Dania Beach: 1-Hour Pirate Cruise with Water Cannon Battle

Summary

Family pirate adventure along Dania Beach waterway with games and treasure

You’ll board a real pirate ship in Dania Beach for an hour of laughs, water cannon battles against Barnacle Bill, and stories from your local captain. Kids get pirate tattoos before sailing off to hunt treasure—and everyone leaves with memories (and maybe wet socks). It’s playful chaos in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it—I was more excited than the kids when we spotted the Bluefoot ship bobbing at Dania Beach Marina, black flags snapping in the sticky Florida breeze. There’s something about seeing your child’s face painted with a crooked mustache (thanks to a wobbly pirate tattoo) that makes you forget about emails or whatever else you were supposed to do that day. Our guide—Captain Sam, who had the perfect gravelly voice—welcomed us like we were old shipmates. He even winked at my daughter when she tried out her best “Arrr!” (She sounded more like a confused cat.)

The cruise itself is only an hour but honestly, time felt weird out there. The sun kept peeking through clouds, making the water flash silver while we drifted past mangroves and some very patient pelicans. The kids got so into the story—Barnacle Bill really does show up!—and I’m still laughing about how seriously they took firing those water cannons. I got caught in the crossfire and my shirt was soaked for most of the ride. Didn’t care one bit; it just felt right to be a little messy. Meanwhile, parents hung back near the captain’s wheel, listening to stories about Dania Beach and local wildlife. I learned more about manatees than I expected on a pirate cruise.

By the end, every kid had a certificate and a tiny bag of “treasure”—mostly plastic coins but you’d think they’d struck gold. There was this moment when my son clutched his loot and looked up at me like he’d just become an actual pirate. That sticks with me way more than any souvenir shop ever could. If you’re looking for something loud, silly, and unexpectedly sweet—a real family memory—this day trip from Dania Beach is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Interactive Pirate Cruise Adventure

• Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
• Board pirate ship Bluefoot at Dania Beach Marina
• Receive optional pirate tattoos and slang lessons
• Use water cannons to fend off pirate villain
• Cruise along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway
• Admire nature along Florida’s Atlantic coast
• Children receive Pirate Certificate and Treasure Bag

Top questions

How long is the Dania Beach pirate cruise?

The interactive cruise lasts 1 hour on the water.

Where does the pirate cruise depart from?

The cruise boards at Dania Beach Marina, Dock G28.

Do kids get anything to take home?

Yes, each child receives a Pirate Certificate and a Treasure Bag after the experience.

Is there parking or public transport nearby?

Public transportation options are available near Dania Beach Marina.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the ship.

Can adults participate in activities?

Adults can join in or relax; parents get separate narration from the captain during activities.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The boat and dock are wheelchair accessible but cannot accommodate motorized scooters or chairs onboard.

Will we get wet during the water cannon battle?

If you’re near the cannons or join in battling Barnacle Bill, expect to get sprayed!

Should we arrive early for tattoos and dressing up?

Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for tattoos and getting ready.

What’s included

Your hour includes boarding at Dania Beach Marina with time for optional stick-on pirate tattoos before setting sail, live narration by your captain (with fun facts for parents), interactive games including water cannon battles against Barnacle Bill, plus every child gets their own Pirate Certificate and treasure bag before heading back to shore—all family-friendly and wheelchair accessible (except motorized scooters).