St. Augustine: Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB

St. Augustine: Matanzas River Party Cruise with BYOB — A Casual, Fun-Filled Water Adventure

If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your time in St. Augustine, this Matanzas River Party Cruise might do just that. While I haven’t personally hopped aboard, I’ve gathered plenty of details to help you decide if it’s the right fit. What stands out immediately is how this cruise combines scenic views of the city’s historic landmarks with a lively, social atmosphere — all while giving you the freedom to bring your own drinks and snacks.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it turns a simple boat ride into a celebration or social gathering. Plus, the fact that it’s budget-friendly at just $46 per person adds to its appeal. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience is geared entirely toward adults — so, if you’re traveling with kids, this might not be the best choice.

This tour seems ideal for groups of friends, celebrating special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties, or just anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed, upbeat cruise with good tunes and great company. If that sounds like your vibe, read on — I’ve got the full scoop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable and fun: At $46 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy St. Augustine from the water.
• BYOB flexibility: Bring your own food and drinks for a personalized experience.
• Lively atmosphere: Expect a DJ, music, dancing, and games to keep the energy high.
• Scenic views and landmarks: Cruise past the historic Bridge of Lions, Castillo de San Marcos, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche.
• Perfect for celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or casual get-togethers.
• Adults only: Must be 18+ to participate, with ID probably required.

A Closer Look at the Experience

This party cruise lasts around 1.5 hours, offering a compact but lively window to enjoy St. Augustine’s waters. Starting at Vilano Beach, the crew welcomes you with upbeat music, immediately setting a festive tone. You’ll feel the casual vibe from the moment you step aboard, making it clear that fun is the priority.

The boat is equipped with a live DJ, who curates a playlist that keeps the atmosphere vibrant. Expect to dance, sing along, and participate in drinking games — a staple of the experience. The crew provides coolers and ice, so your drinks stay chilled, and there’s a toilet on board for convenience, so no need to cut the party short.

What makes this cruise stand out is the scenic backdrop. As you cruise along the Matanzas River, you’ll pass some of St. Augustine’s most iconic sights. The Bridge of Lions, with its graceful arches, is a highlight, offering a classic view associated with the city. The route also brings you past the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., and the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche — blending scenic beauty with a touch of history.

Many reviews highlight how relaxed and enjoyable the cruise feels. One reviewer mentioned, “The music was great, and it was just a fun way to see the city from a different perspective.” Another pointed out that the drinking games and singalongs fostered a really social environment. The fact that you can bring your own food and drinks means you can customize your experience, whether that’s a casual picnic or a more spirited celebration.

What to Expect During the Cruise

The journey kicks off at Vilano Beach. Once you’re aboard, the crew gets the party started with music and good vibes. As the boat departs, you’ll quickly enter a lively space, with plenty of room to dance or lounge with friends.

The cruise’s route is scenic, offering sweeping views of St. Augustine’s waterfront. You’ll pass landmarks like the Bridge of Lions, which frames the city’s historic core beautifully. The focus, however, remains on the vibe — drinking games, singalongs, and dancing to the DJ’s playlist.

A highlight cited by travelers is the opportunity to celebrate a special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday or a bachelorette party, the cruise provides a festive backdrop that makes your celebration stand out. Some reviews mention it being a great choice for groups wanting a relaxed yet lively atmosphere on the water.

You should note that coolers and ice are provided, which makes bringing your drinks hassle-free. And since there’s a toilet on board, you won’t have to worry about quick breaks cutting into your fun.

The cruise wraps up at Vilano Beach, leaving plenty of time afterward to explore more of St. Augustine or head out for dinner. The boat’s small group size — usually not crowded — fosters intimacy and makes it easier to connect with your friends or meet new ones.

What’s Included & What’s Not

• Included: Ice, coolers, music, and a toilet — all the basics for a smooth party experience.
• Not included: Food and drinks — so you’ll want to bring along your favorites. This flexibility is great if you want control over what you’re drinking and snacking on.

This setup means you can tailor the experience exactly how you want it. Whether filling your cooler with craft beers, wine, or soda, you’re free to enjoy it at your own pace.

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Is It Worth the Cost?

At $46, the cruise offers a worthwhile value for those looking for a fun social activity with scenic views. It’s not a sightseeing tour with in-depth narration; instead, it’s a party experience that’s perfect for relaxing and celebrating. Given the included amenities (coolers, ice, music, toilet), it feels like a good deal, especially if you’re planning to bring your own food and drinks.

The experience is more about vibe than sightseeing — so if you’re after a lively, laid-back party on the water, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for groups who enjoy music, dancing, and having a drink or two with friends.

Who Would Love This?

This cruise is best suited for adults looking for a casual, social outing. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a different perspective of St. Augustine’s waterfront. If you enjoy music, dancing, and a relaxed party atmosphere, you’ll have a good time.

It’s not the best choice if you’re traveling with children or prefer a more structured, educational sightseeing experience. Also, keep in mind that participants must be 18+, and the emphasis is on fun with alcohol, which isn’t ideal for everyone.

Final Thoughts

This Matanzas River Party Cruise offers a lively, budget-friendly way to enjoy St. Augustine from the water. Its combination of scenic views, upbeat music, and flexibility in bringing your own drinks makes it a memorable addition to your trip — especially if you love celebrating with friends.

If you’re after a relaxed yet energetic environment where you can dance, sing, and soak up the city’s riverside charm, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially good for groups, parties, or anyone wanting to turn an ordinary boat ride into a lively social event.

Just remember it’s adults-only, and the emphasis on BYOB means you’ll want to come prepared with your favorite beverages. Overall, a fun, casual experience that adds a different flavor to your St. Augustine visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is only for guests 18 and older, as it involves alcohol and a party atmosphere.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own food and beverages, making it easy to customize your experience.

What’s included in the price?
You get ice, coolers, music, and access to a toilet. The cruise itself lasts about 1.5 hours.

How long is the cruise?
It’s approximately 1.5 hours long, offering a quick but lively opportunity to see the city’s waterfront.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The journey begins at Vilano Beach, with the boat returning there at the end of the cruise.

Is there a guide or commentary?
No, there’s no mention of a guide; the experience centers on music, games, and the scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring your own alcohol and food, along with any personal items like sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses for comfort.

Is this experience refundable?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you peace of mind with your booking.

This lively cruise offers a relaxed, fun way to enjoy St. Augustine with friends, good tunes, and beautiful river views. Perfect for groups who want to celebrate or simply have a good time on the water. Just come prepared to bring your drinks, and you’ll set yourself up for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: