When you’re on a St. Augustine catamaran tour, there’s no shortage of history to take in, but the Castillo de San Marcos is hard to miss. It’s not just a historic fort—it’s a 300-year-old symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and the foundation of St. Augustine’s story. With its coquina walls rising over Matanzas Bay, the Castillo is an essential stop for exploring the city on foot or from the deck of a Fury St. Augustine catamaran.
A Fort Born of Necessity
In 1672, construction began on the Castillo de San Marcos as a response to one persistent problem: wooden forts don’t last.[1] Spanish colonists had tried to protect St. Augustine with timber defenses, but fires, weather, and attacks repeatedly left the city vulnerable. Enter coquina.
This natural stone, made from compressed shell fragments, was the perfect material. Its structure allowed it to absorb cannon fire rather than crack, and its resistance to fire made it invaluable. The Spanish used coquina to create the Castillo, a fortress that would stand firm through centuries of conflict.
Its star-shaped design wasn’t about looks. The layout ensured better visibility and defense, allowing guards to monitor the surrounding area and direct firepower efficiently.
A History of Resistance
The Castillo faced its first significant challenge in 1702 when British forces attacked St. Augustine. Unable to penetrate the fort’s walls, they settled for burning the city. However, the residents of St. Augustine had taken refuge inside the Castillo and remained safe throughout the siege.
This wasn’t the last time the fort would prove its strength. In 1740, British forces again tried to take St. Augustine. Once more, the Castillo held firm. Its coquina walls and strategic defenses made it clear that the Spanish had built something that could withstand both time and enemies.
Even as control of Florida shifted—from Spain to Britain, back to Spain, and finally to the United States—the Castillo stood firm. Renamed Fort Marion under U.S. control, it served as a military prison during the Revolutionary War and later housed Native American prisoners in the late 1800s.
A Modern-Day National Monument
The Castillo de San Marcos became a National Monument in 1924, ensuring its preservation as a piece of American history.[2] Today, this masonry fort remains the oldest in the continental United States, and its original coquina walls continue to draw visitors from around the world.
Exploring the fort is like stepping into the past. Visitors can see the remnants of its military use, from the thick walls and bastions to the interior rooms once used to shelter soldiers and store supplies. The top of the fort offers a unique perspective on St. Augustine and the surrounding waterways.
Why the Castillo Matters on a Fury St. Augustine Catamaran Tour
A St. Augustine catamaran tour brings the Castillo into focus in a way that’s hard to replicate on land. From the water, the fortress seems to grow out of the shoreline, its coquina walls gleaming in the sunlight. The view ties together the city’s maritime history and its role as a strategic port.
On a Fury catamaran, you get more than a glimpse of the Castillo. You also get the chance to learn about its history from guides who know St. Augustine inside and out. Whether you’re on a sunset cruise or a dolphin watch, the Castillo becomes part of a larger story that connects St. Augustine’s past to the natural beauty of its present.
What to Expect When You Visit
If the view from the water inspires you to visit the Castillo, you won’t be disappointed. Inside, the fort offers self-guided tours that allow you to explore at your own pace. You can walk through the thick-walled rooms, learn about its history through exhibits, and climb to the top for panoramic views.
On weekends, cannon firings and weaponry demonstrations bring the past to life. These events are included with admission and give visitors a sense of what life was like for soldiers stationed at the fort.
While the Castillo is a historic site, it’s also a place for reflection. Standing on its walls, it’s easy to see why it has endured for so long.
A Unique Experience on the Water
Fury’s St. Augustine boat tours combine history and relaxation. As you sail past the Castillo, you’re not just looking at a historic landmark—you’re experiencing it in the context of the city’s maritime roots. From the calm waters of Matanzas Bay, the fort’s role in protecting the city becomes even more apparent.
Fury tours also give you the chance to spot local wildlife. Dolphins, manatees, and other marine life are common in these waters, adding a natural element to the historical experience. The crew ensures you get the most out of the trip by sharing interesting facts about the area or pointing out a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Why Fury St. Augustine?
Choosing Fury means choosing more than a boat tour. It’s about experiencing St. Augustine from a perspective that connects the past and present. The tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, with a spacious catamaran, complimentary drinks, and knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s history to life.
Whether sailing at sunset or participating in our mid-day eco-tour, Fury makes it easy to enjoy everything St. Augustine has to offer. And with the Castillo de San Marcos as a centerpiece, every trip becomes a chance to connect with the city’s remarkable story.
Book Your Tour Today
The Castillo de San Marcos has been watching over St. Augustine for over 300 years. Now’s a great time for you to see it from the water. Fury’s St. Augustine catamaran tour offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city you won’t forget.
Reserve your spot today and see why the Castillo remains one of St. Augustine’s most important landmarks. Contact us today and discover the history, beauty, and charm of the nation’s oldest city.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/the-founding-of-castillo-de-san-marcos.htm
[2] https://www.nps.gov/casa/learn/historyculture/am-period.htm
Kyra Gorman is a seasoned marketing director based in Key West, where she has lived and worked for the past decade. As the marketing director for a leading company in the watersports industry, Kyra has helped shape the brand’s reputation as a trailblazer in the field, using innovative strategies to connect people with the thrill and beauty of water-based adventure. With a passion for both the ocean and storytelling, she brings a unique perspective to her work, blending business acumen with a deep appreciation for the island lifestyle.
