Absolutely amazing sunset sail on the Schooner Freedom while we were in St. Augustine on our honeymoon! The boat was immaculate and the Captain and Crew were all very friendly and attended to all of our needs even offering blankets when it got really chilly after the sunset. We were delayed at the drawbridge as a the cruise began because the Spanish Navigator Juan Merediz was ending his historic route sail from Spain to St. Augustine was being escorted into the marina. That was really cool. I highly recommend and hope to be back for future anniversaries. read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Just Gorgeous! - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Boarding the SV Freedom for a sunset voyage was a fun thing to do when visiting St. Augustine. My wife signed us up, as she knows I sail and would enjoy being on the water, even if I'm not driving. The boat was crowded, but the crew were courteous and were friendly with passengers. They even tried picking up some flotsam (trash) floating down the river, which shows they care about the waterway they sail. read more

We had such a great time on our afternoon sail. Captain Jack and the crew, Nathan and Tristan, were so friendly and attentive. They thought of and provided us with everything we needed for a comfortable sail including sunscreen and complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water. I have lived in St. Augustine for many years and have ridden most of the boat tours in town. This one was by far the best! I will definitely take another trip on the Freedom soon, maybe on one of their evening sails. I recommend this sail 100 percent! read more

The only real thing I can say about this little operation is that take the safety of their crew and guests safely. We were scheduled to sail with them on my birthday; sunset cruise, specifically. Of course, what happens? A thunderstorm rolled through close to departure time. Captain waited and kept tabs on the weather. It wasn't getting any better anytime soon, so he canceled the cruise. The office folks gave us the choice of rebooking, refund right on the spot. Totally professional and caring operation. As you can imagine I was quite disappointed... At the same time if they really care about providing good service in a case like this, I suspect it bodes well to take a voyage with these folks. Why? It's often the little things about running a business which get overlooked. With this one, it's evident they they run a "shipshape" operation . Horrible pun, of course, but it gets the point across. Were I to find myself in St Augustine again, I'd not hesitate one moment to rebook with these folks. As it is, we were refunded cheerfully and everyone remained safe and I certainly hope dry. I hope they still have room for us on a voyage somewhere in the future. read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Check in time - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

This is a fun charter experience. For whatever reason, I thought this was going to be a little more of a party cruise than the subdued, relaxed, acoustic moonlight sail....but I thoroughly enjoyed this. The Captain and crew were friendly, the acoustic guitar player/singer was very talented...and with a couple of beers and perfect temperatures that evening.... it was a great little sail. I do wish it was a little longer and a bit more under sail rather than power, but it was still a great little ride on a very cool gaff rigged schooner! You don't see these every day.... Well, they do! Lucky! ;) read more

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Captain Steve and crew, Taylor, Tennyson and Jack welcomed my friends and I aboard for a fabulous Friday night sunset sail. This was a private event that had been booked a year ago and canceled due to covid constraints - but we finally made it happen in 2021! Once we moved under the Bridge of Lions - we sat sail ... it was excellent! The crew not only made sure everyone had drinks; they also took care with safety measures and of course hoisting the sails. Would highly recommend - whether local or tourist!! read more

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I whole heartedly recommend this experience. The Schooner is a beautiful vessel with an outstanding captain and crew. I departed on a Jacksonville Magazine Explorers club charter. My group of 12 settled amongst the 32 participants and enjoyed a two-hour tour using sails and motor. We enjoyed a variety adult beverages and food from The Board Grazer while looking at beautiful views. The Schooner offers daily trips at different times. It looks like they sell out a lot, especially during the height of tourism season. I enjoyed the sunset trip personally, The crew is kid friendly. They let adults and children help with some light sail work, if preferable. You start seated but then get to walk around and explore once the boat is sailing. I advise going to their website to read more about them and book a trip. However, if you are out and about in St Augustine feel free to walk up to their booth and see if they have any spots open. read more

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Our Nights of Lights Sunset Cruise by Schooner Freedom Charters was the perfect way to celebrate our last night of vacation in St. Augustine this past weekend. Due to a last minute cancellation, we were lucky enough to schedule our group of four. Captain Steve and his crew of Lauren, Cal, and Vaj (sp?) welcomed us aboard with a glass of sparkling and then assigned seating on the boat. Social distancing is maintained with a maximum of 26 passengers and plenty of spacing for all. The crew kept our beverages full throughout this relaxing two-hour cruise. This was most certainly the best way to get a quick view of the Lights, the sunset, and a great view of the Castillo de San Marcos without the crowd. Thank you to Captain Steve and his crew for providing us such a great view of St. Augustine. read more

