NIGHTS OF LIGHTS REVIEWS - A MAGICAL ST AUGUSTINE SAILING EXPERIENCE
Each year, St. Augustine transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, drawing visitors from all over to experience its renowned Nights of Lights. The dazzling display of millions of lights adorning the historic streets is an experience like no other.
But there’s a way to take the magic up a notch — by viewing the lights from the water with St. Augustine Sailing. Our Nights of Lights reviews reflect what so many have come to appreciate about this unique experience: serene views, intimate tours, and the perfect way to avoid the crowds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a peaceful and scenic way to enjoy the holiday magic, our private and shared sailing packages offer the best way to enjoy the sparkling beauty of the city.
In this blog, we detail what makes St. Augustine Sailing’s tours so unforgettable, share what our guests are saying in their glowing Nights of Lights reviews, and why this should be on your must-do list during the holiday season.
What are the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine?
The annual Nights of Lights event takes place in St. Augustine from late November through January, transforming the city into a holiday wonderland. More than 3 million lights illuminate the historic district, wrapping around trees, buildings, and landmarks, creating a breathtaking spectacle that draws visitors from all over the world. The charm of the display is complemented by the city’s old-world architecture, making it a picture-perfect backdrop for a festive evening out.
This event isn’t just about the lights; it’s about the experience of strolling through a living holiday card, taking in the beauty of the season in one of the oldest cities in America. From the classic beauty of the lights in the historic district to the festive spirit that fills the air, Nights of Lights has earned its reputation as one of the most celebrated holiday light displays in the country.
While walking the streets of St. Augustine offers a stunning view of the lights, experiencing them from the water provides a completely different, more tranquil perspective. Imagine gliding past the sparkling lights aboard a cozy, private sailboat — no crowds, no traffic, just you and the festive display twinkling in the distance. This peaceful, serene setting is exactly why so many rave about the experience in their Nights of Lights reviews.
Best Views of the Nights of Lights
While St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights are undoubtedly stunning, viewing them from the water offers an entirely different perspective. The city’s waterfront provides some of the most pristine views of the holiday displays, making it the perfect setting for a sailing experience. From the gentle sway of the boat to the shimmering reflections of the lights on the water, there’s a tranquil beauty to the scene that you simply can’t get from the crowded streets.
When you embark on one of our sailboats, you’re not just getting a tour—you’re getting an exclusive, up-close look at the magic. Our captains know the best routes around the city to provide a comprehensive view of the lights, often making multiple passes so you can see the displays from various angles. Whether it’s a view of the festive lights along the bayfront or a closer look at historic buildings adorned in twinkling lights, every angle is worth savoring.
One of the best parts of our sailing tours is the opportunity to avoid the hustle and bustle of the typical Nights of Lights crowds. St. Augustine’s historic district can become quite packed during peak hours, making it difficult to fully appreciate the beauty of the lights. With St. Augustine Sailing, you get a peaceful escape, where the only thing you need to focus on is the awe-inspiring view in front of you.
Avoid the Crowds
As one guest, Sgt, said in their Google review: “The tour of the Lights was just amazing. The Captain made multiple passes, we stood at the rails, and were treated as VIP members.” Whether you’re standing at the rail or relaxing in a cozy spot on board, the views of the Nights of Lights are nothing short of spectacular.
Unique Perspective
The quiet and intimate setting also allows for a more relaxed atmosphere where guests can really take their time and enjoy the sights without worrying about the stress of crowds or traffic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying the season, the experience of watching the lights from the water is a peaceful, breathtaking experience that only St. Augustine Sailing can provide.
As Holly Miller-Bopp shared in her Google review, “We had the best view of all the lights without all the people.”
Why Sailing is Better Than Walking
While St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is a cherished tradition, some visitors have expressed concerns about the walking tours. Common issues include:
- Crowding: The historic district can become congested, making it challenging to fully enjoy the light displays.
- Limited Viewing Areas: Some areas offer only partial views of the lights, which can be disappointing for those expecting a more comprehensive experience.
- Tour Quality: Inconsistent tour quality, such as unprofessional guides or lackluster commentary, can detract from the experience.
In contrast, viewing the Nights of Lights from a boat offers several advantages:
- Unobstructed Views: Sailing along the Intracoastal Waterway provides clear, panoramic views of the illuminated cityscape without the hindrance of crowds.
- Serene Atmosphere: The gentle movement of the boat and the tranquil waters create a peaceful setting, enhancing the enjoyment of the light displays.
- Exclusive Experience: Private and semi-private tours ensure a more personalized and intimate experience, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of the lights at their own pace.
