Red Boat Water Tours
Red Boat Water Tours
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Captain Tony & Miss Jennifer Palesotti are owners & co-founders of Red Boat Water Tours, LLC, St Augustine's , providers of Dolphin Tours, Sunset Cruises, , Family Outings, Birthday Parties, Beach Cruises, Photo Cruises, Weddings and anything else you’d like to do on the water, aboard our 45' Trident pontoon, the White Pelican.
St. Augustine, United States
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Red Boat Water Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,355 reviews
Excellent
1,307
Very good
32
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
6
Chris W
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Who would've known that a simple Groupon would get me a level of service that far exceeded any expectations. Scheduled the sunset cruise in celebration of my wife and I reaching our 1 year wedding anniversary. The crew were very caring and friendly to all onboard and even gave us a little surprise at the end by keeping us out a little later than the scheduled time to see the Harvest Moon light up the night sky. They ended it all with a shout out to us and the whole boat cheered. This was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. Thank you so much!
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been waiting to respond to this review, because I've been trying to figure out what I could say, that would express my appreciation. This is one of the nicest reviews we've ever received and it means a lot to us. It means that we delivered the kind of service that we promised ourselves we would deliver! Thank you for letting us know that and thank you for your business! Hope to see you for MANY MANY more anniversaries.
Regards,
Captain Tony
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa S
New York City, NY1 contribution
Jan 2023
Such a fun time Tuesday night going on the Night of Lights boat tour with Red Boat Water Tours!!! They were fantastic!! Captain Dave and First Mate Dale were the Dynamic Duo, indeed. They made it fun, playful and entertaining, while educating us at the same time on the city and it's architecture on the shoreline. The lights were so beautiful, and I loved seeing them from the water viewpoint. It made it a special experience! I have been a Jacksonville local for 7 years now, and Captain Dave taught me things I didn't even know yet about St. Augustine and some of it's history/buildings. I brought my brother and fiance along too and they had a fabulous time as well. I will definitely be returning for another boat tour again, and HIGHLY recommend Red Boat Water Tours and Captain Dave/
First Mate Dale to anyone who wants an amazing on the water.
First Mate Dale to anyone who wants an amazing on the water.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran C
Lancaster, PA6 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Despite the cloudy, drizzly conditions, Captain Tony & Jennifer provided a very enjoyable and memorable experience for the guests aboard our sunset cruise. There was music playing and lots of entertaining and informative stories shared by the crew. We were very lucky to see some Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins! Tony & Jennifer went out of their way to make sure everyone on board had a good time. Would definitely recommend the sunset cruise on Red Boat Tours!
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you so much for trusting us! Y’all have been so great to have on board!!!
Written 18 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizzie L
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Sunset Cruise:
While the two men managing the boat seemed nice enough, it was supposed to be a 90 minute excursion. We paid almost $135 for a family of four and it was a 30 minute slow ride--no sunset (I understand you can't control that) but then when the weather turned, about 15 minutes into the cruise, they took us back. I appreciate their concern for everyone's safety and understand you can't control the weather but since we only had 1/3 of the time, we should get charged 1/3 of the price. There was no mention of a refund at all which I thought was crazy. Really wish we had just gone to a very nice dinner!
While the two men managing the boat seemed nice enough, it was supposed to be a 90 minute excursion. We paid almost $135 for a family of four and it was a 30 minute slow ride--no sunset (I understand you can't control that) but then when the weather turned, about 15 minutes into the cruise, they took us back. I appreciate their concern for everyone's safety and understand you can't control the weather but since we only had 1/3 of the time, we should get charged 1/3 of the price. There was no mention of a refund at all which I thought was crazy. Really wish we had just gone to a very nice dinner!
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane H
8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
My bff and I went on the Red Boat dolphin & sightseeing cruise out of Vilano Beach today and it was fantastic. Captain Tony was very knowledgeable and entertaining as we were looking for dolphins. We were able to spot a mother and her youngster near the sandbar and it was amazing to watch them dive and surface as they were hunting fish (sorry no pictures, they are too quick). Captain Tony is very knowledgeable about the Vilano Beach and St. Augustine area and history. After watching the dolphins for awhile we circle around and headed into St. Augustine and under the Bridge of Lions, which was amazing because it opened for a sailboat about 2 minutes later. I’ve been to St. Augustine hundreds of times but I had never experienced it from the water. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has 1-1/2 hours to kill and truly wants to see the amazing scenery. The boat is well maintained, clean and comfortable. Water is provided if you forget to bring your own. Captain Tony was great with kids and kept them entertained during the trip by having them look for things and practice “driving the boat.” I can’t wait to go back during the holidays and see the Nights of Lights from the water; it should be amazing.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer J
8 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This tour is really the perfect way to end a day of touring the oldest city in the nation. The boat departed from an mobile friendly peir that has ample free parking. The boat was very comfortable with large coushioned bench like seating. The captain and first mate were very friendly and safety conscious. The sunset was breath taking and to be able to see the city from this point of veiw is an absolute must. The captain had the perfect amount of history, picture perfect opportunities, and quiet time for passengers to enjoy their adventures with their companions. A perfectly romantic evening.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure789369
South Daytona, FL10 contributions
Nov 2022
Traveled up to Vilano Beach with my wife to tag along with her on one of her “scrapbooking ladies” three day getaways. About six PM, Saturday evening we launched. The Capt and crew couldn’t have been more warm and welcoming, fun and informative! It was a perfect evening and we cruised all the coastal waterways with perfect views of wildlife, nature and coastal views of the Old City! I was seated up on the front row with my DSLR and array of long lenses and returned with almost fifty “calendar worthy” scenic shots! Made some wonderful memories with my wife of almost fifty years! I highly recommend the services of beautifully run family enterprise!