We took the sunset cruise which was from 4:30-6:30 pm in early March. The weather was perfect with warm breezes and they put up the sails and we had a great sailing experience. Captain Jack and his crew took very good care of all the passengers onboard- complimentary champagne or other beverages of your choice to enjoy. The crew worked hard with the shifts in the sails depending on our direction, yet were able to attend to and chat with the passengers as well. Our small group really enjoyed this and highly recommend booking this 2 journey cruise. read more

This was our second trip on the Schooner Freedom, and we highly recommend it as an option during your visit to St Augustine or somewhere nearby. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. They answered all our questions, and shared fun stories, too. This is a family run business, and they take a lot of pride in offering excellent service and a friendly atmosphere. They offer complementary beer, wine, a variety of sodas, and water. I think they even had champagne prior to departure. The trip is a mix of sailing and using the engine, based on the weather, tides, etc. And the crew works very hard when they are moving the sails around to catch the appropriate wind. It is interesting to watch them work. If you are looking for a party barge type experience, this isn't it. If you are looking for a relaxing sailing experience with friendly, professional staff who take their job seriously and enjoy having guests sail with them, Schooner Freedom is your place. We will sail with them again sometime in the future. read more

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Amazing experience!! I cannot praise the crew more! Such a friendly and engaging crew the entire trip. Spectacular views and a most wonderful experience! read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Captain Jack and his crew showed us a delightful evening on my 69th birthday. I highly recommend this friendly and competent crew. The sail (and we did sail on the two masted tall ship) was an unforgettable experience and should be on every St Augustine visitor's to do list. read more

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This is a super fun cruise around St Augustine, with an awesome old school feel to the ship . A great , fun, enthusiastic crew, champagne, wine, beer. We did the sunset cruise, but they also have daytime and night cruises. I will definitely be going back for Nights of Lights! They light up the ship, and you get to see St. Augustine from a different perspective. We saw dolphins and lots of birds, the crew said once in a while they see manatees! Super fun, relaxing and highly recommend read more

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Thank you so much for an awesome sunset sail on the water. It was so relaxing. The whole family (Dad is capt, Mom is host and two grown kids as mates) took us out for a two hour sail. The price is so reasonable, we booked day of (it was a Tues), it includes beer, wine, soda and water. They're top notch and allow you to help raise the sails, etc. They tell stories and know all about the area. We saw dolphin and just relaxed ... must do in St Augustine. Enjoy!! read more

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Great date night out! My husband and I did the Haunted Ghost sail in October 2019 (took me a while to get to reviewing). Staff was great and they are a family tan business. They were reasonably priced and it includes beer, wine, water, and sodas. The tour was informative, interesting, and funny (Captain J.S. Kent was jovial! I don't know if they are still offering this tour but if they are you should definitely check it out! read more

We recently sailed for our second time with Schooner Freedom Charters and we'll return again on our next visit to St. Augustine. The crew and captains are friendly and welcoming to all ages, and the experience feels more intimate than other options available in the area. Highly recommend! read more

We went in an evening two hour catered tour. The crew was engaged throughout with the Captain being very informative and funny. Learned a few things we didn't know after living here for 40 years and will make sure to do this again when we have company. This is a must do, weather permitting, when visiting. read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Schooner Freedom at sunset - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Coming to Saint Augustine? Book a sunset cruise on the Freedom SailBoat! This is a must-see- see the stunning Saint Augustine City from the water- watch the sunset from this incredible Schooner! This family-run business has an incredible team- personable- professional- informative- EXCELLENT experience! Beautiful Boat- Family friendly- Can not say enough good things- We will be going again when friends visit- HIGHLY recommend!! read more

Well worth the price and double the fun. Sunset cruise was amazing. Drinks, beer & wine included. Staff was great, interactive with guests and very knowledgeable navigating this beautiful 70 foot sailing ship. No parking at the dock so street or lot parking is it. Note - after 5:00pm on weekdays Meter parking is free. I found this out after the fact paying $7.50 for 3 hours. Its mentioned on the meter but it is very small to see. Bathroom on ship and dock area. read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Wonderful experience! The crew is awesome and the sail was a great experience. Would definitely recommend a trip on the Freedom. read more

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This has been my second cruise since last year, this time I did an evening cruise and it was very relaxing, friendly crew and great Captain. Highly recommend to others, book in advance come sit and enjoy. Then you can have a nice dinner in town to cap it off. Thanks and see you again soon! read more

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Captain Steve was amazing! The crew was so nice and welcoming! Beautiful views, great boat and UNLIMITED drinks! I mean, what more can you ask for? Def recommend this activity, I went with a group of 4, but saw many couples and even bigger groups than ours. We went during the evening and were able to see the beautiful sunset-- also the perfect temp/amount of sun. Super fun sail boat, very nice crew, and the best for a romantic date! read more

