Red Boat Tours
Cruise the bay and waterways, while watching dolphins, pelicans, and sunsets.
Red Boat Tours offers family-friendly and adult-only tours, including dolphin, sunset, and seasonal tours. Most of the tours depart from the Vilano Beach Fishing Pier floating dock.
Pellicano
The Red Boat, Pellicano, is a 50-foot Trident Pontoon that is 16 feet wide. This spacious, open-air boat features a restroom, padded seating, and a shade roof. The crew provides bottles of water—guests may bring soft drinks and snacks aboard any cruise and adult beverages are invited along the sunset cruises.
This is a wheelchair-accessible boat that welcomes private parties and group tours. They have an excellent sound system and space for up to 60 passengers, making this a great venue for anniversaries, birthdays, and small weddings. Captain Tony Palesotti is a notary and can perform the wedding ceremony.
Cruises and Tours
Passengers board Pellicano from the floating dock on the fishing pier at Vilano Beach. Free parking is available in a lot in front of the pier or on Vilano Road. The boat navigates the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas Bay—it does not go into the open ocean. The experienced captain and crew delight in showing the natural wonders of these waterways.
Red Boat Tours earned a 2024 Travelers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor, signifying that they are in the top 10% of things to do on Tripadvisor worldwide.
Dolphin Odyssey & Sightseeing Tour
The 90-minute Dolphin Odyssey and Sightseeing Tour showcases both the beauty of St. Augustine from the water and the special pleasure of seeing wild dolphins swimming up alongside the boat. Though a sighting cannot be guaranteed, most tours have reported at least a glimpse of a fin and a friendly face as dolphins play and feed nearby in groups. This tour costs $29.00 for those 13 and older, $15.00 for children ages three through 12, and $8.00 for children younger than three.
Sunset BYOB Cruise
This 90-minute adults-only sunset cruise offers a unique way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Guests bring their alcoholic beverage of choice and sip the day away as they coast the waterways and watch the sun set behind the city's skyline. This cruise is $39.00 per person.
Seasonal Tours
4th of July Fireworks Cruise
This cruise takes visitors off the coast to witness St. Augustine's impressive fireworks display. Viewing the fireworks from a boat gives spectators a close-up view while offering the unique perspective of seeing each burst reflect across the water.
Veterans Discount
On Veterans Day, veterans ride free.
Red Boat Water Tours offers a year-round 10% military discount for active-duty military members and all in their parties. Use MIL10 when booking online.
During the months of May, September, and December, active duty U.S. Military, veterans, and their entire parties receive 15% off the regular price of the tickets. Use VET15 when booking online.
During September, first responders can use the code FIRST15 to receive a 15% discount.
World Famous Nights of Lights Tour
During St. Augustine's Nights of Lights, Red Boat Tours offers family-friendly and adults-only tours to give visitors a dazzling perspective of the city's festive light displays. This tour takes a little over an hour.
Private Cruise
Red Boat Tours offers a fun and unique venue for special events and meetings. From something as simple as a birthday party to a wedding with 48 guests and attendants — plus the bride and groom, of course.
With a sound system and space for 50 passengers, plus a dance floor, Red Boat Tours is a great option for private cruises. If you don't want to dance, the boat can hold up to 60 passengers for your party or gathering. The boat is accessible for those in wheelchairs and has a restroom on board, so this on-the-water venue is comfortable for everyone attending family parties and company celebrations. Call (904) 436-3566 for more information.
Please note that a minimum of eight passengers are required for tours. On the few occasions when a tour does not reach that minimum, all ticketed passengers will receive either a refund or the opportunity to reschedule. The dock is available only to pick up and drop off passengers, please leave time to park and gather up what you need for the cruise.
