Here in Florida we are known for many things. Alligators, key lime pie, beautiful beaches, and best of all, PIRATES. Our history with them goes back to the 1500s, and ever since then, a number of touristy experiences have popped up, including the St. Augustine Pirate Museum, Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando, and the Shipwreck Trail in Key West. If you love pirates, then this is the state for you!

The Tampa Bay area of Florida has its own history with these swashbucklers, with the annual Gasparilla celebration paying homage to the notorious José Gaspar, a Spanish pirate who is said to have terrorized the Florida coast in the late 1700s. Although his story is more myth than fact, that hasn’t stopped thousands of people from attending the parade each year decked out in full pirate regalia.

But we’re not here to talk about all of that. We’re here to discover a one of a kind sightseeing experience that will bring out the pirate lover in all of us. May I present: The Royal Conquest, John’s Pass’ finest pirate ship!

Photo from: Sunshine Scenic Tours 

This bi-level pirate ship (complete with crow’s nest) holds up to 46 passengers, offers live music, and comes with its very own pirate crew to escort you on your journey. My friends and I have been booking this tour annually for the past 3 years, and I can attest that there’s nothing quite like enjoying a sunset cruise on your very own pirate ship!

One of the things that make this tour so enjoyable is that the waters of John’s Pass and Madeira Beach are a beautiful teal blue and teeming with dolphins, so you are bound to get a glimpse of these aquatic friends while on board. The trip itself is about 2 hours long, and if you have children with you there will be plenty of fun activities to keep them occupied. From water gun battles to treasure hunts, there will be plenty of fun games to put a smile on their faces. Since we were all adults the crew did not bring out the full theatrics for us, but we had a wonderful time singing pirate shanties, raiding the bar, and exploring the ship together.

The ship embarks daily, but if you want to host your own pirate adventure you can book the entire ship like we do. Although costumes are technically optional, we make it a rule that if you join our pirate party, you’re going to dress like one! The live music and gorgeous views provide the perfect ambience, and everyone dressing up brings it all together. 

You can view the schedule and book your own pirate ship experience here.

Departure times: 11am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7pm.

Tickets include:

• Water Gun Battle, Treasure Hunt, Pirate Story, Music, and Limbo
• For Children: Paper Pirate Hat, Pirate Certificate, and Beads
  • They will also be provided with wooden pistols and water guns onboard.
• House Beer and Wine, Sodas, Lemonade, and Water
• 2 hour sightseeing trip
• Face painting

Premium beverages and snacks are available for purchase on board. They accept both cash and credit.