How long is the cruise?

The cruise runs approximately 1.5 hours from the meet-up time listed on your booking.

Is this experience open to minors?

No. This event is for adults 21 and older; valid government-issued photo ID is required for boarding.

What beers are served?

Guests sample six craft beers including seasonal Oktoberfest styles and local favorites; specific labels vary by date and availability.

Can I bring my own food or drink?

Outside food and alcohol is not permitted; the experience includes an Oktoberfest snack box with a soft pretzel and mustard.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, the vessel is equipped with at least one restroom for guest use during the cruise.

What happens in bad weather?

Operators typically monitor conditions and will offer rebooking or refunds for cancellations due to unsafe weather; confirm policies at booking.

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Cruise in St Augustine: Bayfront Beer Flights & Dolphin Views

On a crisp fall evening in St. Augustine, the Oktoberfest Beer Tasting Cruise lifts off from 107 Yacht Club Dr and eases into the wide sweep of the Matanzas River. For 1.5 hours adults 21 and over sip six curated craft beers - seasonal Oktoberfest styles and local favorites - while a guide unpacks flavor notes and points out the waterfront’s living history. Dolphins often arc alongside the boat, fiddler crabs skitter across saltmarsh flats, and low cliffs of shell-rich coquina punctuate the shoreline where Spanish-era masonry still holds. The result is equal parts tasting room and wildlife float: a social, low-effort way to experience St. Augustine from the water.

The tasting is designed for people who want an accessible outdoor outing with a local twist. Each guest receives an Oktoberfest-inspired snack box with a soft pretzel and traditional mustard that pairs naturally with amber and lager pours. The guide's narration ties the beers to seasonal ingredients and local brewing traditions while also signaling landmarks and natural features visible from the open deck. It's an introduced tasting rather than a technical seminar - perfect for couples, small groups, and visitors who want evening light, easy entertainment, and a short entry to coastal ecology.

What makes this experience stand out is how it stitches together three ingredients that define St. Augustine recreation: water access, wildlife viewing, and history. The Matanzas estuary is a productive saltwater habitat where dolphins and wading birds are regulars; the shallow bays and marsh channels create glassy reflections at sunset. The shoreline's coquina and shell middens tell a geological story different from Florida's sandy beaches, and the city’s colonial-era walls and forts lend context to a ritual - raising a glass - that has long anchored communal celebration.

Practical details are refreshingly simple. Meet at 107 Yacht Club Dr; the cruise runs about 1.5 hours, is adults-only, and works well as an early evening activity when light is soft and temperatures drop. It's ideal for those who want minimal hiking, no technical skills, and a social, photo-friendly outing. Bring a light jacket for open-deck breezes, travel ID for age verification, and a camera for dolphin passes and sunset silhouettes.

This cruise is more than a beer flight; it's a short, scenic education in Florida's coastal character - where maritime life brushes historic stone and a cold lager tastes like an immediate reward after a day of exploring the ancient shoreline. Reservations fill quickly during weekends and special events like the city’s fall festivals, so book ahead to secure a sunset slot. The vessel is great for first-time boaters and those seeking a low-key evening on the water; it's also an easy add-on to a day of walking the historic district, dining, and sampling breweries afterward, and making local memories.

About Florida Water Tours

Florida Water Tours operates public and private boat cruises from St. Augustine, Florida, delivering wildlife-viewing, history, and culinary experiences on two main vessels: the Island Breeze and the Osprey. The company schedules short and extended adventures including 90-minute Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure guided by marine naturalists, Sunset and Sunset Nights of Lights cruises, the adults-only Sunset / Nights of Lights on the Osprey, Moonlit Mysteries haunted history tours, Brunch & Bottlenose morning cruises with a curated Brunch Box and complimentary mimosa, hands-on Marine Field Experience science tours for families, and private charters on the spacious 45' Osprey for events up to 38 guests. Guests can enhance any cruise with pre-ordered Graze Boxes from Floating Food Co., featuring charcuterie, brunch, and dessert options made with fresh, local ingredients.

Expert guides and marine naturalists lead educational commentary, wildlife spotting, and conservation-focused activities, making tours suitable for families, couples, and groups. Safety protocols, well-maintained vessels, and experienced captains support reliable operations. The business partners with local educators and conservation programs to deliver meaningful marine science experiences and give back to the community. With convenient booking, transparent pricing, and a variety of themed departures — from festive light displays to hands-on science — Florida Water Tours balances memorable entertainment with education and responsible wildlife viewing for visitors seeking authentic coastal experiences. Customers praise friendly staff, punctual departures, and exceptional views that create lasting memories for visitors of all ages and families.