Sunset & Wildlife Cruises with Going Coastal Boat Tours St. Augustine - Jacksonville, Florida

Sunset & Wildlife Cruises with Going Coastal Boat Tours St. Augustine

Jacksonville, Floridaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required as tours are seated and leisurely paced.

Overview

Experience St. Augustine's rich coastal beauty on a private boat tour with Going Coastal Boat Tours. Enjoy dolphin sightings, historic insights, and romantic sunset views on this unforgettable journey.

Details

St. Augustine, Florida, is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty located on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Known as the oldest city in the country, its charm extends seamlessly to the water with Going Coastal Boat Tours offering tailored private boat experiences that stand apart in the local outdoor recreation scene. Their expertly guided cruises provide visitors with an unforgettable mix of stunning coastal views, abundant wildlife, and rich local stories.

Going Coastal Boat Tours specializes in private boat adventures that suit romantic getaways, family outings, or unique celebrations like proposals and anniversaries. Their romance packages are particularly notable — complete with flowers, chocolates, curated music playlists, and charcuterie options — creating intimate settings ideal for marking special moments. Beyond the personalized touches, the boat tours emphasize immersion into St. Augustine’s marine ecosystem, including dolphin sightings, birdwatching featuring species like bald eagles and pink hornbills, and occasional views of spectacular rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral.

Captain Shawn and Captain Pia lead most excursions, bringing a wealth of local knowledge and genuine warmth that transforms tours into engaging storytelling sessions about St. Augustine’s colonial past and its vibrant present. The calm waters off the coast present excellent conditions for smooth sailing during sunrise or sunset cruises, making each trip visually and emotionally memorable.

The location’s scenic features include historic waterways, mangrove-lined inlets, and open ocean views that capture the unique coastal environment. The ecosystem surrounding St. Augustine is a vibrant mix of marine and bird life, and Going Coastal Boat Tours leverages this with wildlife overviews that enhance the experience.

For visitors wanting to feel connected with nature while learning about the area's heritage, Going Coastal Boat Tours provides an unrivaled gateway. Their dedication to comfort, customization, and local expertise makes them a standout operator in Florida's outdoor recreation landscape, perfect for travelers seeking a combination of adventure, education, and serene beauty.

Adventure Tips

Bring Seasickness Relief

Even calm waters can cause motion sickness for some; consider taking anti-nausea meds before boarding.

Dress for Coastal Weather

Light layers work best as temperatures can vary between shore and open water.

Charge Your Devices

Bring fully charged cameras or phones to capture stunning wildlife and sunset views.

Book Early for Sunset Tours

Sunset cruises are popular and fill quickly, especially for special packages like proposals.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The secluded oyster bars accessible only by boat
  • Quiet mangrove tunnels perfect for bird watching

Wildlife

  • Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
  • Roseate spoonbills

History

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States, founded in 1565.

Conservation

Going Coastal Boat Tours practices eco-friendly operations, emphasizing wildlife respect and promoting local habitat preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour (sunset)
Sunrise
Overcast midday for wildlife

Best Viewpoints

  • Bow of the boat for broad coastal landscapes
  • Near mangrove edges for bird photos
  • Deck area for sunset horizon shots

What to Photograph

Dolphins and seabirds
Historic waterfront landmarks
Colorful sunsets and sky reflections

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from strong coastal sun exposure during the boat tour.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Essential

Keeps you warm against ocean breezes, especially at sunset or early morning cruises.

fall specific

Binoculars

Enhances wildlife viewing, especially for bird and distant marine life spotting.

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout your cruise without generating plastic waste.