St. Augustine Nights of Lights Boat Cruise — Best Harbor Tour (75-Minute)
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour 15 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; must be able to walk a short ramp and step onto a floating dock
Overview
Board a cozy charter and watch St. Augustine transform into a ribbon of light. This 75‑minute harbor cruise gives you the best water‑level views of the Bridge of Lions, the lighthouse, and the Old Fort during the annual Nights of Lights festival.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Boat Cruise — Best Harbor Tour (75-Minute)
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The boat slips away from the dock and the city exhales a light you can feel as much as see. The first row of bulbs catches in the water and the harbor becomes a low, glittering tide that pushes the boat forward. Onboard, someone unwraps a cup of complimentary hot chocolate; beyond the rail, the Bridge of Lions and the old fort float like stage sets in white lights.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Plan to be at the boarding area at least 20 minutes before departure to allow for parking, check‑in, and boarding onto the floating dock.
Wear Secured Footwear
No heels or flip‑flops — wear shoes that grip for walking down ramps and stepping onto the boat.
Dress in Layers
Bring a warm jacket; coastal nights can feel several degrees colder on the water, even in Florida.
Camera Settings
Use a wide aperture and steady your camera against the rail or a small tripod for night reflections; 3D glasses are provided for a playful touch.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Great blue herons and other wading birds
History
The Nights of Lights began mid‑20th century and has since become a key seasonal draw, highlighting St. Augustine’s layered colonial and Victorian architecture.
Conservation
Operators follow USCG safety rules and ask guests to avoid flash photography near wildlife and to pack out any trash to keep the harbor clean.
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Adventure Hotspots in St. Augustine
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm Jacket
Keeps you comfortable against damp, breezy harbor air during the evening cruise.
fall specific
Secured Shoes
Required for safe boarding and moving around the boat; no heels or flip‑flops.
Compact Tripod or Stabilizer
Helps steady low‑light shots of reflections and illuminated architecture.
winter specific
Small Flashlight or Headlamp
Useful for navigating docks and ramps before and after boarding.
all specific