Hands down, our number one favorite when we have guests from out of town! We have been sailing with the Schooner Freedom and their crew for several years now, we've lost count! If you want an overall beautiful view of our city, this is the best way to see it from the water. John and Sarah are such lovely people. read more

Worth every single penny and don't just take my word on it...come aboard matey for this awesome experience. We booked 4 tickets as a bday surprise for our inlaws. B/c we have small children who were in school we decided on the day trip. This is a 2 hour tour (thank goodness they didn't say 3 hour tour or I would be looking for skipper and Gilligan) around St. Augustine. They are very clear that they go where the wind blows them and that there is no set course...I'm interested to go again and see if that is really the case. Our course: We went under the bridge and around the area between Vilano Beach and the beach at Anastasia State Park, we spent most of our time just sitting here. Not a big deal as it was beautiful but it was obvious that we weren't trying to open the sails up and get out to sea. If that is what you are looking for then maybe call and talk to them about options to have that kind of sail. They have a family day sail, day sail, and sunset sails. Our Day Sail was $40 per person and included unlimited beer, wine, soda or water. We had about 10 people total on our boat ride and it was perfect as we were able to talk to the captain and crew and ask many questions. They even let my husband and father in law help raise the sails. For this price and experience it was worth every penny and perfectly priced. We cannot wait to take our children back for the family sail and hope to try out the sunset one for a date night experience. read more

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We went out on the sunset cruise and had a very nice relaxing couple of hours aboard the schooner. The crew and captain were all fantastic. The weather was exceptional and we even got to see some dolphins. Thanks for a nice romantic evening! read more

This is a wonderful adventure!! We took the sunset cruise and set sail with Captain Jon (No h) and his crew. From the very first moment, this crew was fantastic, warm, engaging, and knowledgeable. The cruise was sold out so I thought "Great, we'll be squeezed in like sardines", but I was wrong, we had about 35 people on board and plenty on room. We headed out for our two-hour cruise and I figured we sail around the bay and then head back in. But I was wrong again, once thru the drawbridge we headed for the open seas. It was a relaxing and fun way to finish off the day! The views are incredible and the sunset was gorgeous! Oh by the way, the beverages, wine-beer-soda and water, are all included in the price on the excursion and That just makes this cruise all the better. It is definitely something I would recommend if you find yourself in St. Augustine, it's one of the highlights. read more

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Are you looking to take your St. Augustine vacation to the NEXT plateau of romance and adventure? Our Sunset Tour with Schooner Freedom remains one of my most cherished memories from 2012. If you are looking for a family activity or date ideas, there is NO better choice than THIS! For our first Wedding anniversary we celebrated by taking a family Sunset Cruise in June. Immediately after boarding the vessel we felt the camaraderie of the crew and they easily bantered and conversed with us. I must admit I was fascinated by their lifestyle and enviable of their profession (not to mention their tan!) The two hour cruise includes wine, beer, or soda and I sipped on a plastic glass of Chardonnay while chatting to different members of my family near the Stern of the Schooner. You are also free to bring your own snacks on-board as well.The waters were calm enough not to induce motion sickness but also invigorating enough to get your heart pumping! The crew members were certainly capable at their craft! The weather that June evening was paradisaical and we basked in the waning sunshine. Besides the silvery water, the marshes and the hopeful views for Dolphins, the Schooner was the perfect backdrop for a photo-shoot too! One of the coolest parts was how interactive it was for guests! They chose my husband to help with the rigging and I got a lot of great photos as he pulled the line (rope) through both his hands as FAST as he could! It was extremely relaxing and exciting to be on a sailboat again surrounded by the people I love the most. I think the alcohol combined with the consistent swaying of the boat really went to my head and I felt absolutely tipsy even though I wasn't. We all laughed and joked that every time our balanced wobbled or we fell on someone we had the catchphrase, "It was the boat!" According to their website, they NOW have a Marineland Dolphin Cruise where you are not only educated about Dolphins from their instructors but you also get a ticket INTO Marineland afterwards too! So cool! The website states, "We are partnering up with Marineland, the dolphin experts, for a one-of-a-kind sailing experience! Come on board, help raise sails, and then kick back and relax while educators and trainers from the world's first oceanarium talk about dolphins. Learn all sorts of interesting tidbits about these magnificent creatures. " What a lovely excuse to sail away again! read more

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Absolutely the best time my family and I had on this charter last Thursday! The Captain and crew were absolutely fantastic and the weather was perfect for an afternoon sail on the water! We felt safe with the protocols and social distancing that was in place on the boat and the only regret we have is we couldn't go back the next day! Book this company, an absolute pleasure to deal with and we will be back again for another sail! read more

