A few weeks ago one of my good friends had her bachelorette party, and we stayed in two lovely connected homes in Vilano Beach, Florida, just minutes from St. Augustine and steps from the ocean. On the second night, a sunset boat ride was planned with Fury Water Adventures St. Augustine, where we made our way to Vilano Beach Pier and boarded the catamaran-style vessel.
The boat was completely booked out, and we found there was even another group celebrating a recent engagement, too!
The weather was perfect as we all stood on the top deck and soaked in the golden sun and breeze as well, sailing along the Intracoastal, spotting St. Augustine’s iconic landmarks in the distance as well as the lighthouse farther ahead.

© Daniel Korzeniewski | Dreamstime.com
The boat offered free drinks and snacks including beer, wine and their specialty margarita. I opted for a glass of white wine, and we all enjoyed sipping the cold drinks. Then the live music began, with beloved hits encouraging everyone to dance, sing or simply bob their head along as we ventured up and down the waterway.
As the sun began to set behind us, the boat turned around and we neared Vilano Beach Pier. The ride ended up being two hours long and well worth the ticket. The band gave my friend a special shout-out too for her upcoming wedding, and we all disembarked in the best of moods.
— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor
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