St Augustine: Nights of Lights Sunset Sail with Live Music

If you’re considering a way to see St. Augustine’s iconic holiday lights without the chaos of crowds or traffic, this Nights of Lights Sunset Sail offers a charming and laid-back alternative. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and comprehensive descriptions paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. The combination of a beautiful sunset, live music, and dazzling lights from a spacious catamaran makes for an experience that’s both relaxing and festive.

What really stands out are the friendly crew and the spectacular views—two features that seem to consistently earn praise from travelers. That said, it’s worth noting that the cruise doesn’t include dinner, so if you’re hoping for a full meal, you’ll need to look elsewhere. This tour feels best suited for those who want a peaceful, scenic viewing with a touch of celebration—perfect for couples, friends, or anyone eager to enjoy the holiday lights from a different perspective.

Key Points

• Beautiful sunset views over historic St. Augustine
• Complimentary drinks like margaritas, champagne, beer, and wine enhance the relaxed atmosphere
• Live music adds a festive, engaging vibe
• Light snacks and holiday cookies are included, making it a light, enjoyable experience
• Spacious deck on a modern catamaran provides plenty of room for viewing and lounging
• Not suitable for wheelchairs and others with specific accessibility needs

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Scenic Cruise Through the Heart of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

Imagine gliding across the water on a sleek, 65-foot catamaran as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the historic city. That’s exactly what this Sunset Sail promises—and based on reviews, it mostly delivers. The primary highlight is the chance to witness St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights from a vantage point that’s both peaceful and breathtaking.

While most of us are used to seeing holiday lights from crowded streets, this cruise offers a different perspective. The lights reflect subtly on the water, creating a shimmering, almost magical scene that you won’t forget. Plus, the added bonus of a live band and free drinks makes it feel more like a celebration than just sightseeing.

What the Tour Entails: A Step-by-Step Look

The tour begins at the Fury vessel located on the boardwalk behind Beaches Restaurant. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who handle all the details, including signing waivers and explaining safety guidelines. This process is straightforward, but it’s good to arrive a little early to account for parking and walking time—parking isn’t provided, so plan accordingly.

The boat itself is modern and spacious, with a large deck perfect for viewing. As the cruise departs, you’ll immediately notice the relaxing atmosphere created by live music, which adds a festive vibe without overpowering the scenic surroundings. The crew provides a selection of light snacks and a variety of drinks—margaritas, champagne, beer, wine, sodas, and water—so you can sip as you take in the sunset.

The cruise typically lasts about two hours, which is just enough time to unwind without feeling rushed. During this period, the boat will cruise around the city, giving you a broad view of the illuminated streets and historic landmarks, such as the Bridge of Lions. Some reviews mention circling in one place near the bridge—a minor detail, but worth noting if you’re hoping for a more extensive cruise.

Views and Atmosphere

One of the best parts of this tour is the view from the deck. Travelers consistently mention how much better the lights look from the water, especially with the sunset as a backdrop. The atmosphere is casual—families, couples, and groups of friends all seem to enjoy the experience.

The live music, often described as “spectacular” and “angelic,” enhances the mood. Multiple reviewers mention dancing and singing along, which turns the cruise into a lively, joyful event. The crew is praised for being attentive and friendly, making sure everyone feels comfortable and included.

The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Practicalities

Most reviews are glowing, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 50 guests. People love the knowledgeable staff, the amazing views, and the value for the price, which is about $75 per person. Considering that this includes a two-hour cruise, live music, snacks, and drinks, it’s quite a good deal.

However, some travelers note that it can be quite cold—especially in winter—so bundling up is advised. One reviewer mentioned that they only circled near the Bridge of Lions, which slightly limited their viewing area, but that didn’t seem to spoil the overall experience.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users—the vessel and dock access are limited in that regard. Also, no dinner is included, so if you’re hungry, plan to eat beforehand or after the cruise.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $75, this is a solid mid-range option for a festive night out. When you consider the quality of the views, the live entertainment, and the complimentary drinks, many feel it’s good value. It’s an experience that balances relaxation with celebration—an ideal way to get into the holiday spirit without the hustle of busy street festivals.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise appeals most to couples and small groups looking for a peaceful yet lively way to see the Lights of St. Augustine. If you enjoy music, scenic water views, and casual atmospheres, you’ll likely find it delightful. It’s also perfect for those who prefer avoiding crowded streets while still enjoying the holiday magic.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Nights of Lights Sunset Sail with Live Music offers a memorable way to view St. Augustine’s holiday display. The combination of a beautiful sunset, live music, and the glowing cityscape creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The friendly crew, ample drinks, and comfortable deck make for a relaxing evening, especially if you’re after something different from the typical holiday crowd scene.

While it’s not a dinner cruise and has some limitations for accessibility, the value and unique perspective make it worth considering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a peaceful way to enjoy the Lights, this cruise is a solid choice—and one that many guests say they’d happily do again.

FAQs

Is there any dinner included? No, dinner is not part of this cruise, but light snacks and holiday cookies are provided, along with a variety of drinks.

How long is the cruise? The cruise lasts about 2 hours, typically in the evening, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the sights.

Can I bring pets or strollers? No, pets and baby strollers are not allowed on the boat.

Is parking available? No, Fury Water Adventures does not own parking, so you’ll need to allow extra time for parking and walking to the dock.

Do I need to sign a waiver? Yes, all guests must complete and sign a liability waiver before the tour begins.

Is this tour suitable for children? Minors must be accompanied by a chaperone with a valid ID, and children 14 and under need an adult with them. Check the specifics if traveling with younger kids.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes are recommended. Since it can be chilly, especially at sunset, dressing in layers is a good idea.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users? Unfortunately, no. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs due to access limitations.

What’s the best time to book? During the holiday season when Nights of Lights are shining bright, but since the tour is popular, booking in advance is advised.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and joyful way to enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, this sunset sail might just be the highlight of your trip. The combination of gentle waves, festive music, and shimmering lights makes for a memorable evening worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: