THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover St. Augustine like never before on the Nights of Lights Sunset Cruise, where millions of twinkling lights meet breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy a cozy, festive evening on the water with hot chocolate, cookies, and expert local storytelling.
Discover St. Augustine like never before on the Nights of Lights Sunset Cruise, where millions of twinkling lights meet breathtaking coastal views. Enjoy a cozy, festive evening on the water with hot chocolate, cookies, and expert local storytelling.
Book with Red Boat Water Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
1,112 ratings
Operated by Red Boat Water Tours · St. Augustine, Florida
As the sun begins its slow descent over St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city, an extraordinary spectacle unfolds along its historic waterfront. The "World Famous Nights of Lights - Spectacular Sun Down/Lights Up Cruise" offers an unmatched evening adventure, blending natural beauty and dazzling holiday tradition. This 90-minute cruise invites adventurers and casual visitors alike to glide across the tranquil waters as the sky turns shades of amber and violet, setting the stage for one of the nation’s most captivating light displays.
Departing from St. Augustine’s vibrant downtown, the boat gently cruises towards the iconic Bridge of Lions. By the time the vessel navigates beneath this architectural landmark, darkness cloaks the scene and transforms the shoreline into a glimmering wonderland. More than 3 million sparkling lights illuminate the waterfront, draping historic buildings, ancient oaks, and palm trees in a radiant holiday glow. The scene is both festive and intimate, creating a magical atmosphere unique to this southeastern city.
What sets this experience apart is not just the lights but the seamless combination of comfort, ambiance, and local storytelling. Guests enjoy padded seats, complimentary hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and candy, all while snug under provided blankets that fend off the crisp night air. A professional photographer onboard captures memorable moments, and live commentary shares intriguing tidbits about St. Augustine’s rich heritage — a city founded in 1565 known for its Spanish colonial architecture and coastal charm.
Accessibility is a priority here, making this cruise stroller and wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the stunning views and warm hospitality. Whether it’s a romantic outing, a family celebration, or a solo escape, the charm of the Nights of Lights Cruise offers a fresh perspective of St. Augustine’s enchanting streets and historic landmarks illuminated by festive brilliance.
Staying in nearby St. Augustine means easy access to restaurants, historic sites, and charming inns, complementing your evening on the water. This cruise is particularly popular during the holiday season but offers a distinctive perspective on the city’s charm during sunset and illuminating twilight.
For travelers seeking a vivid, comfortable, and culturally rich way to experience St. Augustine after dark, the Nights of Lights Cruise promises an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and festive celebration on the water.
This is one of the hallmark nighttime adventures in the St. Augustine area, offering an unparalleled way to soak in both the natural sunset and the manmade glow, making it a standout choice for visitors exploring Northeast Florida’s coastal allure.
Complimentary hot chocolate, holiday cookies, candy, and bottled water are provided; however, adult beverages are not included and can be brought on board by guests.
Yes, the cruise is stroller and wheelchair accessible to accommodate all guests.
The nighttime Lights Cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes.
The cruise departs from downtown St. Augustine, near the Bridge of Lions area.
Booking in advance is highly recommended as the Nights of Lights cruises are popular and can sell out quickly.
Guests may bring their own adult beverages, but outside food is not mentioned as allowed or prohibited; check with the operator for specifics.
Red Boat Water Tours is a St. Augustine, Florida boat tour operator specializing in scenic BYOB cruises, dolphin-watching excursions, seasonal Nights of Lights cruises, and scheduled water shuttle service between downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach. Operating out of historic Matanzas Bay, the company runs a fleet that includes the White Pelican and Pellicano for public and event-focused trips. Red Boat Water Tours offers a variety of excursions tailored to different interests and occasions. Options include family-friendly dolphin tours with a reported 96% dolphin-sighting success rate on the Dolphin Odyssey; relaxed 90-minute BYOB sunset cruises aboard the White Pelican; specialty Nights of Lights cruises that navigate under the Bridge of Lions to view the city’s holiday illumination; and event-specific outings such as a Regatta of Lights cruise and a Fourth of July fireworks cruise on Matanzas Bay. Scheduled water shuttles connect downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach for passengers who prefer a scenic transit option instead of driving. The company emphasizes customer convenience and memorable waterfront experiences. Trip summaries clearly state durations, onboard amenities like BYOB policies and complimentary snacks on select event cruises, and seasonal highlights. Red Boat Water Tours is a dedicated provider of sightseeing and seasonal-event cruises in St. Augustine, delivering straightforward options for visitors seeking coastal views, wildlife encounters, and holiday light displays from the water.
Book with Red Boat Water Tours