THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the Bayliner M17 out of St. Augustine for an easy, affordable day on the water — perfect for dolphin sightings, shelling, and photos of Castillo de San Marcos. This small, nimble boat makes private boating approachable for first-timers and families.
Take the Bayliner M17 out of St. Augustine for an easy, affordable day on the water — perfect for dolphin sightings, shelling, and photos of Castillo de San Marcos. This small, nimble boat makes private boating approachable for first-timers and families.
Book with Gone2Sea Boat Rentals
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gone2Sea Boat Rentals · St. Augustine, Florida
The compact Bayliner M17 offers an uncomplicated way to take to the water in St. Augustine, Florida. Laid out for small groups and couples, this 17-foot runabout pairs a lively 90hp Mercury outboard with simple controls and seating for up to six. Launch from the city's historic waterfront and slip into the Matanzas River; the shoreline here alternates between salt marsh, oyster bars, and pockets of coquina rock that hint at the peninsula's Pleistocene past.
A short cruise reveals the dual character of this coast: a living estuary where dolphins thread through boat wakes and manatees surface in quieter coves, set against a sweep of Spanish colonial ruins and the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos. The M17 is nimble enough to explore narrow creeks and shallow flats yet stable enough for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing, shelling along Anastasia Island, or a picnic anchored near a secluded sandbar. Bring your own fuel, but all required safety gear is provided, so you can focus on reading tides, watching birds, and timing your return for the evening light.
What makes this small-boat rental special is how it converts the complicated logistics of a private boat day into something approachable. There’s no need for captain's experience; the M17’s forgiving handling rewards basic throttle work and common-sense seamanship. It’s a cost-effective choice for families that want water time without charter fees or for photographers chasing low-angled light on the city's shoreline.
Operators’ contact and formal meeting address are not provided in the listing. Ask the booking service for launch location and any brief orientation before your trip. Typical itineraries center on the Intracoastal and Anastasia Island beaches, with opportunities to drift near the Castillo or cut into tidal channels that are otherwise inaccessible from land.
Respect local regulations: observe posted no-wake zones near marsh islands and keep distance from wildlife. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, drinking water, and a dry bag for electronics. If you’re curious about local history, factor a stop ashore to walk the Castillo grounds or to visit Fort Matanzas across the inlet — St. Augustine dates to 1565 and remains one of the nation's oldest European settlements.
For a sun-forward, easygoing day on the water that keeps costs low but experiences high, the Bayliner M17 is a practical, fun choice for exploring St. Augustine’s marine edge. Expect roughly 8–12 gallons per hour at cruising speed; bring extra fuel for an afternoon. The boat is ideal for calm Intracoastal conditions rather than offshore runs, so check forecasts for wind and chop before leaving the channel. Morning tides open hidden creeks; late afternoons bring warmer light and calmer winds. A brief orientation from staff usually covers docking, emergency stop procedures, and local no-wake rules safely.
No—fuel is not included. Expect roughly 8–12 gallons per hour; plan accordingly and confirm refueling options with the operator.
Local requirements vary; the M17 is easy to operate, but check state rental rules and bring photo ID as requested by the booking service.
Yes in designated areas and calm conditions, but avoid anchoring on seagrass and be mindful of currents and boat traffic.
All required safety equipment is included with the rental; bring child-sized vests if traveling with small kids and confirm fit with staff.
Yes—the M17’s handling is forgiving, but staff usually give a brief orientation covering docking and emergency stop procedures.
Meeting and launch details are not listed; request the exact launch location and check-in instructions when you book.
Gone2Sea Boat Rentals operates private captained boat experiences in St. Augustine, Florida, specializing in sunset cruises and seasonal evening tours on Matanzas Bay. The company offers a fleet of comfortable, private boats — including the Harris 21BRZ Tritoon with Mercury 150hp, the Berkshire 253, and the Bennington SX Tritoon — available for intimate, captained outings that highlight local landmarks. Typical experiences include 90-minute sunset cruises that glide past the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Castillo de San Marcos, with opportunities to spot dolphins and enjoy coastal views. Guests may bring their own snacks, drinks, and music on most trips. The Nights of Lights trip provides a 90-minute private cruise along the illuminated seawall and through historic downtown during the seasonal lighting display; blankets and BYOB options are mentioned as part of the offering. Each trip is presented as a private, captained experience for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized outing on the water. Gone2Sea Boat Rentals markets a range of options from standard private sunset cruises to specialized seasonal tours, all focused on Matanzas Bay and St. Augustine waterfront views. Bookers can select among distinct boat types and curated trip durations to match preferences for comfort, style, and sightseeing. The business emphasizes private access to local seascapes and historic views, delivering a straightforward way to experience St. Augustine’s coastal attractions from the water. Reservations and specific availability are provided through the business's booking process; trip lengths, vessel selection, and seasonal offerings vary by date and demand. Advance booking is recommended.
Book with Gone2Sea Boat Rentals