In the Thick of It: A Two‑Hour Cruise Through St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights

ST. AUGUSTINE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

In the Thick of It: A Two‑Hour Cruise Through St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights

A two-hour cruise that places you amid the parade of decorated boats during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights; this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

In the Thick of It: A Two‑Hour Cruise Through St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
St. Augustine
Operator
Red Boat Water Tours
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This special two-hour cruise drops you into the heart of St. Augustine’s seasonal spectacle: boats decked in holiday lights making passes while the city’s Nights of Lights blankets the waterfront in millions of twinkling points. Bring a drink, a snack, and a sense of patience—the procession and the lightscape together create a slow, luminous show best taken in from the water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Amid the Parade
THE ROUTE

Amid the Parade

This cruise positions you squarely among the participating boats as they make their passes by the judging stand, offering an up-close vantage on the decorated fleet.

A Waterfront of Millions of Twinkles
THE LIGHTS

A Waterfront of Millions of Twinkles

Against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, the event layers even more illumination onto an already luminous city—an expansive, season-long light display that frames the boat parade.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
THE COMFORT

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

Guests are invited to bring their favorite beverages and snacks or food to enjoy while they sit back and relax during the two-hour cruise.

What the day feels like

What Being Onboard Feels Like

For two hours you move slowly through a concentrated parade of decorated vessels while St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights glows along the shore. The pace is unhurried: passengers relax with brought-along food and drink as the decorated boats rotate past the judging stand and the city’s lightscape drifts by.

Amid the Parade

THE ROUTE

Amid the Parade

This cruise positions you squarely among the participating boats as they make their passes by the judging stand, offering an up-close vantage on the decorated fleet.

A Waterfront of Millions of Twinkles

THE LIGHTS

A Waterfront of Millions of Twinkles

Against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, the event layers even more illumination onto an already luminous city—an expansive, season-long light display that frames the boat parade.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

THE COMFORT

Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks

Guests are invited to bring their favorite beverages and snacks or food to enjoy while they sit back and relax during the two-hour cruise.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this cruise suits and when it might not be ideal.

1
CouplesWell suited for couples seeking a relaxed, two-hour evening outing amid a festive light parade.
2
Families with Older ChildrenA good option for families comfortable with a two-hour outing; bringing snacks and beverages makes the experience easier for kids who need breaks.
3
Visual StorytellersPhotographers and visual observers will value the proximity to decorated boats and the expansive Nights of Lights backdrop for seasonal imagery.
4
Groups & Small PartiesAppropriate for groups who want a social evening afloat—guests may bring their own food and drinks to share and enjoy the procession together.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

This cruise is a special event tied to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights; it runs during the city’s seasonal illumination when participating boats parade for judging.

Trip Length

The cruise is two hours in duration.

What to Bring

Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and beverages/food to enjoy onboard.

Logistics

This is a special, timed cruise that places you among the participating boats as they make their passes; specific boarding and operational details should be confirmed with the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Regatta of Lights cruise?

The cruise is two hours long.

Can I bring food and drinks on board?

Yes — guests are invited to bring their favorite snacks and beverages/food to enjoy during the cruise.

What event is this cruise part of?

The cruise takes place during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, joining the city’s seasonal illumination with a parade of decorated boats.

Where will I be relative to the participating boats?

The cruise will put you right in the middle of the participating boats as they make their passes by the judging stand.

What should I expect to see from the water?

Expect a dazzling display of decorated boats and the city’s millions of twinkling lights, with this event adding additional illumination to the Nights of Lights displays.