Pirate Water Taxi Tampa: A Magical Family Adventure
Ahoy, mateys! The Pirate Water Taxi is one of Tampa's most unique family experiences—a real pirate ship that ferries passengers along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Riverwalk. It's transportation AND entertainment in one swashbuckling package!
What is the Pirate Water Taxi?
The Pirate Water Taxi is Tampa's water-based transportation system connecting 8 stops along the Riverwalk and downtown waterfront. But it's no ordinary ferry—the boats are decorated like pirate ships with skull-and-crossbones flags, making every ride an adventure.
Why Kids LOVE It:
- 🏴☠️ It's a PIRATE SHIP!
- 🌊 Boat ride on the water
- 🐬 Chance to spot dolphins
- 🏙️ Amazing city views
- ♾️ Unlimited rides all day
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | $10/person all-day unlimited pass |
| Kids Under 3 | FREE |
| Hours | 11 AM - 10 PM (later on weekends) |
| Full Loop Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Number of Stops | 8 |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes (on leash) |
Pirate Water Taxi Stops
The taxi makes 8 stops—all at family-friendly destinations:
| Stop # | Location | What's There |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armature Works | Food hall, restaurants |
| 2 | Water Works Park | Splash pad, playground |
| 3 | Tampa General Hospital | Medical campus |
| 4 | Tampa Convention Center | Near Glazer Museum |
| 5 | Florida Aquarium | Marine life, splash pad |
| 6 | Sparkman Wharf | Outdoor food hall, lawn |
| 7 | The Current Hotel | Water views |
| 8 | Sail Pavilion | Waterfront bar/restaurant |
Best Ways to Use the Pirate Water Taxi with Kids
Option 1: Full Loop Cruise (No Stops)
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Best For: First-timers, younger kids who love boats
Simply ride the entire loop without getting off. Kids love watching the views, spotting wildlife, and experiencing the pirate ship. Perfect for a calm afternoon activity.
Option 2: Hop-On, Hop-Off Adventure
Duration: Half day or full day
Best For: Families exploring the Riverwalk
Use your unlimited pass to explore multiple destinations:
Sample Itinerary:
- Start at Armature Works - Breakfast at the food hall
- Ride to Water Works Park - Splash pad and playground
- Ride to Convention Center - Visit Glazer Children's Museum
- Ride to Florida Aquarium - Afternoon exploring
- Ride to Sparkman Wharf - Dinner with lawn views
- Ride back to Armature Works - Sunset boat ride home
Option 3: Sunset Cruise
Duration: 1 hour
Best For: All ages, romantic family evening
Board around 6-7 PM and enjoy the sunset over Tampa Bay as you cruise. The city lights coming on are magical. End at Sparkman Wharf for dinner.
Ticket Information
How to Buy Tickets
- At any dock - Cash or card
- On the boat - When you board
- Online - PirateWaterTaxi.com
Pricing (2026)
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | $10 |
| Child (4-12) | $10 |
| Child (3 & under) | FREE |
| Pets | FREE |
Note: The all-day pass is your only option—no single-ride tickets. This makes it great value if you plan to ride multiple times!
Schedule & Frequency
Hours of Operation
- Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM - 10 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11 AM - 12 AM
How Often Does It Run?
- Boats depart each stop approximately every 30-45 minutes
- Check the digital schedule at each dock
- Waits can be longer during peak times
Pro Tip: Download the Pirate Water Taxi app for real-time boat tracking!
Tips for Families
Before You Go
- ☀️ Apply sunscreen - No shade on most boats
- 🧴 Bring water - Gets hot on the water
- 👟 Wear boat-safe shoes - May get splashed
- 📱 Charge your phone - Photo opportunities!
On the Boat
- 🦺 Life jackets available - Ask if needed
- 📸 Best photos at front of boat
- 🐬 Watch for dolphins - Especially near Aquarium
- 🎵 Crew may play music - Fun atmosphere
Best Times to Ride
| Time | Experience |
|---|---|
| Morning (11 AM-12 PM) | Least crowded, cooler |
| Afternoon (2-4 PM) | Can be hot, moderate crowds |
| Sunset (6-7 PM) | Most scenic, popular |
| Evening (8+ PM) | City lights, romantic |
What If It Rains?
- Light rain: Boats usually run (may have cover)
- Heavy storms: Service may pause
- Check social media for updates
Combining with Riverwalk Activities
The Pirate Water Taxi connects perfectly with Riverwalk attractions:
Perfect Pairings
Water Works Park + Pirate Taxi
- Splash pad morning → Pirate ride to lunch
Glazer Museum + Pirate Taxi
- Museum visit → Pirate ride to Sparkman Wharf
Florida Aquarium + Pirate Taxi
- Aquarium adventure → Pirate ride sunset tour
Armature Works + Pirate Taxi
- Brunch → Full loop cruise → Back for ice cream
What to Expect on Board
The Experience
- Friendly pirate-themed crew
- Music playing (kid-friendly)
- Smooth, slow ride
- Covered and uncovered seating
- Standing room at front for views
Wildlife You Might See
- 🐬 Dolphins (common!)
- 🐢 Sea turtles
- 🦅 Ospreys and pelicans
- 🐟 Fish jumping
- 🦀 Crabs on the docks
Family-Friendly Stops Nearby
At Armature Works
- Food hall with kid options
- Outdoor lawn with games
- River views
At Water Works Park
- FREE splash pad
- Large playground
- Shaded picnic areas
At Florida Aquarium
- Marine life exhibits
- Touch tanks
- Outdoor splash pad
At Sparkman Wharf
- Container restaurants
- Large grassy lawn
- Bay views
- Lawn games
Accessibility Information
- ♿ Wheelchair accessible - Ramps at most docks
- 👶 Stroller-friendly - Fold and store on board
- 🐕 Service animals - Welcome
- 👂 Audio - Crew announcements may be hard to hear
The Pirate Water Taxi is one of Tampa's most magical family experiences! For just $10 per person with unlimited rides, it's an affordable way to explore the Riverwalk, see the city from the water, and create lasting memories. Arrr you ready to set sail? 🏴☠️
