by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Owned and operated by Captain Tony Pelesotti, readers have consistently voted Red Boat Tours as one of USA Today’s Top Boat tours in the St. Augustine area for its superior service, strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, and unparalleled hospitality.
Founded to fulfill the owner’s lifelong dream of living and working on Florida’s beautiful coastal waterways following a long and draining stint in the corporate world, Red Boat Tours offers numerous unique, relaxing , and personalized tour options to suit the needs of everyone in your party.
Options include the wildly popular Dolphin Odyssey and Sightseeing Tour (family friendly) , Sunset Cruise (adults only), Private Cruise (great for special events and tailored to accommodate private parties) , and the world-famous Nights of Lights Tour (during the holiday season only so it books up quickly in advance).
All cruises are B.Y.O.B. Red Boat Tours’ policy is that outside food and drink is always welcome.
We experienced the Dolphin Odyssey and the Sunset Tours , two excursions offering completely unique and individualized experiences, featuring some of the city’s most intriguing history and beautiful sights.
DOLPHIN ODYSSEY AND SIGHTSEEING TOUR:
Featuring a 1.5-hour tour led by Captain Savannah and first mate, Sydney, Tony’s daughters, the Dolphin Odyssey and Sightseeing tour is filled with breathtaking views of St. Augustine’s glorious cityscape, Davis Shores, and Anastasia Island, as well as plenty of up close and personal encounters with Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins.
Only several minutes into our excursion , we saw numerous dolphins, jumping and playfully interacting with the passengers. Captain Savannah provided many intriguing facts about dolphins throughout the duration of our ride.
The 45-foot Tri-Pontoon winds through the stunning blue waters of the Matanzas River, passing by the incomparably beautiful St. Augustine cityscape and toward more isolated areas and inlets.
Engaging, personable , and exhibiting consummate professionalism throughout the tour, Captain Savannah and First Mate Sydney provided an excellent experience to the passengers aboard our Dolphin Tour.
RED BOAT SUNSET TOUR
Guided by the skilled (not to mention, hilarious) Captain James and First Mate, Christie, The Red Boat Sunset Tour is an optimal way to experience the Matanzas River in the most serene, soothing, and viscerally stunning way possible. The Red Boat Tri Boat Pontoon embarks as the balmy Florida weather begins to settle into a comfortable warm breeze , setting off into the sunset toward a plethora of top St. Augustine sights and landmarks waiting to be discovered.
Although the sunset cruise does not brandish the word “dolphin” in the title or promise sightings of this beloved aquatic mammal, countless dolphins, living and playing in their natural habitat, can be seen within only minutes of departure from the Marina. Up close and personal vantage points of the vast flora and fauna that occupy the coasts of St. Augustine are offered at numerous portions of the tour, including sightings of herons, egrets, several types of waterfowl, fish, etc. A whole new perspective is provided of the city’s most iconic landmarks by the jovial Captain James.
Take in the majestic views of “Firm and Faithful,” the two lions that guard the grand Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine’s historic district, before journeying toward the legendary “Great Cross,” which was erected in 1966 and was built of 70 tons of stainless-steel plates packed with concrete in its lower third to prevent toppling by hurricanes.
Breathtaking views, a relaxing ride, and a superb customer experience are just a few of the many reasons that Red Boat Tours is consistently ranked by tourists and top media outlets alike as one of the best ways to explore the waterways of St. Augustine!
WEBSITE: www.redboattours.com
PHONE NUMBER: (904) 436-3566
INSTAGRAM @redboattours
Victoria Henley writes Backstage Pass for iHeart Radio and CTFashionMag.com
