ST. AUGUSTINE WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Stargazing Over the Ancient City: A Nighttime Cruise with the Ancient City Astronomy Club
A 1.5-hour evening program in St. Augustine that pairs a 30-minute onshore astronomy workshop and telescope viewing with a 1-hour guided stargazing cruise—an ideal primer for families and curious adults.
Stargazing Over the Ancient City: A Nighttime Cruise with the Ancient City Astronomy Club.
Embark on a unique stargazing cruise in St. Augustine that blends hands-on science with celestial wonder. Led by Florida Water Warriors educators alongside Paul Jones of the Ancient City Astronomy Club, the program combines a land-based workshop and telescope viewing with a gentle, guided hour on the water where participants learn to spot constellations, planets, and other night-sky highlights.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Workshop plus telescope viewing before you sail
The evening begins at the Florida Water Warriors Headquarters with a 30-minute star- and planet-themed workshop; Paul Jones will have a telescope set up on land so you can get an up-close look before boarding.
One hour of guided stargazing on the water
After the workshop you board for a 60-minute cruise under St. Augustine’s darkening skies. On the water, your guide helps the group learn to identify constellations, planets, and other celestial sights while the city’s historic shoreline slips by.
A family-friendly fundraiser supporting education
This program is run by Florida Water Warriors as part of their main fundraisers—donations are appreciated and proceeds support the nonprofit’s educational programming.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The evening moves from hands-on learning on land to patient sky-watching on quiet water. A short, interactive workshop and onshore telescope viewing lay the groundwork; as sunset deepens you board for a focused, 60-minute guided cruise where an astronomy expert points out planets and constellations against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s shoreline.
THE EXPERIENCE
Workshop plus telescope viewing before you sail
The evening begins at the Florida Water Warriors Headquarters with a 30-minute star- and planet-themed workshop; Paul Jones will have a telescope set up on land so you can get an up-close look before boarding.
THE CRUISE
One hour of guided stargazing on the water
After the workshop you board for a 60-minute cruise under St. Augustine’s darkening skies. On the water, your guide helps the group learn to identify constellations, planets, and other celestial sights while the city’s historic shoreline slips by.
THE MISSION
A family-friendly fundraiser supporting education
This program is run by Florida Water Warriors as part of their main fundraisers—donations are appreciated and proceeds support the nonprofit’s educational programming.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and who it doesn’t
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Program length is about 1.5 hours total: a 30-minute workshop followed by a 1-hour guided stargazing cruise; the offering is available only in October and November.
Interactive astronomy workshop led by Florida Water Warriors, telescope viewing with Paul Jones, and a 1-hour guided stargazing cruise are included; the program is family-friendly (recommended ages 10+).
This cruise is part of Florida Water Warriors’ main fundraisers; donations are appreciated and proceeds support the organization’s educational programming.
Participants begin at the Florida Water Warriors Headquarters for the workshop and onshore telescope viewing before boarding for the cruise.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Ancient City Stargazing Cruise?
The full program runs about 1.5 hours: a 30-minute onshore workshop and telescope viewing followed by a 60-minute guided stargazing cruise.
Where do we meet for the program?
The program starts at the Florida Water Warriors Headquarters where the workshop and onshore telescope viewing take place prior to boarding.
Is the cruise family-friendly?
Yes; the outing is described as family-friendly but is recommended for children age 10 and older.
When is the stargazing cruise offered?
The cruise operates only in October and November.
Does this program support a nonprofit?
Yes; the event is part of Florida Water Warriors’ main fundraisers—donations are appreciated and proceeds support their educational programming.
Who leads the astronomy portion of the evening?
Florida Water Warriors educators run the workshop, and Paul Jones of the Ancient City Astronomy Club provides telescope viewing and guidance during the program.