What are the opening hours?

Monday 11am - 6:45pm Tuesday 11am - 6:45pm Wednesday 11am - 6:45pm Friday 11am - 6:45pm Saturday 11am - 6:45pm Sunday 11am - 6:45pm

Scenic Cruise Victory lll

Home
United States
Saint Augustine, FL
Scenic Cruise Victory lll

Relax and enjoy a one hour and fifteen minute cruise aboard the Victory III. Narrated tours by the Ca Augustine Scenic Cruise has been giving visitors to St.
(120)

Scenic Cruise: 7 Days a Week with 4-5 trips a day

Trip #1: 11:00am-12:15pm
Trip #2: 1:00pm- 2:15pm
Trip #3: 2:45pm- 4:00pm
Trip #4: 4:30pm- 5:45pm

ONLY April 1-Sept 5 and Oct 1-Oct 15
Trip #5: 6:45pm- 8:00pm

Since the 1900's St. Augustine a unique view of the city and a way to enjoy St. Augustine's historic land marks and natural beauty. The Usina's were among settlers from the islan

d of Minorca, off the coast of Spain, finally settling in St. Augustine in 1777. Many of their descendants remain in St. Augustine today. In 1900 Captain Frank Usina and his wife, Catherine, could not return to Miami were he had been working as a carpenter on the Miami train station because of an outbreak of yellow fever. They settled in the area known today as North Beach, then accessible only by boat. Henry Flagler approached Frank and his wife, asking them to hold oyster roasts for friends and guests staying at his Ponce De Leon Hotel, now Flagler College, and the Alcazar Hotel, now the Lightner Museum. The outings to North Beach became a regular attraction, and thus, the family boat business was born. Initially starting with a chartered launch, Frank ferried guests to and from North Beach for Minorcan Style dinners, oysters, music, dancing and sightseeing along the Matanzas Bay. Shortly thereafter, Frank purchased a 45' launch stuck on a mud bar. He repaired, refinished and christened it the Victory, replacing the chartered launch, but remaining at the helm as Captain. Guests could enjoy picturesque view of Historic Saint Augustine while cruising along Matanzas Bay to and from North Beach. In 1918 the Victory II was launched. Built in St. Augustine by Warren Sanchez and assisted by Frank's son Francis Everisto, who at the age of 17 became a licensed captain and joined his father's business. Eight years after the Victory II was built Frank passed on, but continuing the tradition of his father was second generation Captain Francis Usina, this time adding fishing excursions. The Victory II was the main mode of transportation to the ever popular attraction North Beach until the 1930's when a bridge and paved highway opened access by automobile. In the late 1930's, when fire destroyed part of the bridge once again making North Beach only accessible by boat, the Usina's assisted in ferrying North Beach residents to and from work, and their children to and from school, along with their regular trips. Residents knew they could count on the Victory II for transportation to community events on the mainland. During World War II St. Augustine became a military service town, and a halt was placed on fishing excursions. Gas rations were approved by the USO for the Victory II to take serviceman on sightseeing excursion for Rest and Relaxation. In the late 1940's, The Florida Department of Transportation chartered the Victory II to assist in ferrying North Beach residents to and from the mainland as construction of a new bridge once again halted access to the North Beach area. Once again the Victory II became a passenger ferry carrying local residents to and from the mainland. The City of St. Augustine set their sights on promoting tourism, and approached Francis about starting a sightseeing cruise business, similar to that operated for the USO, to give visitors a view of the picturesque city skyline and historic landmarks that visitors only ferrying to and from North Beach had been enjoying. So in 1949, the Victory II became a full time sightseeing boat. Francis captained on a daily basis and in the summer was joined by his two sons Frank and Jack who worked as mates until receiving their captains license, while his daughter Mary Lou sold tickets. When Frank and Jack received their captains license they joined their father in captaining the Victory II until his death in 1973. Although the Victory II awaits restoration, the Victory III continues to depart daily from the downtown municipal Marina.

