Nights of Lights is the season when St. Augustine decorates the old town with millions of white lights, and seeing it from the water adds a view that cannot be had on foot. This cruise takes visitors out on Matanzas Bay in the evening to look back at the illuminated bayfront, the Bridge of Lions, the Castillo and the hotels and houses along the shore, with the lights reflected in the water. Nights of Lights runs from November 21, 2026 to January 18, 2027, beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving, and this cruise is a seasonal experience tied to that period, so check the booking page for the current dates and departure times. It is well reviewed, with hundreds of ratings and a high average on the booking site, which makes it a dependable choice. Compared with the schooner and dolphin cruises, the difference is the occasion: this is about the lights, not the wildlife or the sail, and it suits visitors who want a holiday-season memory.
What to expect
A guided evening cruise on a covered or open boat, depending on the vessel and operator, with commentary on the lights and the city’s history. Winter evenings on the water can be chilly and breezy, so bring a jacket, a hat and gloves if the forecast is cold. The boat runs at a gentle pace along the bayfront, giving time for photographs, though low-light photos from a moving boat are a challenge, so do not expect perfect shots.
The exact length and boarding point are on the booking page, and it is wise to arrive early, since boarding takes time and popular departures sell out.
Who it suits
Couples, families, and groups who want to see the lights without fighting for parking or a spot on the seawall. It is also a gentle option for people who find the crowds on St. George Street tiring at holiday time. Visitors prone to motion sickness should know that Matanzas Bay is usually calm but can be choppy in wind. If you want a more active way to see the lights, a walking tour or a trolley is a better fit, and if you want wildlife, choose a daytime dolphin cruise instead.
Planning tips
Book early, since December weekends and the days around Christmas sell out well ahead, and consider a weeknight departure for a quieter ride. Combine the cruise with an early dinner and a walk along the bayfront and the plaza to see the lights from the ground, and note that parking is scarce on busy nights, so use a garage or a shuttle. The cruise is a seasonal product, so outside the season the same operator runs other trips, and you should check which one you are booking.
For a full Nights of Lights evening, pair the cruise with the Casa Monica and Flagler College blocks on foot, which are among the most photographed displays in town. Finally, if your dates fall outside the lights season, look at the dolphin or sunset cruises instead rather than waiting for this one, and if you are booking in the season, check the policy for rough weather, because cold fronts can change or cancel evening departures.
What to expect
The experience
A seasonal evening boat cruise on Matanzas Bay to see the illuminated bayfront and old town from the water.
Best time
During Nights of Lights; weeknights are quieter than weekends.
How long
Check the booking page for the length and boarding point.
Tips
Dress warmly for winter evenings on the water. Book early for December weekends. Use a garage, since parking is scarce.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to see Nights of Lights without crowds or parking stress.
- Families
- Good for families, with warm layers for children.
- Couples
- A romantic holiday-season highlight.
- Pair with
- An early dinner and a bayfront walk to see the lights from the ground.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
When does Nights of Lights run?+
This season it runs from November 21, 2026 to January 18, 2027, beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Is the cruise available all year?+
This is a seasonal lights cruise, so check the booking page for dates; other trips run outside the season.
Should I bring warm clothes?+
Yes. Winter evenings on the bay can be cool and breezy.
How far ahead should I book?+
As early as you can for December weekends and the days around Christmas, which sell out.
How is it different from the schooner or dolphin cruises?+
It focuses on the holiday lights rather than a sail or wildlife.
