Night of Lights: #1 Party Boat in St. Augustine, FL

If you’re looking to add some sparkle and fun to your visit to St. Augustine, the Night of Lights party boat tour might just be what you need. This lively cruise combines the magical glow of the city’s holiday lights with a spirited party atmosphere on the water. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this experience is a hit for those wanting a different perspective on the city’s famous lights.

What really draws us in are the stunning views of historic landmarks illuminated at night and the energy of the crew and crowd that makes it feel more like a celebration than just a boat ride. Also, the fact that it’s a BYOB (bring your own booze and food) setup means you can tailor your party to your taste — no overpriced drinks here. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this isn’t a calm, quiet cruise. It’s a full-on party, so if you’re after a tranquil night on the water, this might not be your scene.

This tour is best suited for those who love a lively vibe, enjoy socializing, and want to see the city’s sparkling lights from a different angle. It’s especially popular among groups of friends, celebrating special occasions, or anyone looking for a memorable night with a party atmosphere. Bringing kids probably isn’t ideal, since the tour is geared toward those 18 and older, but if you’re after a fun adults-only night, it’s a great fit.

Key Points

• Vibrant, festive experience with lively music and dancing
• Stunning waterfront views of St. Augustine’s iconic landmarks lit up at night
• BYOB policy allows flexible, personalized drinks and snacks
• Expert guides and crew enhance the fun and keep the energy high
• Group size capped at 25, ensuring an intimate, party-friendly environment
• Weather-dependent — tours can be canceled in poor conditions, so check the forecast

What to Expect from the Night of Lights Party Boat Tour

The Old Town Party Boat offers an experience that’s more than just a cruise; it’s a celebration on the water. Starting at 254 Vilano Rd, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable, fun-filled outing that fits well into most evening plans. You’ll cruise past some of St. Augustine’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, Mission of Nombre de Dios, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

The Itinerary — What Makes Each Stop Special

While this is primarily a moving party with no formal stops, each landmark along the route provides a perfect photo opportunity. The Castillo de San Marcos from the water looks dramatic with all the lights, giving you a fresh perspective on this historic fort. The Bridge of Lions is equally iconic, and from the boat, it’s a stunning sight as it’s lit up and spans the water. The Mission of Nombre de Dios and the Lighthouse add depth to your view of the city, illuminating the night sky and water with their glow.

The Vibe on Board

The boat itself is designed to foster a lively party environment. Expect music — often with a DJ — and a crew that’s eager to keep the energy high. Many reviews praise the crew for being fun and engaging, with some even mentioning that the guides and captains join in the celebration, making it feel more like a party with friends than a typical boat tour.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and food, which means you can customize your experience. People tend to bring snacks, celebratory drinks, and sometimes even themed accessories to match the festive atmosphere. Be aware that the event is for adults 18 and over, so it’s definitely not a family-friendly outing.

Music, Dancing, and Fun

Music is a key element — and from reviews, it sounds like the DJ and sound system really deliver. Requests are welcomed, and the crew often keeps the crowd dancing and singing along. Whether you’re a seasoned party-goer or just looking to dance away a city evening, this cruise is designed to keep the good times rolling.

The Real Reviews — What Travelers Say

The strong positive feedback from travelers paints a pretty clear picture of what to expect. A feature review from Trish and Dick Bossard highlights how their guides, Caroline and Adam, went “over and above” to make their night unforgettable, calling them “a pleasure” and recommending the tour for anyone wanting a special, memorable evening.

Cory and his group, celebrating a birthday, called it “the best tour they’ve been on,” emphasizing the fun environment run by the crew. Several reviewers mention the great music, lively hosts, and the welcoming, party vibe — with some saying their friends are still talking about it days later.

Many reviews emphasize how friendly and energetic the crew and captain are, making the experience feel inclusive and exciting. One review notes that the sound system and music requests added a personal touch, heightening the overall enjoyment.

However, a few less positive reviews remind us that weather can impact the experience — tours can be canceled if conditions are poor, as was the case for some travelers. Also, one guest pointed out some Spanish music was “obscene and very sexual,” so if you’re sensitive to lyrics, that’s good to keep in mind.

Who Really Loves This Tour?

Based on user feedback, this tour is perfect for groups of friends celebrating an event, couples looking for a unique night out, or anyone wanting a fun, energetic way to see the city’s lights. The majority of reviews are glowing, with many travelers saying it’s “highly recommended” for a night of pure fun.

The Practical Details

• Pricing: At $47 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to enjoy a lively, memorable night with a lot of value. You get an hour and a half of entertainment with scenic views, music, and socializing.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 13 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure your spot on the party boat.
• Group Size: Limited to 25 guests, ensuring a cozy, party-friendly environment but also meaning you should book early if you’re in a larger group.
• Weather & Cancellations: Tours are dependent on good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—important to know if your trip coincides with unpredictable weather.
• Age Requirement: 18 and older, so this is an adults-only experience. Keep that in mind if you’re traveling with younger family members.

Final Thoughts — Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a vibrant, fun-filled night experiencing St. Augustine from the water, this Night of Lights party cruise is often a highlight for travelers. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy music, dancing, and a lively crowd. The scenic views of historic landmarks illuminated at night add a special touch that makes this experience stand out from typical sightseeing tours.

The value is quite good considering the duration and the atmosphere. The fact that you can BYOB offers the flexibility to enjoy your favorite drinks without the hassle of overpriced bar prices onboard. And with guides and crew known for their friendly, energetic approach, it feels like a celebration with friends rather than just a tour.

That said, it’s important to remember this isn’t a quiet cruise — the party vibe is front and center — so if you’re after something serene or family-friendly, this might not be your best pick. Also, do keep an eye on the weather forecast, as poor conditions could mean cancellation.

Overall, for anyone looking to combine scenic beauty with lively fun, this tour is a solid choice. It’s best suited for adults who love a good time, enjoy socializing, and want to see the city’s Christmas lights from a fun, different perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for guests 18 years or older. It’s designed as an adults-only party experience.

What’s included in the price?
The $47 fee covers the approximately 1.5-hour cruise. You bring your own drinks and food — there are no drinks included.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, making it an intimate but lively setting.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and perhaps some party accessories to enhance the fun. Don’t forget your camera!

Can the tour be canceled due to weather?
Yes, tours depend on good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 13 days in advance, so early planning helps secure your spot.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll cruise past the Castillo de San Marcos, Bridge of Lions, Mission of Nombre de Dios, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but casual or festive attire suited for an evening on the water is recommended.

What if I want to change or cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Changes less than 24 hours before aren’t accepted.

All in all, if you’re craving a lively way to celebrate the holidays, enjoy scenic views, and dance the night away, this Night of Lights party boat promises a night full of good vibes and unforgettable sights.