Hurricane 216 Deck Boat on Matanzas River: Sandbars, Dolphins & St. Augustine Cruises

Launch from Genung’s Fish Camp and you’re immediately immersed in the low-slung, sun-etched estuary of the Matanzas River. The Hurricane 216 Deck Boat | Yamaha 150hp is a roomy, practical boat that seats ten and is tuned for easy, sociable cruising along St. Augustine’s Intracoastal Waterway. Whether your plan is to drift among sandbars, chase spouts of rising dolphins, or anchor for a lazy afternoon swim, this boat turns the region’s salt marshes, oyster bars, and barrier islands into a private playground. On a clear day the Matanzas Inlet lies about a 15-minute cruise south—an active throat where ocean water surges through, carving sandbars and shaping the nearby beaches. The river itself threads historic St. Augustine's waterfront to the barrier islands, moving past maritime hammock, sea oats on dunes, and groves of southern live oaks dripping Spanish moss. Expect to see coquina outcrops near the inlet, wide sandbars exposed at low tide, and flats where wading birds feed at the waterline. What makes this boat special is its balance of comfort and capability: open deck seating for groups, a 150-hp Yamaha that handles tidal currents with confidence, and shallow draft that lets you approach sandbars and sheltered coves others can’t. The current boat is offered at a discount during an upholstery refresh—minor cosmetic wear, but mechanically sound and dependable. For families it’s a forgiving platform: easy boarding from Genung’s Fish Camp, plenty of seating, and room for coolers, lines for light fishing, and a portable speaker for background music. Use this launch to tailor your day: head south to explore the Matanzas Inlet and watch surfers on the ocean side; drift north for quiet exploration of the Intracoastal and photo-ready views of historic St. Augustine, including the silhouette of Castillo de San Marcos rising from coquina stone. Fish for speckled trout and redfish in the marsh channels, or stop at a sandbar to wade, picnic, and watch dolphins weave between prop wash. Practical notes: groups up to ten; no advanced boating skills required but basic seamanship and respect for tides are essential. Launch at 291 Cubbedge Rd, St. Augustine—Genung’s Fish Camp provides direct access and local knowledge. This Hurricane 216 is an accessible, affordable way to experience Florida’s northeast coast: equal parts natural spectacle and simple boating pleasure. Bookable through gone2seaboatrentals, the rental lets you decide itineraries from casual sandbar stops to inshore fishing runs. Expect a short safety briefing, life jackets for all aboard, and local tips on tide windows that affect inlet navigation. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a small cooler, and a sense of curiosity. This boat turns an ordinary day on St. Augustine water into an approachable coastal adventure for families and friends. Perfect for easy coastal exploration.