Celebrate the holidays afloat with The Lost Pearl’s Pirate’s Christmas Cruise in Tampa. Festive games, drifting snow flurries, and a special visit from Santa’s Elf promise a high-seas holiday adventure for the whole family.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages including children and seniors
Wildlife
History
Tampa’s waterfront has long been a commercial and cultural hub, with a rich maritime heritage reflected in local pirate lore and coastal traditions.
Conservation
The Lost Pearl practices environmentally responsible operations to protect Tampa Bay’s marine ecosystem, including minimizing waste and promoting sustainable boating.
The Lost Pearl
Celebrate the holidays afloat with The Lost Pearl’s Pirate’s Christmas Cruise in Tampa. Festive games, drifting snow flurries, and a special visit from Santa’s Elf promise a high-seas holiday adventure for the whole family.
The Lost Pearl is a themed pirate ship operating from Tampa, Florida, offering a lineup of interactive daytime and evening cruises on Hillsborough Bay and around downtown Tampa.
The Lost Pearl provides a range of themed experiences designed for families, adults, and special occasions. Signature offerings include the Pirate Adventure Cruise — a 1.5-hour interactive voyage with treasure hunts and pirate games — and the Sunset Cigar Bar Cruise, which features a complimentary J.C. Newman cigar and a full bar for guests who prefer a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere. Seasonal and holiday events include A Pirate’s Christmas with festive games and floating ‘mail to Santa’ activities, the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade two-hour cruise to view illuminated vessels, and themed parties such as the Sunset & Full Moon Party and A Pirate’s Halloween.
Many cruises offer complimentary beverages for adults or a free grog bar on special-event sailings. Family-focused events such as the Cannonball Countdown (a kid-friendly Noon Year’s Eve) and the Gasparilla Children’s Air Show and Fireworks Cruise provide lively, age-appropriate entertainment and prime viewing for aerial displays and fireworks. The Lost Pearl emphasizes immersive pirate-themed entertainment, accessible locations in downtown Tampa, and a mix of adult-oriented and family-friendly options to suit a wide range of guests.
Home Port
Tampa, FL
Departures from downtown Tampa
Typical Duration
1.5 hrs
Most cruises last one-and-a-half hours
Family-Friendly
Yes
Events for kids and adults
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Year-round themed sailings
Secure tickets for themed pirate adventures, sunset sailings, and holiday parties on the Lost Pearl — book online for the best dates and departure times.
Dress in layers for variable weather
Tampa’s winter can be mild but breezes on the water may feel cooler; bring a light jacket for comfort.
Arrive early to secure boarding
The cruise is popular on holiday dates; arriving 15 minutes early ensures smooth check-in and seating.
Bring seasickness remedies if sensitive
While the cruise is gentle, those prone to motion sickness should consider preventative measures.
Keep cameras ready for festive moments
Capture the snow flurries, pirate-themed decorations, and children’s joyful reactions onboard.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Protects against cooler breezes on the water, especially in the evening.
fall
Camera or smartphone
To capture unique moments like snow flurries and pirate festivities.
Sunscreen
Florida sun can be intense even in winter; protect exposed skin during the cruise.
summer
Motion sickness medication
Helpful for guests sensitive to boat movement on open water.