THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day on Matanzas Intercoastal waterways with a local captain guiding you to hidden sandbars, historic sights, and playful dolphins. Customize your trip for a laid-back, memorable adventure.
Spend a day on Matanzas Intercoastal waterways with a local captain guiding you to hidden sandbars, historic sights, and playful dolphins. Customize your trip for a laid-back, memorable adventure.
Book with Wake2Wake
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wake2Wake · St. Augustine, Florida
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Florida's Matanzas Intercoastal Waterway, "Sandbars Day with a Captain" offers an intimate, personalized experience on the water like no other. This day trip invites adventurers, families, and small groups to glide through a labyrinth of salt marshes, tidal sounds, and secluded sandbars under the skilled guidance of a local captain. The Matanzas Intercoastal is a unique water system celebrated for its dynamic seagrass beds, winding channels, and abundant marine life, making it a prime destination for anyone eager to connect with Florida’s coastal wilderness.
During this excursion, guests pass by historic landmarks from St. Augustine’s storied past, including centuries-old forts and lighthouses visible from the water’s edge. The trip frequently entertains visitors with playful dolphins weaving alongside the boat and spotting native bird species like osprey and herons perched among the mangroves. The sandbars themselves emerge as natural floating islands at low tide, perfect stops for wading, sunbathing, and picnicking.
What makes this trip stand out is the customizable nature of the journey. Whether you want to linger on a peaceful sandbar for a picnic, try your hand at light fishing, or simply bask in the sun while soaking the views, your captain tailors the day to your group's preferences. This personalized approach elevates a simple boat ride into an immersive outdoor experience, ideal for those who crave the tranquility of nature coupled with local knowledge.
A standout part of the St. Augustine outdoor scene, this adventure seamlessly blends historical reflection, wildlife viewing, and recreational freedom on the water, inviting visitors to disconnect from busy life and connect with Florida’s coastal essence.
easy.
4–6 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as this is mostly a relaxed boat excursion
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the outing.
Absolutely, it’s family-friendly with a laid-back pace and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and nature.
No prior experience is needed as a local captain handles all navigation and safety.
The tours are designed for small groups or parties, usually accommodating up to 6 guests comfortably.
Yes, the captain tailors the trip based on your interests, such as extended sandbar stops or historical sightseeing.
Dolphins, osprey, herons, and other coastal birds are commonly seen along the waterway.
The Matanzas Waterway borders areas rich with Spanish colonial history dating back to the 16th century and is near some of the oldest European settlements in the U.S.
This area benefits from marine protected status helping to preserve seagrass beds and coastal wildlife habitats crucial to the local ecosystem.
Wake2Wake is a St. Augustine, FL boat tour and rental company specializing in private cruises, seasonal nighttime excursions, and pontoon rentals. The company operates private guided experiences such as the Sunset To Starlight Private Boat Tour — a 90-minute sunset cruise showcasing St. Augustine Bay and the historic lighthouse — and the Nights Of Lights Private Boat, a holiday-season guided tour that features downtown lights, moonlit waters, and complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider. Wake2Wake also offers a 2022 Sun Tracker pontoon rental that accommodates up to 10 passengers with mapped GPS for safe self-guided exploration, and a SANDBARS DAY WITH A CAPTAIN trip that navigates the Matanzas intercoastal to sandbars, dolphin viewing, and local landmarks. As a St. Augustine-based operator, Wake2Wake emphasizes safety, local knowledge, and flexible options for private charters and rentals. Guests can choose captained tours or self-guided pontoon rentals depending on license and preference. The fleet includes a recently manufactured 2022 Sun Tracker pontoon designed for family groups and small parties. Tours depart from the lighthouse area, offering easy access to downtown St. Augustine attractions and scenic waterways. Booking information, availability, and specific pricing vary by season and trip; prospective guests should consult Wake2Wake’s official listings for current details. Wake2Wake’s focused offerings — private tours, holiday Nights of Lights cruises, pontoon rentals, and captain-led sandbar days — make it a clear choice for travelers seeking customized water-based experiences in St. Augustine, Florida. Experienced local captains provide navigation and interpretive insights during captained trips and ensure guest safety always.
Book with Wake2Wake