08/19/2024

What a great show these guys put on for us!!

08/16/2024

This is some really interesting history!!

08/15/2024

We're ready for your to take your relaxing boat ride!!

08/13/2024

Old fashioned fishing!!

08/11/2024

Some amazing history

A portion of “Letters of a Traveler; Or, Notes of Things Seen in Europe and America”
By William Cullen Bryant. 1850.
St. Augustine, East Florida, April 2, 1843.

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, and in the morning I attended the services in the Catholic church. One of the ceremonies was that of pronouncing the benediction over a large pile of leaves of the cabbage-palm, or palmetto, gathered in the woods. After the blessing had been pronounced, the priest called upon the congregation to come and receive them.

The men came forward first, in the order of their age, and then the women; and as the congregation consisted mostly of the descendants of Minorcans, Greeks, and Spaniards, I had a good opportunity of observing their personal appearance. The younger portion of the congregation had, in general, expressive countenances.

Their forms, it appeared to me, were generally slighter than those of our people; and if the cheeks of the young women were dark, they had regular features and brilliant eyes, and finely formed hands.

There is spirit, also, in this class, for one of them has since been pointed out to me in the streets, as having drawn a dirk upon a young officer who presumed upon some improper freedoms of behavior. (end)

About the author - Poet and editor William Cullen Bryant stood among the most celebrated figures in the 19th-century America. The fame he won as a poet while in his youth remained with him as he entered his 80s. He would have been about 50 when he wrote this. (ed.)

Photo is from FL Memory - dated 1897

08/10/2024

Such a great video

08/10/2024

⛵️GIVEAWAY TIME⛵️
On Instagram

In honor of The Schooner Freedom’s 23rd birthday on August 13, we’re doing a very special birthday giveaway! This year they will be giving out prizes to a first, second, and third place winner!

🥇First place receives a nautical themed basket filled with goodies AND a Gift Certificate for 2 for a Day Sail, Sunset Sail, or Moonlight Sail.

🥈Second place will win a Schooner Freedom dry-fit shirt or t-shirt of their choosing.

🥉Third place will win a Schooner hat of their choosing!

FOLLOW directions on Instagram

08/09/2024

Looks like we're not the only ones sightseeing again!!

08/07/2024

It's time to day goodbye Debby so the Victory III can come out and play.

Are you ready for your boat ride??

08/06/2024

Looks like it will be one more day before the winds settle down enough to operate safely. We will not be running on Tuesday Aug 6, 2024, but look forward to having you on board Wed Aug 7!

08/05/2024

Due to the severity of todays weather, The Victory III will not be operating Monday, Aug 5, 2024.

08/03/2024

What a great find

Title: West Indies and Central America
Cartographer: Gray, Frank A
Date: 187-

Detailed catalog information: https://ufl-flvc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01FALSC_UFL/6ad6fc/alma990290796190306597
A digital copy is maintained here: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00073689/00001

07/31/2024

Absolutely beautiful!!

07/26/2024

It's always fun when the locals think you're the attraction!!

07/24/2024

Have you checked out our new Captain yet?

Tristan is doing a great job, so be sure to cheer him on!

07/23/2024

Sounds like alot of fun this Friday!!

🌟 Celebrate the unique heritage of the Gullah Geechee people at the Gullah Geechee Cultural Showcase at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Enjoy storytelling 📖 , traditional dances 💃🏾 , cultural fishing demonstrations 🎣 , and children’s programs that highlight the unique blend of African, European, and Native American influences. And don't miss captivating performances by The Ring Shouters at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., 🎶 a highlight of the event.

Curious about the unique traditions of the Gullah Geechee people? Join the cultural showcase and experience it firsthand!

07/18/2024

Absolutely adorable faces!!

07/16/2024

Everybody is ready for a beautiful day!!

We'll see you on board!!

