Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship Boat Ride on Clearwater Beach with Kids
If you have ever been to Clearwater Beach, chances are you have seen Captain Memo’s bright red pirate ship sail by.
For the past 40+ years, Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship has been docked at the Clearwater Beach Marina when it is not sailing through the inner coastal waterway to the Gulf of Mexico.
Perfect for kids, Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship offers entertainment for just about the entire cruise. Keep reading for what to expect aboard Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship.
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What to Expect on Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship
Clearwater Beach Marina
Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship is docked at the Clearwater Beach Marina, off of Coronado Drive. Their official address (25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767) leads to parking at the marina.
While parking is available at the marina, it is likely easier for those staying on Clearwater Beach to walk to the marina or take the Jolley Trolley.
From the mainland, visitors can take the ferry to the marina. Parking is free on the mainland.
Lanie’s Pro Tip: Only park at the marina if you need to, and get there with plenty of time to search for a parking spot. Parking spots are limited.
Parking at the Marina
Guests need to check in at Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship counter an hour before their ship is set to sail.
While there is a shop and a few restaurants at the Marina, guests tend to wait near the pirate ship to be there in time for boarding.
Parking is available at the Marina. Ticket holders will be given a special code, which changes daily, to extend their parking time, at the rate of $1 an hour.
Looking for more boat ride options from Clearwater Marina? Find the Best Boat Tours on Clearwater Beach.
Boarding Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
Before guests are allowed to board, the crew stands at the front of the ship to announce the rules.
Everyone is given a name tag at check-in so that the crew knows you are on the ship. Kids are given a paper pirate hat right before boarding.
Each group has a photograph taken. The photos can later be purchased on board.
Complimentary soda, beer, and wine are available as you board the boat. Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board. Additional drinks are brought to you throughout the cruise, or you can go back to the bar.
Seating is available in a few different sections, though there are limits on how many people can sit in one area, so if there is somewhere you want to sit, try to be one of the first people in line.
We opted to sit at the front of the ship, which has a limit of 11. Our group filled up the entire section.
There are 4 sections with seating, though the back of the boat is for adults only. That deck is the only place where smoking is allowed.
Lanie’s Pro Tip: If you want a specific seat, be the first to board. Not only does this mean arriving early for check-in, but stand next to the dock entrance.
Activities for Kids on Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship
Though adults also have fun on board Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship, the activities are aimed at kids.
Everyone sits with their family at the beginning of the cruise, though quickly the children’s activities begin. Adults are welcome to stay with their kids, though they do not have to.
Find more fun things to do with kids on Clearwater Beach.
Water Guns
I have no idea what the kids do first as both times that I have ridden on Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship I have remained seated while they take the kids.
All I know is a few minutes later, the kids come out to the main deck with water guns.
Scavenger Hunt and Finding Treasure
The kids go straight from the water guns to learning about a scavenger hunt that will lead to the treasure.
The crew leads the kids around the boat and they find gold coins on the ground.
Face Paint
While the kids were playing, one of the crew members came around and offered to paint faces. The kids also have an opportunity to get their faces painted.
Anyone who does not want their face painted can have their hand painted, or nothing at all.
Cannon Shot
The kids are told a story about Black Beard, and then a tiny cannon is shot and aimed at Black Beard’s ghost.
Musical Chairs
A game of musical chairs is played and the winner receives a temporary tattoo and a keychain.
Dancing
At the end of the cruise, there is dancing. Both kids and adults can participate in the dancing.
Music is played throughout the cruise, but it is turned up at the end and the main deck is cleared for dancing.
Special Events on board Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship
Weddings, birthday parties, and a variety of events can take place on board Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship.
Find more Clearwater Beach Boat Tours and Things to do at Night on Clearwater Beach.
Pirate Ship FAQ
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is approximately 2 hours long.
Complimentary beer, wine, and soda are available on board. Additional drinks can be purchased at the bar. Snacks, such as chips are available to purchase at the bar.
It really depends on your kid, but I have been there with a kid as young as 5 and a kid up to 10 who enjoyed participating in most of the kid-friendly events onboard the cruise.
While some tweens and teens love participating, it is not always the case. The tween in our group seemed to enjoy the boat ride but did not join in on any of the pirate fun.
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise Review
Though I grew up in Clearwater and was well aware of Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship (as is everyone who visits Clearwater), I never climbed aboard until my oldest was born.
We first rode on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise when friends visited us while we lived in Clearwater. My daughter was a baby, but they had kids who were 5 and 6.
This year, my parents gifted all of their kids and grandkids a ride on the pirate ship.
Though Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is more popular during spring break and the summer months, my family was in town over the holidays and after our cruise was postponed for maintenance, we rode in January.
We originally wanted to go on the day tour but had to change to the sunset cruise. While it was a bit chilly as the sun went down, we loved watching the sunset from the water.
Dolphins are often spotted near Clearwater Beach, though none were seen during our time on the Gulf of Mexico.
My kids were entertained throughout the family-friendly cruise and we appreciated the free drinks, though none of us had more than one.
The staff made an effort to include us in everything, from offering drinks to face paint, even though we were not in the main area of the boat. The crew is fantastic with the kids.
Whether you are visiting Clearwater Beach for the first time or have lived in the area your whole life, Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship is a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
Things to do Nearby
Restaurants Near Clearwater Marina
Crabby’s Dockside
Located at the end of the marina, Crabby’s Dockside is a family-friendly restaurant that specialized in seafood. The multi-level restaurant has lots of seating and offers beautiful sunset views.
Crabby’s Dockside is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers live entertainment daily.
Marina Cantina
On the second floor of the building on Clearwater Marina, Marina Cantina is a Mexican restaurant open for brunch on the weekends and dinner daily.
Marina Cantina has an indoor restaurant and a rooftop lounge.
Salt Cracker Fish Camp
Open for breakfast on the weekends and lunch and dinner daily, Salt Cracker Fish Camp is located on the ground level of the building on Clearwater Marina.
For those who have gone fishing, Salt Cracker Fish Camp will clean and cook your fish and serve it with fries and cole slaw.
Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at Salt Cracker Fish Camp.
Bait House
Located at the far end of the dock, Bait House is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Seating at Bait House is outdoors, on the water.
Rockhouse Live
Just a few minutes walk from Clearwater Marina is Rockhouse Live, a bar and restaurant open for lunch and dinner daily.
Rockhouse Live has games to play while you wait for your meals and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Kid-Friendly restaurants in Clearwater and Kids Eat Free in Clearwater
Hotels Near Clearwater Marina
Clearwater Beach is filled with hotels. Here are a few that are located close to Clearwater Marina, which is near Pier 60.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
A 4-star hotel located right on Clearwater Beach, Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is just a couple of minutes walk from Clearwater Marina.
Hilton Clearwater Beach offers 2 pools and multiple restaurants including a restaurant right on the beach. They also have a kids club.
Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina
Located on the intercoastal waterway, Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina is a 2-star apartment-style motel with a restaurant just a few minutes away from Clearwater Marina.
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel
Right next to Clearwater Marina is Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel. This 3-star hotel serves a complimentary breakfast, and has a heated pool, and has a rooftop bar.
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Just a few minutes walk from Clearwater Marina is Wyndham Grand, a 4-star hotel with rooms and suites, some of which include bunk beds.
Wyndham Grand has a pool and hot tub as well as a spa, 2 bars, and a restaurant.
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