A free ranger ferry to a tiny Spanish watchtower south of St. Augustine.
Photo: Saginaw66 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
South of St. Augustine on Florida's coast, a small Spanish coquina watchtower guards a salt-marsh inlet — and the best part is just getting there. Fort Matanzas National Monument runs a free, ranger-staffed ferry across the Matanzas River to Rattlesnake Island, where the little 1742 fort once watched St. Augustine's southern "back door." The whole experience — boat ride, ranger talk, and exploring the tower — is the draw, wrapped in a barrier-island beach and marsh.
It's completely free, ferry included, but every visitor needs a free boarding pass, issued first-come at the Fort Matanzas visitor center (not the downtown city center). The boat holds about 30, runs a limited daily schedule, and won't operate in lightning or high wind, so arrive early — passes can be gone by late morning. The fort's name comes from 1565, when the Spanish killed shipwrecked French Huguenot soldiers here ("matanzas" means "slaughters").
This is humid coastal Florida — hot, stormy, buggy summers and mild winters — so October through April is the comfortable window, and the indoor-free, water-bound nature of the visit makes the ferry the centerpiece. While you wait for your boat, walk the maritime-forest and marsh trails or visit the Matanzas Inlet beach. Pair it with St. Augustine and Castillo de San Marcos.
A short, scenic, ranger-staffed boat across the Matanzas River to Rattlesnake Island — the only way to reach the fort and the heart of the visit.
Insider tipThis IS the experience — plan your day around a free boarding pass, and arrive at least 5 minutes before your departure or you forfeit your seat.
Plan a trip to this spot →The small 1742 coquina-stone Spanish watchtower that guarded St. Augustine's southern approach, explored with a ranger after a short orientation.
Insider tipBe ready for a steep 14-step ladder up into the tower — optional, but it's the best part.
Plan a trip to this spot →Frames the 1565 events that named the place — the Spanish killing of shipwrecked French Huguenots at the inlet ("matanzas" = slaughters).
Insider tipWatch the film and get your ferry pass here first thing — passes are issued only at this center and often run out by late morning.
Plan a trip to this spot →A pretty, less-developed stretch where the Matanzas River meets the Atlantic — good for wading, shelling, and watching boats run the inlet.
Insider tipCombine a fort visit with beach time, but note the inlet currents can be strong — swim with care.
Plan a trip to this spot →A shaded maritime-forest trail plus a sandy marsh trail and a boardwalk over the oldest part of the barrier island.
Insider tipDo the trails while you wait for your ferry time — the marsh trail doubles as a kayak launch.
Plan a trip to this spot →A 300-acre mix of dunes, marsh, and forest rich in wading birds, dolphins, and shorebirds — visible right from the ferry.
Insider tipBring binoculars on the boat; the marsh trail is a noted birder and kayaker spot.
Plan a trip to this spot →Humid subtropical coastal Florida: hot, humid summers with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms (June–September the wettest), and mild winters. Atlantic hurricane season runs June–November, and the salt marsh brings mosquitoes and no-see-ums in the warm months. October–April is the comfortable window — and the ferry won't run in lightning or high wind.
Drive right to the visitor center on FL-A1A, then hop a free, ranger-operated ferry across a narrow salt-marsh river to reach the fort — the whole crossing takes about five minutes.
The natural base — the nation's oldest city puts Castillo de San Marcos, historic streets, and the beach all within easy reach; the coastal A1A run south to Fort Matanzas is itself a pleasant drive
Plan a trip to St. Augustine, FL →Leave the carFort Matanzas Visitor Center parking lot on Anastasia Island (8635 A1A South) — free, shaded, steps from the ferry dock and beach boardwalk
Book aheadNo reservations — boarding passes are issued in person, first-come-first-served the day of your visit; arrive early (passes often fill by 11 AM on busy days) and confirm the ferry is running before you make the drive on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Not boarding the boat?The visitor center, a boardwalk nature trail through the coastal scrub, and a free Atlantic beach access are all road-accessible without the ferry — worth an hour even if the boat is full or closed.
On FL-A1A south of St. Augustine — free, ferry-access.
About 14 miles south of St. Augustine on FL-A1A. Free, ferry included, but get a free first-come boarding pass at the visitor center early — boats hold ~30, run limited daily, and stop for lightning/high wind. ~1–1.5 hours.
No lodging in the monument — stay in St. Augustine.
About 14 miles north — historic-district inns, B&Bs, and beach hotels on Anastasia Island and along A1A.
Booking tipThe natural base for the whole area.
The nearest camping (between the monument and downtown) — beach and trails.
Booking tipA good option for tent/RV travelers.
Is it really free, including the boat?
Yes — there's no entrance fee and the ferry is free. You just need a free boarding pass (one per person, all ages).
How does the ferry work?
First-come, first-served passes issued in person only at the Fort Matanzas visitor center (not the downtown city center) — no reservations. Capacity is limited (~30/boat) with limited daily runs, and passes often run out by late morning.
What's the fort and the "Matanzas" history?
A small 1742 Spanish coquina watchtower built to guard St. Augustine's southern inlet. The name comes from 1565, when the Spanish killed shipwrecked French Huguenot soldiers here — "matanzas" means "slaughters."
Is there a beach and trail?
Yes — a Matanzas Inlet beach plus a shaded maritime-forest nature trail, a sandy marsh trail (good birding and kayaking), and a boardwalk near the visitor center.
What about bugs and weather?
Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms and coastal bugs; hurricane season is June–November. The ferry shuts down for lightning and high wind, so storms can cancel your boat.
When should I go?
October–April for mild, drier, less-buggy weather. Go on a non-Tuesday/Wednesday and arrive early to secure a ferry pass.
Pick your vehicle, line up the stops on the way in and out, and carry the whole route in your pocket.
