Beautiful Setting, Adventure and Thrills Create Team Building Success
![Crocodile Crossing Zipline Obstacle course](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Crocodile-Crossing-Zipline-Obstacle-course-v1592242214.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=230daa092e54aa032c28fcc8b6bab73d 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Crocodile-Crossing-Zipline-Obstacle-course-v1592242214.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=428ec823c852907a608d635e667b17f0 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Crocodile-Crossing-Zipline-Obstacle-course-v1592242214.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3b168504449ff3c6eb89bd75006ac7aa 750w)
Ongoing changes and challenges in the world of business have accentuated the need for successful team building.
For many businesses, the annual company picnic or holiday gathering are no longer sufficient to convey the essential leadership message of “we’re all in this together and focused on our collective success.” As a result, well-designed, results-oriented and memorable team building activities outside the office have become a priority. And when it comes to providing the setting for successful team building, St. Augustine is ideal.
The Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only organization consisting of senior-level executives in the business coaching industry, recently published their 14 Hallmarks of Successful Business Team Building Activities on Forbes.com. When it comes to the “Outdoor Setting” and “Adrenaline” hallmarks, St. Augustine has them covered – and then some.
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine’s outdoor setting never fails to convey the endurance of its people, who have faced challenge after challenge for more than 450 years. The Old World architecture and ancient streets not only provide a unique and memorable setting, they also offer hands-on evidence of how working together has allowed the town’s residents to thrive for centuries in the face of hurricanes, wars, plagues and economic downturns.
Plus, it’s a fun place in the sun where palm trees and beautiful beaches replace common distractions like traffic snarls and urban sprawl. But there's no lack of adventure and excitement in the nation's oldest city... St. Augustine has plenty of opportunities for adrenaline, too. Read on!
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0d8359c2fb13751a315123de703f3785 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=02bfbf9ab937110b89c374de33ead03c 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c24b8a11efd6489edde1d9aafd53a89c 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=2747a2cafbcd504bd59da2cabd464103 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=29abae48d651d444a44d9b1a71e351c0 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=3155253fee14bb6dd5f24cb2a8fb4a72 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Events/sea-89825_1920.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=5f26180a8417758605dfa7af7a09c1c5 1920w)
Physically and psychologically, the moment your team casts off from the dock or treks into the jungle, there is a sense that we are together now and adventure awaits!
St. Augustine’s team-building opportunities are centered on sailing aboard both large and small craft – and an unforgettable set of challenges among the alligators. Here are 5 different team-building opportunities in and around St. Augustine.
1. St. Augustine Sailing
Participate in a unique bonding experience aboard a luxury sailing yacht through St. Augustine Sailing. Onboard team building activities provide opportunities for participants to improve communication skills, enhance problem-solving abilities and to experience “in-command” decision making as the helmsperson. Participants cycle through various crew positions where they work together to perform impressive sailing maneuvers.
Plus, the scenery is spectacular! Additional boats can be provided for larger groups with the ultimate goal of creating a corporate regatta. Past clients include the University of Florida’s Heavener School of Business, Wounded Warriors and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.
2. The Schooner Freedom
One of St. Augustine’s most distinctive sailing ships, the Schooner Freedom is the only charter schooner operating between Charleston and the Florida Keys. Seventy-six feet in length, the Freedom is an authentic tribute to naval history and the blockade runners of the 19th century. The perfect setting for team-building activities, the Freedom is available for daytime sailing, as well as sunset and moonlit cruises that offer impressive, memorable backdrops for team building.
3. Sabrage
Need an inspirational setting for a large team-building activity (up to 110 participants)? Sabrage, a 63-foot power catamaran is the perfect platform for creative minds. With 1500 square feet of floor space, a high-end bar, comfortable seating that can be adopted to any layout and beautiful features throughout, Sabrage provides an upscale setting available for day or night team building in the waters surrounding the nation's Oldest City.
4. Black Raven Pirate Ship
Despite their portrayal in movies, pirates were the ultimate seagoing team builders and strategists. Their business acumen and ability to achieve great things with limited resources are legendary. Today, the crew of the Black Raven Pirate Ship shares their team building expertise in a three-hour cruise that addresses the specific needs of their guests.
Designed for groups of 35 to 75 participants, the experience features exercises addressing collaboration, problem-solving, strategic thinking, leadership development, communications and more. Led by an experienced corporate management professional, this is a unique team building experience presented aboard an unforgettable pirate ship.
![](https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d907decec287316ab8600179bde654b6 320w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=de4ae5ade314251a6209f930b854ec36 540w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=2826bb5fd79322cdd0137548f9962a92 768w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=eb25a11758e876136d3975834bb7ac68 1024w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2c1765e74f8d55b995f939064ddb8767 1200w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a64f8bc246baa42b32dedf4ad8459d90 1440w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=bb7b4e5c77b2e524dc3302719de10228 1920w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=a5c44639b05d6f4963c9c2367b62cd7d 2560w, https://fl-historic-coast.imgix.net/images/Sports-Outdoors/ST_AUGUSTINE_ALLIGATOR_FARM.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=2c52b545d416c15fab5e20fa10570826 3072w)
5. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
No search for team building opportunities in St. Augustine would be complete with considering the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. Not only is it the only place in the world with every species of crocodilian in residence, this multi-award-winning zoo also offers a unique day-long team building retreat filled with invigorating, confidence-building activities.
Conducted by zoo staff, the jungle expedition challenges participants with:
- a rock-climbing wall
- an extensive zip line passing over hundreds of alligators (yikes!)
- a python free fall challenge
- a chance to escape from a giant spider web
- lake crossings
- log challenges
All of these challenges are designed to create bonds and build trust among participants!
Need a place to stay during your team-building trip in St. Augustine? From charming historic hotels to vacation properties and luxury resorts, we've got you covered. Check out our lodging page.