Family Fun Aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise January 2026

Family Fun Aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin, FL: A Must-Do With Kids!

If you’re headed to Destin, Florida with little ones, put the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise at the top of your must-do list! We recently set sail from the Destin Harbor Boardwalk on this high-energy, interactive pirate adventure—and let me tell you, it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

What to Expect: A Fully Immersive Pirate Adventure

From the moment you step aboard, the crew pulls the kids (and adults!) right into the action. The cruise isn’t just a boat ride—it’s a full-on show with sword fights, water gun battles, treasure hunting in the water, pirate dancing, and interactive storytelling. The crew, dressed in full pirate gear, kept the energy up from start to finish. No downtime, no bored kids—just nonstop excitement on the high seas.

The Magic is in the Details

One thing that really stood out to me was how thoughtful and patient the crew was, especially with the younger kids. They took their time helping each child feel involved, whether it was painting pirate tattoos or leading the group through recovering a sunken treasure chest.

A special shoutout to the female pirate staff member who went above and beyond for my daughter. After all the mermaids in the toy treasure chest had been claimed, she snuck to the back of the ship and found two just for her. It was such a small gesture—but it made a huge impression.

Each child received small toys, coins, and a beaded necklace to show everyone that they were now part of the Krew!

What Parents Should Know

This cruise is perfect for ages 3 to 10, though older siblings and parents will enjoy it too just by watching the fun unfold. I appreciated that the activities were so hands-on—our kids were entertained the entire time, which meant no whining, no boredom, and no “are we done yet?” They do shoot off loud cannons- twice; but they prepare you for it and let you know to cover your ears. My kids didn’t mind it, it was part of the act.

My only caveat: it was crowded. We went during a holiday week (July 4th), and the main deck—where most of the action happens—was pretty packed. At times, it felt like there wasn’t much room to move around, especially when everyone wanted to watch the same event. If you’re looking for a little more breathing room, I’d recommend booking during a non-peak week if possible.

Final Thoughts

Despite the crowd, this experience was 100% worth it. It’s a great way to get off the beach for a few hours and give your kids a core memory they’ll talk about all summer. The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise is fun, interactive, and full of heart—exactly the kind of family-friendly activity we look for when traveling.

⚓️ You can learn more and book your adventure here.

Have you done a pirate cruise with your kids before? Tell me about it in the comments!