ST. AUGUSTINE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
St. Augustine After Dark: Nights of Lights from Aboard Pellicano
A 1 hour and 15 minute evening cruise that shows you St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the water—bringing the glint of the festival into sharp reflection and letting you enjoy the display with your own beverages.
St. Augustine After Dark: Nights of Lights from Aboard Pellicano.
Adventure brief
St. Augustine After Dark: Nights of Lights from Aboard Pellicano
Step aboard Pellicano and watch St. Augustine’s holiday display rearrange itself in the tide. From the boat you see the city’s Nights of Lights doubled by reflections on the water while you relax with your own drinks and a cool night breeze—an alternative to fighting for parking and narrow sidewalks during the festival season.
When winter settles over St. Augustine, Florida, the city transforms into a luminous wonderland during its acclaimed Nights of Lights festival. Red Boat Tours offers an exceptional way to experience this spectacle—from the water aboard the Pellicano, a sleek and comfortable vessel that glides silently through the marina and city waterways. This tour uniquely couples the magic of shimmering holiday lights with the tranquil reflections dancing on the water's surface, creating an atmosphere that’s both festive and serene.
St. Augustine, America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement, dresses its historic architecture and moss-draped oaks in over three million tiny white lights. The Nights of Lights celebration is one of the longest-running holiday traditions, dating back to the early 1990s, drawing visitors who want to admire the colonial-era drama and coastal charm from an exclusive vantage point.
Onboard the Pellicano, guests enjoy unobstructed views of iconic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos fortress illuminated against the night sky, and the Bridge of Lions aglow with twinkling bulbs stretching over calm waters. The reflections double the visual impact, making it a photographer’s dream and a romantic setting for couples or families looking for a memorable holiday outing.
The tour’s relaxed pace invites visitors to sip their favorite beverages as the boat meanders past St. Augustine’s waterfront, offering a clear escape from the crowds onshore. Attentive guides share stories about the city’s rich history and the origins of the festival, enriching the experience with local insights.
What sets Red Boat Tours apart is its specialization in waterborne adventures in St. Augustine combined with a commitment to creating festive, intimate experiences that highlight the city’s unique maritime heritage. This is a must-book during the holiday season for visitors staying in or near downtown St. Augustine, where charming inns and historic hotels put you close to both the lights and the boat docks.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting to see the Nights of Lights anew, this tour offers a magical, offbeat perspective that captures the essence of St. Augustine's holiday spirit. It blends history, nature, and celebration into an unforgettable evening on the water.
NearbyCity: St. Augustine
Slug: experience-st-augustines-nights-of-lights-aboard-red-boat-tours
Excerpt: Slip away from the bustling streets and witness St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the serene water aboard the Pellicano. This festive boat tour offers dazzling holiday views paired with quiet reflections and local history.
Route Schematic
Route & Schematic
The cruise follows a short waterfront circuit that highlights downtown illumination, bay reflections, and the restaurant-lined shore.
Downtown Waterfront
Pass close to downtown where Nights of Lights lines the shoreline—this is the core of the illuminated display as seen from the water.
Bay & Reflections
A stretch of open water where the city lights double in the surface, creating pronounced mirror images and extended views of the festival.
Restaurant-lined Shore
Cruise past the waterfront restaurants whose aromas mingle with the night air—part of the sensory appeal of an evening on the bay.
Book early—this seasonal cruise fills up quickly and blackouts apply; check availability and any operator notices before you go.
What the day feels like
How the Night Unfolds
For 1 hour and 15 minutes you glide slowly along the waterfront aboard Pellicano, watching the shoreline’s lights bloom in the water. The pace is relaxed: guests bring their own drinks, enjoy the fresh night air over the bay, and take in stretches of downtown that often congest on foot—seen instead from a clear vantage on the water.
THE VIEW
Lights Multiplied by Water
The lights of downtown take on new depth from the bay: reflections on the water amplify the display, turning the shoreline into a luminous corridor best seen from the Pellicano.
THE FESTIVAL
A Globally Recognized Display
Nights of Lights is a perennial draw—recognized by National Geographic as one of the top places in the world to see Christmas lights—and the boat tour places you directly in that famed spectacle.
THE BOAT
BYOB Evenings Afloat
This is an informal, come-as-you-are cruise: bring your favorite beverages, settle in, and let the captain guide you past the illuminated waterfront—just book early, the season fills up fast.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring your own beverages—guests are encouraged to pack drinks and anything else they want for a relaxed evening on deck.
Dress for cool night air over the bay; pack a light jacket or layers to stay comfortable while watching the lights.
Reserve early during Nights of Lights—seasons and specific sailings fill up quickly.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The cruise runs 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes—guests are invited to bring their own beverages aboard the Pellicano.
Will I see the Nights of Lights from the water?
Yes—the tour showcases downtown lights and their reflections on the water for a distinctive view of the festival.
Do tours sell out?
Yes—this season fills up fast, so book early.
Are there blackout dates?
Blackouts apply for the season; check available dates when booking.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T13:00:48.314Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.