07/13/2024

We're not the only ones enjoying these beautiful blue skies

Are you ready for your boat ride?

07/12/2024

Pretty cool history!!

Taken circa 1884, this Florida skipjack is tied up in the St. Augustine municipal boat basin. The basin was located where the western terminus of the Bridge of Lions is currently located. This boat was used to haul produce and oranges to the city from outlying farms and groves. Note the forward-stepped mast and long boom, typical of the skipjack. She is also outfitted with a plank bowsprit to carry a jib. Her deck carries a small cabin, seen on some of the larger skipjacks. (Boatbuilding History St. Augustine)

07/11/2024

What a great view of the Victory!!!

07/09/2024

Our neighbors were so happy to see us back, they're jumping for joy

07/08/2024

The Victory III will not be operating Monday, July 8, 2024.

We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

07/05/2024

07/04/2024

Great information and so much to see and do while waiting for St Augustine's fabulous fireworks display!!

Happy Independence Day from the City of St. Augustine 🎆 Fireworks Over the Matanzas returns this evening!

For a full schedule of events, helpful maps, and more: https://www.citystaug.com/744/Fireworks-Over-the-Matanzas

07/03/2024

Great information to assist in parking for the 4th!!

Fireworks Over the Matanzas, the City of St. Augustine’s annual Independence Day celebration, returns Thursday, July 4!

The free park and ride shuttle service on Anastasia Island only, is provided by the city with support from Old Town Trolley Tours will be available from 6:00pm until midnight from parking locations along Anastasia Blvd:

📍 Anastasia Baptist Church (1650 A1A South),
📍 St. Augustine Amphitheatre (1340-C A1A South),
📍 R.B. Hunt Elementary School (125 Magnolia Dr.) and
📍 *St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (999 Anastasia Blvd.)

*NOTE: The Alligator Farm is parking-only location. Those who park there will need to access the shuttle at the R.B. Hunt Elementary School stop by crossing Anastasia Blvd. at the lighted crosswalk just east of the attraction where law enforcement officers will assist pedestrians to cross the road safely.

For more information: https://bit.ly/3bktF5h

06/30/2024

We believe our new neighbor is a Kemp Ridley making a comeback

06/27/2024

Be sure to check out all the park and ride shuttle information!!

Reminder for July 4th celebration:

This year's 4th of July celebration promises to be an unforgettable one, featuring a dazzling 🎆 fireworks 🎇 display over the Matanzas Bay. The All-Star Orchestra will be keeping the crowd entertained with a lively concert, and there will be plenty of 🍔 food and🥤drinks available for purchase.

The free park-and-ride shuttle service is on Anastasia Island only and is provided by the city with support from Old Town Trolley Tours and Ripley's Express Tours.

The 🚋 shuttles run from 6 p.m. until midnight on July 4.

Here are the parking locations along Anastasia Blvd that the shuttles will pick up from:

🚋 Anastasia Baptist Church (1650 A1A South)
🚋 St. Augustine Amphitheatre (1340-C A1A South)
🚋 R.B. Hunt Elementary School (125 Magnolia Dr.)
🚋 St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (999 Anastasia Blvd.)

❗Note: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is a parking-only location. If you park there, you will need to take the shuttle at the R.B. Hunt Elementary School stop by crossing Anastasia Blvd. at the lighted crosswalk just east of the attraction. Law enforcement officers will be there to assist pedestrians in crossing the road safely.

All the festivities start at 6 p.m. Find all the information for this event at https://bit.ly/3jgieO9.

How many times have you witnessed our July 4th display?

Address

111 Avenida Menendez
Saint Augustine, FL
32084

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 6:45pm
Tuesday	11am - 6:45pm
Wednesday	11am - 6:45pm
Friday	11am - 6:45pm
Saturday	11am - 6:45pm
Sunday	11am - 6:45pm

Telephone

+19048241806

Website

http://scenic-cruise.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Scenic Cruise Victory lll posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.