Best Water Activities in St. Augustine

A kayaker in morning light on the Silver River at Silver Springs State Park.

Everything’s better on the water, or so they say. We happen to believe it wholeheartedly here in St. Augustine. From fishing at St. John’s County Pier or taking an airboat tour to kayaking the marshland at Anastasia State Park, there are so many exciting and fun opportunities to get out and explore. And while there are tons of things to see and do on dry land, no trip to St. Augustine is complete without taking advantage of our beautiful waterways and oceanfront real estate. Whether you’re venturing onto our beaches, protected estuaries, tidal marshes, or the Intracoastal Waterway, dive into the fun with some of the best water activities in St. Augustine.

Fish On

Surrounded almost entirely by water, Florida, naturally, makes a great fishing destination, but nowhere in the state has as much variety as St. Augustine. Spend a day casting a line for inshore redfish, pompano, speckled trout, flounder, and more! Or book an offshore charter and try for kingfish, grouper, cobia, and even shark! Whether you want game fishing, a scenic day on a river, or anything in between, you’ll find it in St. Augustine. Fish from bridges, piers, boats, kayaks, or right in the surf! When you book your vacation at Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals, you’ll be right across the street from the St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier, where you can spend the day letting the kids splash through the spray-ground while you enjoy hooking a fish from the pier.

Rent Jet Skis

3 people on a jet ski at sunset

Cut through the waves or cruise through the river. No matter your speed, a jet ski rental is one of the most fun water activities in St. Augustine. With so many options for riding, you can find the perfect water destination for you and your family. Looking for an easy day taking in wildlife like pelicans, ospreys, or even dolphins? A trip down the Intracoastal Waterway would be perfect! If you feel the need for speed, let loose in the surf as you cut turns and jump the waves. No matter your goal, the folks at Raging Water Sports have you covered. Be sure to check out their guided tours and watercraft options!

Paddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes

Renting a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe is the perfect way to explore the sand dunes and narrow waterways at Anastasia State Park. With its rich ecosystem, this is the perfect water activity for getting up close and personal with all the local marine and wildlife in St. Augustine. Leisurely explore the 1600-acre park and keep your eyes peeled for manatees, sea turtles, crabs, and all kinds of marsh birds. For affordable rentals and tours, visit Anastasia Water Sports.  

Sightseeing Cruise

View of St. Augustine, Fl from the water at sunset

St. Augustine is one of the most picturesque cities in the country. With its Spanish-influenced architecture and beautiful old-world feel, you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring on your vacation. Consider a scenic sightseeing cruise to help you see the city from a whole new perspective. When you book with St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, you’ll board the Victory III for a relaxing tour of the nation’s oldest city.

Airboat Tour

If leisure isn’t what you’re looking for, consider the adrenaline-pumping fun of an airboat tour! Sea Serpent Tours offers several packages to fit your needs and group size. Tour freshwater creeks and scope out American Alligators, Turtles, Reptiles, and tons more local wildlife when you book the Airboat Adventure tour. Captain Mike Blount and his daughter, Captain Becca, provide tons of entertainment for your group as you ride through the tributaries on their Sea Dragon or Fire Dragon Airboats. See the wild side of St. Augustine with this exciting water activity.

Parasailing

Soar above St. Augustine and get a birds-eye view of the city when you book a parasailing tour with St. Augustine Parasail. As you fly over Anastasia Island, keep a look out for your vacation home – especially if you booked with Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals! A parasailing adventure is like nothing you’ve experienced before. As you float in the quiet skies, scan the waters for dolphins, jellyfish, and rays. Gaze at the beauty of St. Augustine’s historic district from a completely unique vantage point. The team will document your adventure, so you’ll have incredible photos of this exhilarating water activity to keep forever.

Surf Lessons

Group of people on beach for surf lessons

St. Augustine Surf School is ranked one of the best in the world, with over 200 five-star reviews! Whether you’re a pro looking to rent a board for the day or have never surfed before and want to learn, you’ll find everything you need here. Choose from private or group lessons and learn from the best. The instructors are some of the most knowledgeable in Florida and have been helping people learn to ride the waves for years. Book your class and learn everything you need to know to help you have fun in the surf for years to come.

Book Your St. Augustine Adventure Today

Interior shot of vacation rental at Sunset at Anastasia in St. Augustine, FL

You know what they say, location, location, location! That’s why our St. Augustine vacation rentals are some of the most popular in the region. Located just steps away from St. Augustine Beach, Seaside at Anastasia offers luxury 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rentals that are perfect for your next trip. When you’re tired from a day of exciting water activities in St. Augustine, come home to your beautiful vacation rental and unwind in the serenity of this private community. Seaside at Anastasia will quickly steal your heart. Book today and see why so many return year after year.