St. Augustine: Nights of Lights Cruise with Music and Drinks

If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday season in a way that combines history, stunning visuals, and a touch of relaxation, the Nights of Lights Cruise in St. Augustine might just be your best choice. For $69 per person, you’ll hop aboard a state-of-the-art 65-foot catamaran for 1.5 hours of festive fun, including live music, complimentary drinks, and holiday cookies. Your journey takes you through the illuminated streets of one of America’s oldest cities, with views that are photoshoot-worthy and memories that last.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the front-row vantage points from the spacious deck, which allow everyone to see the dazzling lights without crowding, and the well-curated soundtrack that adds to the holiday mood. The fact that you can sip on free beer, wine, water, and soda while marveling at historic sights makes this a classy yet laid-back way to enjoy the season.

A possible consideration is the absence of hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the dock behind Beaches Restaurant. Also, since the experience is primarily outdoors and in the evening, dress warmly—the coastal breeze can be surprisingly chilly.

This tour suits visitors of all ages who love scenic, relaxed experiences, and those eager to see St. Augustine’s famous holiday lights from a unique perspective. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a new tradition, this cruise offers a memorable way to enjoy the season.

Key Points

Stunning Views: You’ll enjoy panoramic sights of the illuminated cityscape from the deck of a comfortable catamaran.

Festive Atmosphere: Live music, holiday cookies, and complimentary drinks create a cheerful, holiday vibe perfect for families, couples, or friends.

Historical Landmarks: Expect to see notable sights like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Great Cross lit up against the night sky, blending history with holiday cheer.

Relaxed Experience: The cruise is casual and enjoyable, perfect for a laid-back evening that avoids the crowds and traffic of traditional festivities.

All-Inclusive Drinks: The offering of beer, wine, soda, and water adds value, making it easy to indulge without extra costs.

Family-Friendly: While children are welcome, keep in mind the cruise lasts 1.5 hours and involves outdoor conditions, so dress accordingly.

Imagine cruising through the heart of St. Augustine’s historic bayfront, all aglow with thousands of twinkling lights. As you step aboard the Fury catamaran, you’ll notice its modern, spacious deck, designed to provide unobstructed views of the city’s holiday display. The check-in process is straightforward—just complete your electronic waivers beforehand and meet behind Beaches Restaurant at 250 Vilano Road. No hassle, no fuss, just a smooth start to an evening that blends history, holiday magic, and coastal relaxation.

Once onboard, the first thing that hits you is the sense of calm—gentle waves beneath you, a cool breeze, and the promise of a beautiful night ahead. The crew, known for being friendly and helpful, will ensure you’re comfortable and ready to take in the sights. As the boat sets sail, you’ll quickly realize how special this perspective is. From your vantage point, you can see how the historic Castillo de San Marcos gleams in the glow of the lights, its fortress walls casting long shadows in the moonlight. The Great Cross, standing tall and proud, is also bathed in seasonal illumination, creating a picture-perfect scene.

The live music adds a warm, festive atmosphere, elevating the entire experience. Many reviewers mention how music was exceptional, and it perfectly complements the scenic backdrop. As you sip your complimentary drinks, which include wine, beer, soda, and water, you may find yourself tapping your toes or simply soaking in the atmosphere. The holiday cookies are a sweet touch—simple, tasty, and just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without overdoing it.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy spectacular views from every angle, but the center of the boat tends to be the best spot for unobstructed vistas. You’ll cruise past beautifully lit ships and boats parked in the bay, getting up close and personal with the holiday decorations—an extra bonus for those who love nautical charm.

In the reviews, guests rave about the smooth ride—“super friendly and accommodating staff,” “a fantastic way to see the lights,” and “a great variety of drinks and snacks.” The experience is especially appreciated by those who want to enjoy holiday cheer without the hassle of crowded streets or traffic jams. It’s a relaxing alternative to walking around with a hot chocolate in hand or battling crowds at street festivals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of historical sights and holiday lighting is particularly special. Seeing landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos lit up in the night creates a magical contrast with the coastal environment. The intimate group size and enclosed deck mean everyone gets a good view, and the live music—which many describe as “exceptional”—adds an extra layer of entertainment.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While the experience is delightful, not having hotel pickup or drop-off might be inconvenient for some, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. You’ll need to plan your transportation to the dock behind Beaches Restaurant, which could be a short walk or a drive. Also, since the tour takes place outdoors at night, warm clothing is advised—coastal breezes can be surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re sensitive to the cold.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise appeals most to couples, families with older children, and groups seeking a relaxed, scenic holiday activity. If you love beautiful night views, live music, and sipping drinks while gazing at holiday lights, you’ll find this experience infectious. It’s also ideal for those wanting a more intimate alternative to crowded street festivals.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The 1.5-hour cruise is designed to be both efficient and immersive. You’ll start at the dock behind Beaches Restaurant, where check-in is quick and straightforward. Once aboard, the boat will set sail into Matanzas Bay, with the city’s lights shimmering all around.

Highlights of the route include passing by the historic Castillo de San Marcos, which gets a stunning nighttime glow, and the Great Cross, a towering symbol of the season. The cruise’s route allows passengers to see the entire lit-up landscape, from the bayfront homes to the decorated boats docked in the harbor.

While the actual itinerary is straightforward, the value lies in the views and atmosphere. You’ll be able to relax, enjoy the music, and take countless photos of the twinkling lights, with some guests saying they experienced “stunning views from every side”. The music, often praised for being “exceptional,” plays a key role in creating the holiday mood, and many guests mention how it added a special touch to their experience.

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Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One guest shared, “A tour on Fury was a fantastic way to see the lights of the Historic Bay front of St. Augustine.” They noted that the view was absolutely stunning from the boat, and liked the up-close views of decorated boats and the friendly staff. Others found the smooth ride and festive atmosphere made for “a fantastic night for all ages,” emphasizing how the free munchies and drinks contributed to the holiday cheer.

Another reviewer described the experience as “the best tour you can choose,” praising the exceptional music and incredible lighting views. Such comments highlight how the combination of scenery, entertainment, and hospitality creates a memorable outing.

Pricing and Value

At $69 per person, this experience offers good value for the unique views and amenities included, like the live music, holiday cookies, and unlimited drinks. Compared to other holiday activities, it offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with plenty of scenic photo opportunities and the chance to enjoy the lights without throngs of crowds.

While you may need to budget for transportation to the dock, the all-inclusive drinks and cookies help keep costs manageable. For couples or families, this is a budget-friendly way to experience one of Florida’s most beautiful holiday displays from a fresh perspective.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Nights of Lights Cruise is especially well-suited for those who love scenic views, relaxed atmospheres, and a touch of live music. It’s perfect for families, romantic couples, or groups of friends who want to enjoy the holiday lights without the chaos of busy streets or crowded festivals.

If you value comfortable viewing from the water, appreciate good hospitality, and want to capture stunning photos, this cruise hits the mark. It’s equally suited to first-time visitors and locals looking for a new holiday tradition.

While it might not be ideal for those seeking a daytime or land-based tour, or for those who need hotel transportation, it excels at providing a special, cozy way to celebrate the season with an authentic, maritime twist.

FAQ

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, bring warm clothing since night breezes can be cool, especially near the water. A camera is also recommended for capturing the beautiful lights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but keep in mind the cruise lasts 1.5 hours and involves outdoor conditions, so dress them warmly. Minors need a chaperone with a valid ID.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water are provided as part of the experience.

Where do I check in?
Check-in is at the Fury vessel docked behind Beaches Restaurant at 250 Vilano Road.

Is parking available?
Fury does not own parking, so plan for your own arrangements and allow time to walk to the dock.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the duration of the cruise?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, usually in the evening.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, but you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic night out, a festive family adventure, or simply a unique way to see St. Augustine’s holiday lights, this cruise offers a relaxing, scenic, and joyful experience. With rave reviews and a solid 4.6-star rating, it’s clear many find it a highlight of their holiday season.

You can check availability for your dates here: