waterways.
Tours Offered
10+
Private and public options
Private Charters
Available
Customizable for any occasion
Wildlife Focus
Dolphins & more
Dolphins, manatees, birds
Holiday Experiences
Nights of Lights
Seasonal evening cruises
Book a private charter or join a scheduled eco or Nights of Lights cruise — limited seats for holiday and sunset tours.
Dress in layers
Evening temperatures can dip, so bring layers to stay comfortable during the cruise.
Arrive early for best seating
Getting there early ensures you get a good spot to enjoy the lights and the scenery.
Bring a camera with good low-light capability
Capture the city’s dazzling light displays with gear suited for low-light photography.
Book in advance
Holiday cruises tend to fill up quickly, so reserve your spot early to secure your preferred date.
Warm layers
Wearing layers keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop in the evening.
winter
Camera with low-light settings
Capture the dazzling lights and reflections with a camera capable of low-light photography.
Binoculars
Optional for getting a closer view of architectural details onshore or nearby boats.
Portable charger
Keep your devices powered to take photos or share your experience during the cruise.