ST. AUGUSTINE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sun Down, Lights Up: A St. Augustine Nights of Lights Sundown Cruise Under the Bridge of Lions
A 90-minute evening cruise from Vilano Beach that times St. Augustine’s famed sunset with the Nights of Lights—this guide explains what you’ll see and key booking caveats.
Sun Down, Lights Up: A St. Augustine Nights of Lights Sundown Cruise Under the Bridge of Lions.
Glide out from the coast as the sun slides toward the horizon and return under the Bridge of Lions just as downtown St. Augustine awakens in a wash of illumination; the cruise is timed to place you on the water when the city’s Nights of Lights—an array of roughly three to four million lights—comes fully into view.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sundown from the Water
St. Augustine is celebrated for extraordinary sunsets; this cruise is scheduled to put you on the water as the last light dips, offering unobstructed views of the sinking sun from the inlet.
Nights of Lights in Full Glow
By the time the boat turns under the Bridge of Lions, downtown’s Nights of Lights—an estimated three to four million lights—will be glowing across the waterfront, creating a dramatic, illuminated panorama.
Under the Bridge of Lions
The cruise route includes the iconic passage beneath the Bridge of Lions, a moment when daylight gives way to the luminous display of the city’s evening lights.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The trip unfolds as a deliberate hour-and-a-half progression: a gentle departure toward sunset, a slow cruise as the sky darkens, and a turn beneath the Bridge of Lions timed so the downtown lights come alive around you—an experience built around timing and the contrast between last light and electric illumination.
THE SUNSET
Sundown from the Water
St. Augustine is celebrated for extraordinary sunsets; this cruise is scheduled to put you on the water as the last light dips, offering unobstructed views of the sinking sun from the inlet.
THE LIGHTS
Nights of Lights in Full Glow
By the time the boat turns under the Bridge of Lions, downtown’s Nights of Lights—an estimated three to four million lights—will be glowing across the waterfront, creating a dramatic, illuminated panorama.
THE PASSAGE
Under the Bridge of Lions
The cruise route includes the iconic passage beneath the Bridge of Lions, a moment when daylight gives way to the luminous display of the city’s evening lights.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise works for—and one booking limitation to watch.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise is 90 minutes long and is timed to coincide with sunset and the Nights of Lights display; specific blackout dates apply.
No specific gear requirements are listed in the provided trip information.
Departures are scheduled from Vilano Beach; note that no vouchers are accepted on the 5:15 trip and availability can be limited.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise duration is 90 minutes.
Where does the tour depart from?
Departing from the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier at 260 Vilano Road, Vilano Beash, FL 32084.
Who operates this cruise?
The operator is Red Boat Water Tours.
Will I see the Nights of Lights from the boat?
Yes—by the time the boat turns under the Bridge of Lions it will be dark and the three to four million lights of downtown will be visible from the water.
Are vouchers accepted for the 5:15 trip?
No vouchers are accepted on the 5:15 trip.
Are there blackout dates?
Blackouts apply to this offering; check availability for your intended date.