Black Raven's Nights of Lights Cruise

Nights of Lights aboard the Black Raven

Evening Tour Along the Bayfront

Every year, the crew of Black Raven  hosts "Black Raven's Nights of Lights Cruise" with pirates, holiday singing, and a bit of hijinks. On most nights, from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026, the Black Raven Pirate Ship heads north through the Bridge of Lions on a two-hour cruise along the bayfront. Enjoy sailing under the raised bridge, watch the town glow from the sunset, and see the Nights of Lights become brighter as the evening turns to night. Santa joins the crew most nights in December, beginning on December 1. 

• What: This two-hour Nights of Lights Cruise offers a spectacular view of sunset, as the city begins to sparkle with holiday lights. Experience life on a pirate ship, sing Christmas carols, participate in a pirate battle, and dance with the crew.
• Admission: $39.95 per person for ages 13 to 55, $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12, $12.95 for toddlers and infants ages two and under, and $36.95 for seniors over 55.
• When: On November 15 at 5:15 p.m. and from November 16, 2025, through January 11, 2026, at 4:15 p.m.
• Exceptions: The pirates take a break on Thanksgiving, November 27, and Christmas. The boat is booked for a private charter on December 13 and January 1, 2, and 3.
• Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. The boat leaves the dock precisely at 4:15 p.m., and there is very limited metered parking in the area. Please use a shuttle if possible, or allow 60 minutes to find parking. (See more about parking, below.)
• Contact: Call (904) 826-0000 or go here to purchase tickets and learn more. Tickets can also be purchased at their ship's store at the marina, at 111 Avenida Menendez.
• LIght-Up! Night: The Black Raven leaves the dock at 5:15 p.m. on November 15, so you can experience the sight of the city coming alive with holiday lights.
• Regatta of Lights: The Black Raven is booked for a private charter during the Regatta of Lights on December 13.
• New Year's Eve: The Black Raven leaves the dock at 10:45 p.m. for a two-hour champagne-toast cruise celebrating the new year. This cruise is $99.95 per person and is open to those ages 21 and older.

Daytime Treasure Hunt Tour on the Matanzas

• What: The Black Raven's 90-minute Treasure Hunt tour adds Santa from December 1 through December 23, 2025. Children on board join the sword fight to help Santa and the Raven's pirate crew get Santa's sack of presents from the nasty pirates on Queen Ann's Revenge. The Treasure Hunt Cruise takes place after Christmas, but Santa will have returned to the North Pole.
• Admission: $44.95 per person for ages 13 to 55, $39.95 for children ages 3 through 12, $12.95 for infants and toddlers 2 and younger, and $41.95 for seniors.
• When: Daily, at 1:15 p.m.
• Exceptions: The pirates take a break on Thanksgiving and Christmas—no treasure hunts on those days.
• Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. The boat leaves the dock precisely at 1:15 p.m., and there is very limited metered parking in the area, so please allow plenty of time to find parking.

Nights of Lights Free Parking and Shuttles for 2025

Free parking and free shuttle rides to and from your car on 33 days and nights during Nights of Lights. 

How Does it Work?

Park for free in one of three lots, take a free bus to the Visitor Information Center, enjoy all Nights of Lights has to offer, and take a free bus back to your car. 

When Will it Operate?

• From 1:00 to 11:00 p.m., on 33 days of Nights of Lights, and on December 6 (the day of the Christmas Parade) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• November: 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30
• December: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31
• January: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11

Where Will You Park? 

Three lots will operate on all 33 days:

• Broudy's Lot, 198 West King Street, St. Augustine, off U.S. 1
• North San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine
• St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, off U.S. 1

Two additional lots on Anastasia Island will operate from 1:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Light-Up! Night, November 15, 2025

• R.B. Hunt School, 125 Magnolia Dr., St. Augustine, Florida 32080
• Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A S, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Why Use the Shuttle?

First, it's free.

Second, you avoid the hassle of driving around and around the city streets looking for a parking spot.

Third, Nights of Lights is a walking event and a tour event. Leave your car in a free lot, take a free shuttle to the Visitor Information Center, walk around town, and ride on a carriage, a trolley, a red train, or a golf cart.