By choosing a boat tour, visitors can avoid the common pitfalls of walking tours and immerse themselves in the festive ambiance of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from a unique and comfortable vantage point.
Sailing Packages for Nights of Lights
St. Augustine Sailing offers several options to make your Nights of Lights experience even more special. With four different sailing packages — Glitter, Sparkle, Twinkle, and Shared Nights of Lights Tour — you can choose the level of intimacy and luxury that best fits your celebration. Whether you’re looking for a quiet private sail or a lively shared tour, St. Augustine Sailing is the ideal way to take in the magic of the holiday season.
Glitter Package
The Glitter Package offers the ultimate luxury experience in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights. Reserve your spot aboard a private sailing yacht and enjoy an exclusive 3-hour charter with a front-row view of the dazzling light display. As the sun sets, your private chef will prepare an exquisite 4-course dinner, paired with wine for each course, creating an unforgettable culinary experience on the water. Escape the crowds and treat your loved ones to a serene, intimate evening. This is truly an experience of a lifetime. All that glitters is golden—starting at $425++ per person for parties of six.
Sparkle Package
The Sparkle Package offers a cozy, intimate way to experience the Nights of Lights aboard a private luxury sailing yacht. As the sun sets and St. Augustine’s dazzling lights come to life, you and your guests can enjoy a peaceful 2-hour charter along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Relish a perfectly paired selection of sweet and savory bites, along with a hot festive beverage to enhance the experience. This intimate journey promises unforgettable moments filled with joy and laughter. Convenient, free parking is available at Camachee Cove Marina, and cozy blankets are available for purchase to add extra warmth. Starting at $129++ per person for parties of six.
Twinkle Package
The Twinkle Package offers a magical 75-minute sailing experience through the heart of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. As the sun sets and over three million lights illuminate the city, you and your special guests can enjoy the festive ambiance from the comfort of a luxury sailing yacht. Savor a delectable dessert cruise, paired with a signature festive beverage, as you float along the Intracoastal Waterway. Cozy up with blankets available for advance purchase and take in the twinkling lights. Convenient, free parking is available at Camachee Cove Marina. Starting at $99++ per person for parties of six, this experience creates lasting memories.
Shared Tour
The Shared Nights of Lights Tour offers a unique way to experience St. Augustine’s dazzling holiday lights aboard a luxury sailing yacht. As the sun sets, over three million lights illuminate the city, creating a magical atmosphere along the St. Augustine promenade. Share this unforgettable experience with loved ones as you sail the Intracoastal Waterway. This scenic 75-minute tour is perfect for those seeking a festive, social adventure. Prices start at $89++ per person.
What Our Guests Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it—our guests have shared countless glowing Nights of Lights reviews that highlight the exceptional experiences they’ve had aboard our sailboats. These reviews reflect the unique charm of St. Augustine Sailing’s tours and the unforgettable memories our guests create while sailing through the magical light displays.
One guest, 904withus, called their experience “absolutely phenomenal,” mentioning how the entire evening, from the perfect weather to the breathtaking sunset, made for a truly magical adventure. The Nights of Lights itself was described as “a sight to behold,” and the thoughtful details like hot apple cider and savory snack boxes contributed to the cozy, festive atmosphere onboard. They emphasized how the experience exceeded their expectations and left them with lasting memories.
Another review by Robert Wright highlights a very special experience. He booked the Glitter Package as a surprise birthday dinner for his wife, and the evening didn’t disappoint. From the outstanding service to the freshly prepared meal on board, it was an unforgettable celebration. Robert was especially thrilled with the “quiet, hassle-free, traffic-free, birds-eye view” of the Nights of Lights, adding that this front-row seat made the experience unique. His review sums up the overall sentiment of many guests: “If you want a pleasurable experience, Saint Augustine Sailing is hands down the charter to go with.”
For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Nights of Lights reviews show that many guests find our tours perfect for special occasions. Holly Miller-Bopp shared her excitement about having the “best view of all the lights without all the people,” on New Year’s Eve, thanks to the professional and enthusiastic crew. Her review shows how important it is to have a captain who is not only skilled but also genuinely enjoys the experience—making it feel all the more special.
These real reviews highlight just how much our guests appreciate the peaceful, personalized, and intimate sailing experiences we offer during the Nights of Lights event. With each glowing review, it’s clear that a sailing tour with St. Augustine Sailing is a truly unforgettable way to see the magic of St. Augustine during the holiday season.
For more information and to stay updated, visit www.sta-sail.com/nol and follow us on social media @StAugustineSailing.