Unfortunately we were not able to set sail. We had a terrible storm prior to our departure time but it broke just in time.. However, TWC radar showed a light weather system headed our way. Rather than rush the trip for the sake of the sale "no pun intended" we were immediately issued a refund since our travel plans did not allow us for a reschedule. The next time we are in the neighborhood we will, without a doubt, schedule another tour! read more

My three year-old daughter and I took a sunset cruise Monday, 5/6/19. I have a lot to say about it. The crew was exceptional. What a relief to feel welcome aboard and not like we were some kind of burden or nuisance. Lauren, the young guy with the curly hair and the captain took such great care of us I just can't express my gratitude fully. They SHOWERED my kid with attention and as a stressed-out Mom traveling with a little one I appreciated the extra effort so much, truly. I grew up in Auggie and now live in Cincinnati. I ACHE for these waters. Boating was a huge part of my childhood and I just had to get out there with my toddler in tow somehow. Your crew made us feel so safe, we saw dolphins and counted buoys, I got some great shots and overall we had a wonderful sail. I encourage you to commend and reward your crew for their hospitality and customer service. They're tops! Will definitely book again! read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Tell me that kid ain't having a good time. Future sailor!! - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

We booked a Valentine's Day cruise months ago. The weather was great for sailing and the crew commented about how much fun they were having. The crew worked hard but always had time to ask if we needed anything or to just talk to us. The ship was full but we never felt like they didn't have time for us. Seeing St Augustine at sunset from the bay is something to behold. We recommend sailing with them if you are ever visiting. read more

Schooner Freedom Charters - Valentine's Day sunset 2016 - Boating Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Incredible experience on our Sunset Sail! Captain Steve and his crew did an awesome job. Loved the views of St Augustine and surrounding area. Cannot recommend this experience enough. Drinks were included! Great experience all the way around. read more

6 of us took the moonlight sail and everyone enjoyed the ride. Great boat and really knowledgeable, hard working and friendly staff! That pirate ship thing that passes by every now and then emphasizes how much more special the Freedom experience really is. Reasons being, this is a real sailboat with real sails on it. The black raven pirate thing is a dog and pony show money-grab. They kept the drinks flowing and the ambiance was good. They give a nice discount if you use cash. On-board live music topped it off. read more

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100% recommend this sailboat company to anyone and everyone. The crew was so interactive and answered all questions. Amazing experience! Go sail with them!!! read more

Met new friends celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary! New adventures on our girls trip!

Loved it! We did the Sunset Sail Cruise and it was so relaxing! The crew was FANTASTIC and SO FRIENDLY! I highly recommend this is you want a relaxing evening on the water! read more

We had a wonderful sunset cruise! Highly recommend!! Crew was incredibly accommodating and informative. Just spectacular views from the most awesome ship. Fascinating to watch sails going up & coming down (maybe just my nerd side.). We saw dolphins & osprey and an amazing perspective of the bridges and shore lines. Thank you all!! Great experience. read more

My husband and I went on the Freedom for our anniversary. The staff were extremely friendly and informative. Although you are sailing with other guest you are not overcrowded. I got a little queasy once we were out of the channel and hit open water but I get seasick in a pool so I expected I might have a little issue. Some of the crew were able to spot my issue right away and immediately brought me water and a cool rag. It was very helpful. We will definitely return for another adventure in the future! read more

My first experience sailing. I couldn't have picked a better tour. They were very nice and provided drinks. The best part was getting the participation of the passengers to raise the sails. read more

I'd describe Schooner Freedom sunset tour as a tour for adults; I mean adult who is sophisticated enough to enjoy a glass of wine under the soft Atlantic breeze without loosing his or her cool of temporarily disconnected from virtual friends. Some time, we have to face the reality, especially, the one involves the splendid sunset over the shore of St. Augustine, the oldest city of North America. Reality can be beautiful. This is my first time being on a sailboat, and lucky me, Freedom is beautiful and elegant. Her 64 feet deck carries 41 guests and 3 crew members. My gal pal and I had seats at the back. We shared the long bench with a family of 4. The opposite side was reserved for a family of 7. The arrangement worked out perfectly. There were plenty space for everyone at the back. The front part is slightly narrow on the side, and its seats are designed for couples; meanwhile, there are area for the crews to operate mainsails. Captain Cook was in charge that day. He is very friendly and approachable. If you are curious of how to operate a sailboat, he is willing to answer your questions. He also invited guests to help his deckhand operate the mainsail during the tour. My gal pal tried and I can tell she enjoyed it very much, a very unique experience to remember. The whole sunset tour was about 2 hours. Time went by fast between good chatting, free drinking, smooth sailing and sunset viewing. After we got off the boat, the night life just started. There are plenty excellent restaurants around the dock that you can walk to. $ 45 dollar per person for a memorable sunset cruise on a beautiful sailboat, It is simply fabulous. read more