St. Augustine, Florida is the place we’re proud to call our home port. Aside from its long and colorful history as “America’s oldest city”, its vibrant event and nightlife scene, culinary delights, and charming locals, St. Augustine is well known for its boating. Florida as a whole is a boater’s delight, beckoning newcomers from across both the United States and beyond to its crystal waters, endless coastline, diverse waterways, and of course, the charming coastal towns. We’re lucky to have incredible boating opportunities across St. Augustine from Matanzas River and Vilano Beach to our own San Sebastian River which gives Calissa Cay Harbour Residents quick access to the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. On the blog today we’re going to give you our beginner’s guide to boating in St. Augustine, Florida including our favorite spots. Let’s dive in!
We’ll begin with the waterway Calissa Cay Harbour Residences are perched above and overlooking, the charming San Sebastian River. The San Sebastian River is St. Augustine’s hidden gem, giving boaters of all levels, as well as wildlife enthusiasts and birders, a peaceful retreat into the stunning Florida marshland. Easily one of the most beginner-friendly rivers in St. Augustine, Florida, San Sebastian River is a fair-weather inlet used primarily by fishing boats, making it less challenging to navigate for beginner boaters.
It’s important to note while planning your boating route in the San Sebastian River that there is a fixed bridge crossing the inlet (A1A) with a 39-foot vertical clearance. Practice safe boating everywhere during your time on the water in St. Augustine by following the speed zones and manatee protection signage.
Once you’re on the water you’ll find you can quickly reach the Atlantic Ocean’s Intracoastal Waterway with ease if departing from the historic St. Augustine Shipyards which will soon be the Marina at Calissa Cay Harbour Residences. We may be a bit biased, but the San Sebastian River is at the top of our beginner’s guide to boating in St. Augustine, Florida for all of the right reasons.
Boating on the San Sebastian River, you can easily reach the intersection with the stunning Matanzas River in St. Augustine. The Matanzas River has an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem, adding to its timeless beauty and providing an incredible experience for beginner boaters in St. Augustine.
Aside from the stunning Matanzas River itself, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the tranquility of a natural landscape that reminds us of “old Florida”. Explore the beach along the Atlantic Ocean, discover the diverse vegetation in the salt marshes and mangrove tidal wetlands, and marvel in the oyster bars and lagoons.
The Matanzas River is generally safe for St. Augustine’s boating amateurs due to its calmness and protected waters. Boaters are always encouraged to follow local boating regulations, stay on top of weather alerts – especially considering we are in the midst of Florida’s Atlantic Hurricane season – and remain as safe as possible while on the water.
Located just north of St. Augustine’s historic district and accessible via the San Sebastian River and Matanzas River, Vilano Beach is an excellent spot for beginner boaters. Boasting an inspiring view of the Atlantic Ocean, sparkling clear water, and a pristine sandy beach, Vilano Beach beckons beginner boaters and beach lovers alike. Seasoned and novice boaters will enjoy Vilano Beach’s easy to navigate waterways and stunning geographical landscape. Anglers of all levels can also enjoy fishing Vilano Beach’s diverse waters!
While Vilano Beach is safe for beginner boaters, it’s crucial to double check your routes, weather, and local guidelines to remain safe on the water, not only for yourself, but those around you also. Vilano Beach is apt to be more populated by swimmers, divers, surfers, and the like so be cognizant of people in the water as well as marine life and other boaters.
Calissa Cay is excited to welcome boaters of all levels to our community and facilities. We’re confident our residents will enjoy a brand new, state of the art marina that has virtually everything boaters need to have a safe and fun day out on the water. Be sure to plan carefully, respect the waterway, and follow our beginner’s guide to boating in St. Augustine and you’ll be in for a beautiful day on the water! Ready to make Calissa Cay Harbour Residences in beautiful St, Augustine, Florida your home port? Use the contact information below to get in touch with us today!
Directions: Calissa Cay is located off U.S. Hwy 1, just south of 207.
Sales Center: 1007 S. Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Hours By AppointmentMICHELLE MOUSIN ANDERSON
Real Estate Advisor, Sales Director
MELANIE ESCALANTE
Real Estate Advisor
Good news! We’re still offering 3% of the original purchase price to buyer agents!
Michelle Mousin Anderson
Real Estate Advisor, Sales Director
Melanie Escalante
Real Estate Advisor
