Destin: Buccaneer Pirate Cruise with Live Show & Treasure Hunt

4.85

(131 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin with sunscreen still sticky on our arms and the sun already high above the harbor. The ship looked like something straight out of a storybook, all weathered wood and bright flags, but it was the crew that made it feel real—one of them winked at my daughter and called her “matey,” which she’s still repeating at home. The smell of saltwater mixed with popcorn from the galley (didn’t expect that), and you could hear seagulls squabbling overhead while families shuffled to find seats.

The cruise kicked off fast—our captain had this booming voice that somehow cut through all the kid chatter. He started barking orders about “pirate training,” and suddenly we were all waving foam swords around, even some of the parents who swore they’d just watch. Li, one of the mates, tried to teach us a pirate song. I definitely butchered it but nobody cared; everyone was laughing too hard. The kids got roped into a treasure hunt across the deck, chasing clues while water guns appeared out of nowhere (I got caught in crossfire—my shirt never dried). There was actual cannon fire too—loud enough to make me jump, but not scary for the little ones.

I found myself just leaning on the rail for a while, watching Crab Island drift by in that weird green-blue light you only see on this part of the Gulf Coast. The adults who didn’t want to join in could grab a drink from below deck—grog if you’re feeling pirate-y or just soda if you’re not. Even if you’re not big on themed things, there’s something kind of infectious about seeing your kids sword-fighting pirates against that backdrop. I’m not sure who had more fun—the little “Scallywags” or us grown-ups pretending we weren’t into it.