Buccaneer Pirate Cruise Destin: Sword Fights & Treasure Hunts

The pirate crew stays in character the entire time, pulling you into sword fights and treasure hunts.

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is a pirate-themed interactive activity in Destin where you board the area's only pirate ship and participate in hands-on adventures including sword fighting, water gun battles, pirate training and a treasure hunt. The ship sails through East Pass and past Crab Island while a live English-speaking crew in full costume keeps the action and witty banter going throughout the cruise. The experience runs roughly two hours and suits families and adults who want to join in rather than watch from the sidelines.

Step-by-step itinerary

Pirate cruise with interactive activities

• Board the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise ship
• Participate in pirate training and sword fights
• Engage in water gun battles
• Join the treasure hunt
• Watch live cannon fire demonstration
• Enjoy pirate-themed singing and dancing
• Relax and take in the scenery

The experience

You board Destin's only pirate ship ready to be pulled into the action. The captain and crew stay in character from the moment you step aboard, engaging willing participants in pirate training, sword fights with foam weapons, water gun battles, and a search for undiscovered treasure. Parents can join in or hang back: only those who complete the pirate training become honorary members of the Buccaneer Crew. The ship cruises through East Pass and past Crab Island while the crew delivers singing, dancing, and the boom of live cannon fire.

The hands-on setup means you're not watching a show. You're part of it. Kids get pulled into the action with age-appropriate sword fighting and treasure hunts, while adults can either swab decks alongside them or step back with a drink (available for purchase for those 21 and up) and watch the chaos unfold. The crew's witty banter and antics keep the energy high whether you're in the thick of it or taking it in from the rail.

The cruise lasts roughly two hours. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board. The ship is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in a stroller or pram. Bring cash if you want to tip the crew. They earn it.

What’s included

• Interactive pirate training and sword fighting with foam weapons.
• water gun battles.
• a treasure hunt with live cannon fire.
• witty banter and entertainment from a costumed pirate crew.
• passage through East Pass and past Crab Island.
• snacks and drinks available for purchase on board, including grog for guests 21 and up.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except ThursdayDepartures at 11:30, 14:30 and 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 149

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Is this one for you?The crew pulls willing participants into the action throughout the cruise, so this works best if you're ready to get involved in sword fights and training rather than watch from the sidelines. If you prefer to sit back and observe while others play, you can do that too. The ship has space to relax and take in the scenery while your family has the adventure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the pirate training on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise?

Pirate training is an interactive activity where the crew teaches you pirate moves and skills, then tests what you've learned. Those who complete it become honorary members of the Buccaneer Crew and can participate more fully in the sword fights and other activities throughout the cruise.

What does the ship pass during the cruise through Destin?

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise sails through East Pass and past Crab Island, giving you views of the Emerald Coast while the pirate action unfolds on deck.

Is there anything to eat or drink on the pirate ship?

Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board. Adults 21 and up can buy grog (alcoholic beverages), while younger crew members and those who prefer to stay dry have other options available for purchase.

How long does the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise last?

The cruise runs roughly two hours from start to finish, giving you time for pirate training, sword fights, a treasure hunt, and the full pirate experience without eating up your whole day.

Is the pirate ship accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes, the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram if needed, and service animals are allowed on board.