Night of Lights Boat Tour in St. Augustine
Passengers sail aboard the Black Raven pirate ship along the Matanzas River toward historic downtown St. Augustine for front-row views of millions of illuminating holiday lights. During the voyage, guests can sing along with the pirate crew to sea shanties and Christmas carols, dance across the deck, and enjoy seasonal drinks from the onboard bar.
What to Expect
View St. Augustine's holiday lights from aboard a pirate ship.
Event Details
Food & Drink
The onboard bar serves seasonal drinks, light snacks, and sweet treats; full dinner is not served.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and swashbuckling
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: The cruise leaves at 4:15PM exactly.
- Parking: Augustine is limited, and visitors should allow at least 45–60 minutes to find parking. It says parking issues do not qualify for refunds.
- Accessibility: The ship is not wheelchair accessible, as boarding requires climbing a set of five steps.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve ahead, especially during Christmas breaks, because cruises may sell out one or two days in advance.
- Check in at the Black Raven Ship Store and collect your boarding pass before heading to the ship; boarding passes are required.
- Allow at least 45–60 minutes to find parking, as the marina has no lot and downtown parking is limited.
- Arrive before the scheduled departure; the ship cannot wait, and missed departures due to parking problems are not refundable.
- Bring a rain layer if needed: the cruise may sail in light rain, and covered areas are available on board.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can passengers do during the cruise?
Passengers can join the crew’s sea shanty and Christmas carol sing-alongs, dance on deck, and view the holiday lights along the historic bayfront.
Are food and drinks available on board?
A full-service bar serves seasonal drinks, light snacks, and sweet treats. Dinner is not served on board.
How long should I allow for the trip?
The Nights of Lights cruise lasts approximately two hours.
Should I reserve a cruise in advance?
Reservations are strongly recommended; during Christmas breaks and other peak periods, trips may sell out a day or two ahead.
What do I need to do before boarding?
Check in at the Black Raven Ship Store inside the marina building and collect your boarding pass before going to the ship. The ship cannot wait for latecomers.
More Christmas Events near St. Johns
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