St. Augustine Water Tours with Red Boat Water Tours - Jacksonville

St. Augustine Water Tours with Red Boat Water Tours

Jacksonvilleeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily seated experiences with minimal physical exertion.

Overview

Cruise St. Augustine's scenic waterways with Red Boat Water Tours. From dolphin sightings to illuminated night cruises, their tours offer fresh perspectives on Florida's oldest city.

Details

St. Augustine, Florida, is a city where history and coastal adventure collide. On the shores of the Atlantic, Red Boat Water Tours offers a distinctive way to experience this coastal town's vibrant waterscape. Whether you're drawn to wildlife encounters, festive light displays, or tranquil sunset cruises, this local outfit specializes in boat tours that showcase the best of St. Augustine’s bays, waterways, and waterways scenes.

Red Boat Water Tours stands apart for its range of curated experiences tailored to different interests and occasions. The Dolphin Odyssey invites families to spot playful dolphins darting through the waves, making it ideal for nature lovers and children alike. Their B.Y.O.B. Sunset Cruise mixes laid-back vibes with breathtaking evening colors, allowing guests to sip favorite drinks as the sun dips below the horizon.

The World Famous Nights of Lights cruise is unique to St. Augustine, illuminating the city’s annual holiday tradition from the water. Seeing the historic downtown and waterfront lit by millions of tiny bulbs creates a magic that is difficult to match on land. Red Boat’s private cruises and specialized event trips, including the 4th of July Fireworks and the Regatta of Lights, provide memorable vantage points for key celebrations.

This company also serves the practical side with regular water shuttle service between downtown and Vilano Beach, connecting visitors between key hubs effortlessly.

The local waters themselves add to the draw: flat, calm estuaries lined with salt marshes and mangroves host abundant birdlife and aquatic species. St. Augustine’s blend of natural beauty and centuries-old history registers across Red Boat’s tours, presenting an outdoor experience that’s both active and accessible. Adventure doesn’t have to mean strenuous effort here — it can mean relaxing moments on the water paired with captivating sights unique to northeastern Florida’s coast.

Adventure Tips

Book Early for Peak Season

Slots for popular tours like the Nights of Lights fill quickly during winter holidays—reserve your seat well in advance.

Arrive 15 Minutes Before Departure

Punctual arrival ensures smooth boarding, as boats often leave promptly to keep on schedule.

Bring Sunscreen and Hat

Even on cloudy days, sun exposure on open water can be intense, so protect your skin during daytime cruises.

Water Shuttle is Cash-Only

If using the water shuttle between downtown and Vilano Beach, have cash on hand as card options may be unavailable.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Salt marshes near Vilano Beach for birdwatching
  • Quiet estuary coves perfect for spotting manatees

Wildlife

  • Bottlenose dolphins that frequent the coastal waters
  • Wading birds including herons and egrets

History

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S., with Spanish colonial roots dating to 1565.

Conservation

Red Boat Water Tours emphasizes respectful wildlife viewing and maintains sustainable practices to protect the sensitive coastal ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at sunset
Early morning light
Night during the Nights of Lights cruise

Best Viewpoints

  • Deck of the boat during sunset cruises
  • Near the Vilano Beach shoreline
  • Looking back at St. Augustine’s historic waterfront

What to Photograph

Sunset silhouettes
Dolphins breaking the water’s surface
Holiday lights reflecting on the bay

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin during open-water exposure, especially on sunny afternoons.

summer specific

Light Jacket or Windbreaker

Essential

Keeps you warm and shields against breezes during cooler evening cruises.

fall specific

Binoculars

Enhances wildlife and scenic viewing, especially on dolphin and bird-focused tours.

Waterproof Bag

Keeps belongings safe from splash or rain, useful for family trips or longer outings.