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Congratulations on your marriage duration and honored y’all chose Red Boat. We strive for excellence and it sounds like we made our goal on that special day! Thanks for the review! 😀
Written 12 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimmie075
Victor, NY352 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We wanted a sunset cruise as we were celebrating our anniversary in St. Augustine. I booked RedBoat Tours before leaving home and I called to inquire beforehand. I’m pretty sure the girl told me it was a 45-foot boat. It was not, it was a pontoon boat, but it was okay.
There were several irritating circumstances. We were specifically told to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Apparently that only applied to some as we had to wait for stragglers showing up after the 6:30 departure time. Extremely annoying. When we arrive 15 minutes prior, I explained I could not be in full sun due to skin issues, and asked to sit in the middle row, but was told by the first mate that they wanted to seat a “birthday party” starting in the middle row, and I could not sit there. When I phoned prior to booking, I was told I could tell the captain I needed to be in the shade and I would be sure to be seated in the covered section I chose. Did not happen. Lastly, the so called birthday party people were the stragglers that did not show up 25 minutes prior, much less on time, but actually arrived after our 6:30 departure time, laughing all the way like it was a joke. But nothing was said to them. All of these factors were annoying and irritating but I was not about to let the lazy attitude of others ruin my anniversary sail. Hind sight being 20/20, if there is ever a next time, I will choose a different company. The cruise was good, sunset was beautiful. If I had not been told I could not sit in the middle row, this review would be completely different. It just goes to show, you should not cater to a particular group who has not yet shown up before telling someone else they cannot have a particular seat. That set the entire tone and mood for me. My opinion. I would not choose Red Boat Tours again.
There were several irritating circumstances. We were specifically told to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Apparently that only applied to some as we had to wait for stragglers showing up after the 6:30 departure time. Extremely annoying. When we arrive 15 minutes prior, I explained I could not be in full sun due to skin issues, and asked to sit in the middle row, but was told by the first mate that they wanted to seat a “birthday party” starting in the middle row, and I could not sit there. When I phoned prior to booking, I was told I could tell the captain I needed to be in the shade and I would be sure to be seated in the covered section I chose. Did not happen. Lastly, the so called birthday party people were the stragglers that did not show up 25 minutes prior, much less on time, but actually arrived after our 6:30 departure time, laughing all the way like it was a joke. But nothing was said to them. All of these factors were annoying and irritating but I was not about to let the lazy attitude of others ruin my anniversary sail. Hind sight being 20/20, if there is ever a next time, I will choose a different company. The cruise was good, sunset was beautiful. If I had not been told I could not sit in the middle row, this review would be completely different. It just goes to show, you should not cater to a particular group who has not yet shown up before telling someone else they cannot have a particular seat. That set the entire tone and mood for me. My opinion. I would not choose Red Boat Tours again.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicki J
11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We did the dolphin tour on June 9,2022 and it was a blast!! Our Captains William (I believe was his name) and Savannah were so great! It was so much fun. Our entire group of 9 ranging in age from their 50s to 7 year olds all enjoyed it. We seen dolphins, local sights, heard stories about the town and its history. Worth every single penny!! Make sure to bring cash for a tip because they deserve it!
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill T
4 contributions
Jun 2022
We went on the dolphin watching cruise. We saw several dolphin. Our captain was good at making sure we all got a chance to see them. She also gave a great mini history of the city and the sites we could see from the water. We were disappointed that we got there on time and others were late and we had to wait for them. Two groups were very slow & didn't even try to hurry to the boat even though they were there over 20 minutes after the time on the confirmation. Then, we were asked 2x to change seats so they could sit together. We felt like we should have left on time and not lost time because others were late.
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First I apologize for this response taking so long, I’ve been out for awhile.
Also, I apologize for the way the crew dealt with the late parties. They should have left them! We will occasionally wait 5 minutes, if we know someone is parking, or walking from their car, but 20 minutes is extreme and should never happen.
Written 18 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is this tour a good way to see the Christmas lights?
Written 22 November 2019
Can we bring a rollator onboard? Are you ADA compliant? ie. no steps getting on, no steps in/out bathroom
Written 18 May 2019
There are steps to get on and off.
Written 29 May 2019
What times are the Dolphins tours in June?
Written 29 January 2019
Typically during the summer months we will run our dolphin tours starting in the mornings around 10:00 and after.
Thank you for your interest!
Written 31 January 2019
go to their website and get 50 per cent off. don't forget to tip the crew.
Written 29 March 2018
are dogs welcome for the evening ride during "Night of Lights"?
Written 9 December 2017
I'm sorry, but we can't allow dogs on the boat, unless they are registered service dogs.
Thank you
Captain Tony
Written 10 December 2017
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