St Augustine's Best Boat Rides
If you are looking for St. Augustine’s best boat rides, imagine gliding across the shimmering waters of the Matanzas River, the historic skyline of St. Augustine glowing in the distance, a glass of champagne or a mimosa in hand as the sun dips below the horizon. There’s something undeniably magical about boat rides in St. Augustine—a city where history, nature, and coastal beauty collide. Whether you’re a visitor seeking a unique adventure or a local craving a fresh perspective, the waterways here beckon with promise. At St. Augustine Sailing, we’re proud to be the premier destination for boat rides that go beyond the ordinary, delivering luxury, unforgettable experiences, and a touch of elegance to every voyage.
In this blog, we uncover a world of boat rides in St. Augustine, exploring the variety of options available from vendors across the city. From eco-tours to party cruises, there’s no shortage of ways to hit the water—but we’re here to show you why St. Augustine Sailing stands head and shoulders above the rest. With our curated sailings, gourmet offerings, and expert crew, we transform boat rides into memories that last a lifetime.
Why Take a Boat Ride?
Boat rides in St. Augustine offer a unique blend of history and nature, making them a must-do for anyone looking to experience the city’s soul. From the vibrant hues of a Florida sunset to the serene dance of manatees in the shallows, the waterways reveal a side of St. Augustine you can’t see from land.
Options for boat rides here are as diverse as the city itself. Adventure seekers can chase dolphins or cast a line, families can marvel at wildlife, and romantics can toast to love under a twilight sky. It’s no wonder boat rides are a top attraction for visitors and locals alike. At St. Augustine Sailing, we take this appeal to the next level, elevating boat rides with luxury yachts, gourmet cuisine, and experiences tailored to every taste. Whether it’s sipping mimosas on our Brunch Sail or savoring wine pairings during our Sunset Tasting Cruise, we turn a simple boat ride into an extraordinary journey.
Boat Ride Options in St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s vibrant waterways host a variety of boat ride experiences, each with its own flavor, thanks to a handful of local vendors catering to different tastes. Whether you’re after nature, history, or a swashbuckling good time, there’s a boat ride for you.
Florida Water Tours
Florida Water Tours specializes in eco-tourism boat rides, drawing crowds with dolphin-spotting cruises and scenic sunset tours along the Intracoastal Waterway. Their unique wine tasting boat ride adds a fun twist for adults, and their commitment to educational outreach via Florida Water Warriors is commendable. While great for nature lovers, these boat rides lack the luxury and gourmet sophistication St. Augustine Sailing brings to the table.
Cruisin Tiki
Cruisin Tiki offers a quirky alternative with tiki-style boat rides that feel like a floating party. BYOB and Bluetooth tunes create a laid-back vibe, perfect for sunset cruises or Nights of Lights tours. It’s a fun, casual option, but its simplicity doesn’t match our upscale, curated sailings.
Schooner Freedom
For a taste of history, Schooner Freedom delivers boat rides aboard a 76-foot gaff-rigged schooner, sailed by Captain John and Admiral Sara since 2001. These wind-driven day, sunset, and moonlight sails offer a classic maritime feel, complete with dolphin sightings and a complimentary drink. It’s a charming, authentic experience, yet it misses the culinary flair and variety of our boat rides.
Black Raven Pirate Ship
The Pirate Ship—aka Black Raven—brings theatrical flair to its boat rides with pirate-themed adventures. This 72-foot replica ship features live performances, grog, and family-friendly fun, making it a hit for kids and pirate enthusiasts. While entertaining, its focus on spectacle contrasts with our refined, luxury-driven approach.
Kayaking St Augustine
Kayaking St. Augustine invites adventurers to explore the city’s natural beauty from a more grounded perspective—right on the water’s surface. Their guided kayak tours take you through peaceful salt marshes and historic waterways, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the region’s rich wildlife and ecosystems to life. From manatee sightings to paddling past ancient coquina formations, it’s an immersive and educational way to experience the natural side of St. Augustine.
While perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of exercise with their sightseeing, this down-to-earth, eco-centric experience contrasts sharply with the luxury, comfort, and tailored service found aboard St. Augustine Sailing’s premium yacht adventures.
These local options—from laid-back paddles to historical cruises—add texture to St. Augustine’s boating scene. But when it comes to elegance, exclusivity, and elevated experiences, we set the gold standard. Curious how we stand out? Let us show you why sailing with us is anything but ordinary.
Why St Augustine Sailing Offers the Best Boat Rides
When it comes to boat rides in St. Augustine, St. Augustine Sailing doesn’t just compete—we redefine the experience. Our commitment to luxury, curated adventures, and exceptional service makes us the top choice for anyone seeking more than a standard cruise. From the moment you step aboard our luxury yachts—like our 34′ sailing vessels or spacious catamarans—you’ll feel the difference. Unlike the basic boats offered by others, our fleet delivers comfort and elegance, turning every boat ride into a first-class journey along St. Augustine’s stunning coast.
What truly sets our boat rides apart are our featured sailings, designed to cater to every taste and occasion. Take our Brunch Sail, a guest favorite that blends a serene morning on the water with a delicious, freshly prepared brunch. For just $179 per person, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour boat ride on a luxury yacht, complete with mimosas and a custom epicurean box—upgrade to a larger vessel for an extra $30 and elevate the experience even further. It’s a relaxing yet indulgent way to start your day, unmatched by the simpler fare of other boat rides in town.
For an unforgettable evening, our Sunset Tasting Cruise redefines boat rides with a gourmet twist. Picture this: five single-serving dishes crafted by our onboard chef, each paired with three ounces of premium wine selected by our certified sommelier, Alayna Brewer. Served on a spacious catamaran as the sun sets over St. Augustine, this boat ride is a feast for the senses—perfect for romantics, foodies, or anyone craving a sophisticated night out. Competitors might offer drinks or snacks, but none deliver this level of culinary artistry on the water.
The holiday season brings another standout: our Nights of Lights Cruise. This seasonal boat ride offers a front-row seat to St. Augustine’s world-famous holiday light display, with millions of twinkling lights reflecting off the water. Guests return year after year for this magical experience, which combines the city’s historic charm with the intimacy of a luxury yacht. While other vendors offer holiday boat rides, our smaller groups and premium settings create a cozier, more memorable vibe.
Our Culinary Sails take boat rides to new heights with options like High Tea Adventures and Dinner Cruises. Imagine sipping traditional teas with coastal views or dining on multi-course meals under the stars—all prepared fresh by skilled chefs. These experiences blend the thrill of sailing with gourmet indulgence, offering a sophistication you won’t find elsewhere.
Adventure on the Water
And for curious minds, our Sail Science Adventures bring education to life on the water. With an expert scientist aboard, guests explore topics like manatees, dolphins, or sea turtles in a fun, interactive way. From “Manatee Magic” to “Turtle Trivia,” these boat rides are perfect for families or anyone eager to learn while they sail—something no competitor matches.
Beyond our unique offerings, it’s our personalized service that seals the deal. Our crew—ASA-certified instructors and USCG-licensed captains—brings expertise and warmth to every boat ride, ensuring a tailored experience. Unlike the larger, more impersonal tours of others, our smaller group sizes mean you’re not just a passenger; you’re a valued guest. Plus, we offer sailing lessons, turning a boat ride into a skill-building adventure—an added value unique to St. Augustine Sailing.
For more information and to stay updated, visit www.sta-sail.com and follow them on social media @StAugustineSailing.
