Climb aboard the Pieces of Eight and set sail on a pirate adventure from Fort Myers Beach. Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise combines interactive entertainment, Gulf views and plenty of nautical mischief aboard a 65-foot replica Spanish galleon.
Departing from Salty Sam’s Marina, the 90-minute cruise is a memorable Southwest Florida experience for families, couples and groups looking for something beyond an ordinary sightseeing tour.
Become Part of the Pirate Crew
This is not simply a boat ride with a pirate theme. Once aboard, passengers become part of the story as the costumed crew brings the voyage to life with comedy, games and plenty of audience participation.
Depending on the cruise, the adventure may include:
- Pirate games and dancing
- Treasure chests and treasure hunts
- Face painting
- Live cannon fire
- A mutiny against the captain
- Limbo and other interactive activities
- Opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine life
The friendly pirates keep the experience lighthearted and family-oriented, so younger passengers can join the fun without the adventure becoming too frightening.
Cruise Aboard the Pieces of Eight
The Pieces of Eight is a 65-foot replica of a Spanish galleon, complete with towering masts, rigging, flags and plenty of pirate character. Its open-air decks provide views of Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding waterways throughout the cruise.
The ship typically travels from Salty Sam’s Marina through Matanzas Pass and toward the Gulf between Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. The exact route may change according to weather and water conditions.
Men’s and women’s restrooms are available aboard the ship. Guests can also purchase drinks from the full-service onboard bar, along with a limited selection of snacks.
Choose Your Pirate Adventure
Salty Sam’s offers several cruise experiences throughout the year. Availability and departure times vary by season.
All-Ages Pirate Adventure
The most popular option is an interactive 90-minute cruise created for pirates of all ages. Children and adults can join the games, dancing, comedy and swashbuckling activities led by the crew.
Babies are permitted aboard, and children younger than two may sail free. They must still be included when making the reservation.
All-Ages Pirate Sunset Cruise
The sunset cruise combines the pirate show with an evening trip on the water. Guests can enjoy games, face painting, dancing, cannon fire and Gulf Coast sunset views during the approximately 90-minute adventure.
Adults-Only Pirate Cruise
Select departures are reserved for guests ages 21 and older. These cruises feature a more grown-up version of the pirate entertainment, complete with spirited humor, music, dancing and access to the onboard bar.
Private Charters and Celebrations
The Pieces of Eight can also be reserved for birthday parties, group outings, corporate gatherings and other private events. Birthday guests may even be recognized as honorary members of the pirate crew.
Planning Your Visit
Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise departs from:
Salty Sam’s Marina
2500 Main Street
Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: 239-765-7272
Website: floridapiratecruise.com
Cruise times and schedules change throughout the year, so advance reservations are recommended. Prices vary by cruise, age and package selection.
Guests should arrive approximately 45 minutes before departure. Boarding generally begins 30 minutes before the scheduled cruise. Check in at the Pirate Treasures store and cruise office, located beside Parrot Key Caribbean Grill.
The ship must leave on schedule and cannot wait for late passengers. Allow additional travel time during the busy winter and spring seasons, when traffic approaching Fort Myers Beach can be heavy.
Parking and Dining at Salty Sam’s Marina
Complimentary parking is available in the main Salty Sam’s Marina parking lot near the large yellow building. Additional parking may be available in the grass lot across the street when the main lot is full.
Guests who want to add lunch or dinner to their pirate adventure will find two waterfront restaurants at the marina:
Dining before or after the cruise can turn the outing into a full afternoon or evening on the Fort Myers Beach waterfront.
Accessibility and Weather
The Pieces of Eight is accessible to passengers with disabilities, and the crew works to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. However, the angle of the boarding ramp can become steep during low tide. Guests with mobility concerns should contact Salty Sam’s before reserving to discuss the conditions expected at their departure time.
Cruises operate outdoors and may be affected by wind, rain or other weather conditions. If Salty Sam’s cancels a cruise because of weather or another unforeseen circumstance, guests may receive a refund or credit according to the company’s current cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise
How long is Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise?
Most pirate cruises last approximately 90 minutes.
Is the pirate cruise appropriate for young children?
Yes. The all-ages cruises feature friendly pirates, comedy, games and lighthearted nautical mischief intended for families. Babies are also permitted aboard.
Are reservations required?
Advance reservations are strongly recommended because cruises can sell out, particularly during weekends, holidays and the busy winter travel season.
How early should passengers arrive?
Guests should plan to arrive approximately 45 minutes before departure. Boarding normally begins 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available at Salty Sam’s Marina, with overflow parking across the street when needed.
Are food and drinks available aboard the ship?
The ship has a full-service bar and a limited selection of snacks available for purchase. Guests can also dine at one of the waterfront restaurants at Salty Sam’s Marina.
Are restrooms available on the pirate ship?
Yes. The Pieces of Eight has men’s and women’s restrooms aboard.
Can passengers see dolphins during the cruise?
Dolphins and other marine animals may be spotted in the surrounding waters, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Add More Adventure to Your Southwest Florida Visit
Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise offers an entertaining way to experience the waters surrounding Fort Myers Beach. With interactive pirates, family-friendly games, Gulf views and a ship that looks ready to sail straight out of a storybook, it is an adventure that appeals to landlubbers of nearly every age.
Salty Sam’s Marina is also conveniently located near the Key West Express Fort Myers Beach terminal. Pair your pirate adventure with a trip aboard the Key West Express and enjoy two distinctive ways to experience the waters of Southwest Florida and the Florida Keys.
Photos Courtesy of Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise
