Nights of Lights is approaching, and one of the best places to experience it is from the deck of a Florida Water Tours Nights of Lights Cruise.
With a crew consisting of passionate conservationists and marine educators, passengers can admire the city’s stunning lights display while learning about the thriving ecosystem of St. Augustine. Departing from Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina at the base of the Vilano Bridge, Florida Water Tours offers beautiful downtown views without the parking stress.
“Snow is something we rarely see in St. Augustine, so we have to create our own holiday cheer,” said Jessica Jadick, founder and owner of Florida Water Tours. “There’s something about being on the water with crisp air, holiday tunes and a warm cup of cocoa that just makes you feel happy and gets you into the spirit.”
Florida Water Tours’ Nights of Lights cruises depart from the Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina and travel south on the Tolomato and Matanzas River towards downtown St. Augustine, where the city is illuminated with white lights from the spires down to the fences.
Departures begin on Nov. 23 and continue through Jan. 26. The Sunset Nights of Lights Cruise is a 90-minute excursion and departs daily on The Osprey at 5 p.m. for adults 21 years and older and on The Island Breeze at 5:15 p.m. for all ages.
The Sunset Nights of Lights Cruise is $49 for ages 13 and older, $22 for ages 3 to 12 and $8 for children two and under.
The Nights of Lights Cruise is a 75-minute excursion and departs daily on The Osprey at 6:45 p.m. for all ages and at 8:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. for adults 21 years and older; The Island Breeze departs at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for adults and children age 7 and older.
The Nights of Lights Cruise is $39 for ages 13 and older, $19 for ages 3 to 12 and $6 for children two and under.
The Osprey is a 45-foot pontoon boat and has an onboard bar offering Irish cream, mimosas, sangria, beer, wine, canned cocktails, water, soft drinks and snacks for purchase. The Island Breeze is a 35-foot pontoon boat that allows guests to bring their favorite beverages onboard. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase in the ship’s store. Delicious graze boxes, including the special Nights of Lights Star Grazer Box with charcuterie, nuts, olives, fruits and chocolates, are available for pre-order.
All departures include 3D glasses to enhance the lights and one cup of hot cocoa.
Florida Water Tour’s two vessels are docked at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina, just north of downtown St. Augustine, with plentiful, free parking. Guests can check availability at floridawatertour.com/cruises/nights-of-lights.
