Florida

The Best St Augustine Boat Tours & Sunset Cruises

by Allie d'Almo  |  Published July 7, 2022

From purpose-built pirate ships to luxury yachts, there’s a wide range of boat tours and sunset cruises serving up sparkling views of historic St Augustine. 

Interactive performances, sketches and historical insights aboard a pirate ship (Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

As the longest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, St Augustine is Florida’s most historical city. One of the best ways to deep dive into its long and storied history, 17th-century castles, centuries-old monuments and Spanish colonial buildings is by boat. There’s a wide range of tours to choose from offering an array of insights into the local area, from historical tours to wine tasting trips. With so many to choose from, we’ve rounded up five of the best St Augustine boat tours and sunset cruises based on customer feedback, value for money and itinerary. 

St Augustine: Treasure Hunt Cruise with Onboard Show

This action-packed cruise gives travellers a unique chance to set off on a special voyage onboard a pirate ship. Guests can enjoy interactive pirate performances, face painting and interactive sketches as they take in the sweeping views of the bay. The 90-minute tour takes place onboard a purpose-built pirate ship that sets sails from St. Augustine Marina Building. It’s particularly popular with families, with plenty to keep little ones occupied and drinks available at the onboard bar for adults. From £28.70 per person. 

Book at GetYourGuide.com 

Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine 

best boat tours and sunset cruises St Augustine

A sunset cruise (Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

This superb sunset cruise around St. Augustine has received five-star reviews across the board. The 90-minute tour sets sail at sunset and offers sparkling views of the city’s sights, including the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Bridge of Lions, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. There’s an onboard bar selling beer, wine and soft drinks and tours are limited to 21 people, so it never feels too crowded. From £37.70 per person. 

Book at Viator.com 

St. Augustine: The Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show 

This adults-only tour is ideal for adults looking for a fun evening away from the kids. Set aboard a purpose-built pirate ship, the two-hour tour includes pirate performances, skits, stories, songs and magic tricks tailored for a more mature audience. There’s a fully licensed bar to accompany the interactive entertainment too. What’s more, the tour departs in the evening, so guests can enjoy sunset views over the harbour. From £24.59 per person. 

Book at GetYourGuide.com 

Shared Sunset Sail along St Augustine’s Historic Harbour 

A luxurious sunset sailing (Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

This two-hour group tour takes place aboard a fully-staffed yacht. Ideal for water-loving families, couples and friends, the tour sails past some of the city’s most iconic sights accompanied by insights into local history and stories. Passengers who are keen to pick up a new skill can take the help and pick up tips on how to sail from the captain too. From £125 for two adults. 

Book at Viator.com

Wine tasting Cruise in St Augustine’s 

This 90-minute tour combines a scenic sightseeing tour with a wine tasting experience. Set on a pontoon boat, passengers sail past sights including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions and more. Along the way, there are six different wines to sample, as well as an onboard par serving up other beverages. Keep your eyes out for dolphins and spoonbills too. From £41.05. 

Book at Viator.com