St. Augustine: Boat Cruise and Electric Golf Cart Tour
Location: Florida, United States
Country: United States
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)
Price: $85 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
Supplier: St Augustine Land and Sea Tours LLC
A Perfect Mix of Water and Land Adventure in America’s Oldest City
Imagine discovering the charm of St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest city, from both its waterside and historic streets, all in just two and a half hours. For $85, you’ll enjoy a 75-minute narrated boat cruise through Matanzas Harbor followed by a scenic electric golf cart tour around the core sights. The experience is led by knowledgeable guides, making sure you not only see the sights but understand their stories.
What we love about this tour is how it balances relaxing scenery with engaging history—you get to kick back on the boat, feeling the breeze and taking in views of ships and marshes, then hop into a golf cart to zip past landmarks without the fatigue of walking. The compact size of the group, limited to just 10 participants, means you get personalized attention and can ask plenty of questions.
A potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so if accessibility is a concern, plan accordingly. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a rundown without the heavy commitment of a full-day tour and enjoy a mix of water and land exploration—ideal for first-timers or those with limited time.
Key Points
- Balanced Experience: Combines a harbor cruise with a land tour, offering both scenic views and iconic landmarks.
- Comfortable Group Size: Small groups (up to 10), ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, making the tour both informative and engaging.
- Authentic Sightseeing: Passes by major sites like Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, and Plaza de la Constitución.
- Flexibility & Value: For $85, it offers a rich, multi-sensory experience that’s gentle on your legs but rich in sights and stories.
- Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Why This Tour Works for You
In our experience, the combination of the harbor cruise with the golf cart tour hits a sweet spot. The boat ride offers a refreshing perspective of St. Augustine, with most travelers enjoying the cool breeze and panoramic views of the harbor—something that’s often highlighted in reviews as especially memorable. The live narration ensures you’re not just cruising without context; instead, you learn about the city’s history, architecture, and notable sites from guides like Sandy Beach, who is appreciated for her enthusiasm and knowledge.
Once ashore, the golf cart tour is a great way to navigate the narrow, sometimes hilly streets of the historic district. Highlights like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Alcazar Hotel are passed in style, with guides providing clear, understandable stories that bring the city’s past alive. Many reviews mention guides by name, praising their friendly demeanor and expertise, which significantly enhances the experience.
The tour also covers major sites like the Fountain of Youth and Mission Nombre de Dios, offering a rounded introduction to the city’s most famous attractions. For those who love history, architecture, or just a relaxing day of sightseeing, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable overview that doesn’t break the bank.
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A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Experience
The Harbor Cruise: 75 Minutes of Scenic Waterway
Your adventure begins on the east side of Constitution Plaza at 150 Charlotte St., where you’ll board a boat for a narrated ride around Matanzas Harbor. The cruise’s highlights include panoramic views of the waterfront, passing by historic ships, marshlands, and possibly even some dolphins.
Many reviews highlight how the live commentary from the guide enhances the experience, turning a simple boat ride into an educational journey. “We felt like we learned so much about the harbor and the city,” said one reviewer. The boat has both a top deck for a more open-air experience and a lower deck if you prefer to stay protected from the wind. The cruise typically lasts about 75 minutes, a duration that feels just right—long enough to absorb the scenery without becoming tiresome.
The Land Tour: Exploring by Electric Golf Cart
Once back on land, you’ll jump into a quiet, eco-friendly electric golf cart for the city tour. The small group setting ensures everyone can see and hear the guide clearly. From here, your guide will take you past Plaza de la Constitución, the Lightner Museum, and Castillo de San Marcos, providing historical context and interesting anecdotes.
The guides’ familiarity with the city’s stories is a clear highlight, with reviewers praising guides like Luis and Chance for their interesting commentary and personable manner. As one guest put it, “Luis was so knowledgeable and interesting, and he made the tour fun.”
Along With the major landmarks, you’ll see several notable hotels, such as the Alcazar Hotel—the second-oldest hotel in the city—and the Casa Monica. The guide will also point out sites like the Fountain of Youth, giving you a sense of the city’s early days.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Stops: Historic and Cultural Highlights
The tour’s last stops include the Mission Nombre de Dios and the Fountain of Youth, both significant in the city’s lore. These sites, while popular, can sometimes feel more like photo stops than in-depth explorations—though guides do their best to share meaningful stories.
Throughout the tour, the guides’ passion and expertise shine, making the experience more than just a sightseeing ride. Many reviews mention how the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge made the city’s history come alive.
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What the Tour Includes and Practical Details
The price of $85 per person is quite reasonable for this blend of water and land exploration. Included in the price are boat tickets (with water or soda available), the narrated harbor cruise, and the electric golf cart tour. The tour is typically available in the morning, fitting nicely into a day’s sightseeing plan.
The meeting point at Constitution Plaza, just beside the Slave Market, is centrally located, making it easy to access from most accommodations. The tour is limited to small groups, which is a real advantage if you prefer a more intimate experience and the chance to ask questions.
Please note: The activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility issues should consider other options or prepare accordingly.
Authentic Experiences and Unmatched Value
What truly sets this tour apart is its ability to combine scenic beauty, historical storytelling, and a relaxed pace. For those of us who find walking tours can sometimes be tiring, especially in the Florida heat, this offers a gentler way to see the city’s highlights.
Many travelers have expressed how knowledgeable guides made the tour special. One reviewer specifically called out Sandy Beach for her kindness and expertise, which shows the importance of a good guide in creating a memorable experience.
The boat cruise offers a unique vantage point—seeing St. Augustine from the water adds a dimension that street-level sightseeing can’t match. Meanwhile, the golf cart tour allows you to cover the city’s key landmarks efficiently, with plenty of time to ask questions and take photos.
For those short on time but eager for an authentic taste of the city, this combo tour provides excellent value—a compact, well-paced overview that balances scenery and history without feeling rushed or superficial.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for history buffs, first-time visitors, and those who prefer a relaxed pace. It suits travelers wanting to avoid long walking routes but still see the main sights, thanks to its combination of comfortable boat and golf cart rides.
If you value having a knowledgeable guide who makes history engaging, this tour is a great choice. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy a scenic water cruise combined with land-based sightseeing—a true two-for-one experience.
However, travelers with mobility challenges should note the tour’s limited accessibility. Also, if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration of each site, you might find this tour covers the highlights rather than exhaustive detail.
The Sum Up
For a well-rounded, engaging introduction to St. Augustine, this Boat Cruise and Electric Golf Cart Tour offers a compelling mix of scenic views, historic landmarks, and expert commentary. It’s a relaxing yet educational way to see the city’s most iconic spots without the fatigue of long walks.
The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for personalized interaction and plenty of questions. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge consistently receive high praise, adding a personal touch that elevates the tour from a generic sightseeing trip.
While not suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues, this tour truly delivers good value for the price. It’s perfect for first-timers, history lovers, or anyone wanting a light but rundown of this charming city. If you’re looking to make the most of your limited time in St. Augustine with minimal effort, this combined water and land tour could be your best bet.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, as it involves some walking and the use of a golf cart.
What’s included in the price?
The tour price includes boat tickets (with water or soda), the narrated harbor cruise, and the electric golf cart sightseeing tour of the city.
How long does the entire tour last?
The total experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours—about 75 minutes on the boat and the remaining time on the golf cart exploring the city.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is on the east side of Constitution Plaza, at 150 Charlotte St., near the Slave Market.
Are guides available in languages other than English?
Currently, the tour is offered in English only.
Is this tour available in the afternoon or evening?
While the typical schedule is in the morning, check directly with the provider as availability can vary.
In short, whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking for a relaxed way to enjoy St. Augustine’s highlights, this boat and golf cart tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty and historical insight. It’s an authentic, affordable way to see the city’s best without the exhaustion of a full-day trek—and the comments from satisfied travelers make it clear that Guides like Sandy and Chance do a wonderful job of making history come alive.
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