A Day on Pirate Water Taxi: An awesome way to explore Tampa with the kids!
Pirate Water Taxi is celebrating 10 years of sailing Tampa’s waterfront, and the crew wants to make it easier for you to get around by launching a new continuous loop. They’ve also added four new 49-passenger water taxis to their fleet that include on-board restrooms. A MUST with kiddos!
This is such a unique way to explore Tampa and even some of the special events like the River O’Green, July 4th, and the holiday boat parade.
You can start your journey at any of the 10 stops currently being serviced and spend the rest of the day exploring Tampa from the water and some super fun destinations along the way!
Here are some of our favorite ideas near each stop to help you map out an ARGGsome day!
STOP 7: Tampa Convention Center
Grab lunch at The Sail Pavilion and even book another sailing on the Lost Pearl pirate ship from here!
STOP 11: Arrabelle Riverwalk
Walk over to Oxford Exchange, pick up a new book, grab a coffee or tea, and book a spot to make a candle. You can also visit the Henry B. Plant Museum. There’s a special exhibit right now, Gaspar’s Gold, that explores the myth of José Gaspar, which inspired Tampa’s Gasparilla festivities. You can also take a picture in front of the LOVE sculpture at UT, just east of the iconic Plant Hall, where the museum is located.
STOP 12: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
This is the stop to experience Glazer Children’s Museum! Make some art at the new Spring into Art activity and visit Big John, the world’s largest fossil triceratops. You can then head over to the Tampa Museum of Art next door and explore the exhibits, and cap it off with some playground time at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
STOP 15: Julian B Lane Riverfront Park
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park is one of our favorite parks in Tampa Bay, with its playground, splash pad, plenty of green space for kids to run, and epic views of downtown Tampa. There are several pieces of public art, including the cool green sculpture, The Form of Wander, for a fun photo op!
STOP 16: Armature Works/Ulele
Head to Armature Works if you want something quick to eat and drink, or if you’d prefer to linger a bit, walk over to Ulele and book a lunch or early dinner. Kids love the storybook sculptures like Humpty Dumpty and Cinderella on the property from Tampa’s old Fairyland attraction.
Depending on your schedule, you can also make the short walk over to the playground at Water Works Park.
STOP 4: Harbour Island
There are some cute local eats on Harbour Island. You can grab a slice of pizza at The Fold and ice cream at Lily’s Sweet Treats.
STOP 3: Benchmark International Arena/Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa Bay History Center and sit for a patio lunch at the Columbia Cafe here, and then walk over to play at Cotanchobee Park playground behind the Benchmark International Arena.
STOP 2: Sparkman Wharf
Go bowling at Splitsville, pick up a donut at Everglazed Donuts, or a chocolatey creation from Hampton Chocolate Factory.
STOP 1: Florida Aquarium/American Victory Ship
Explore the Florida Aquarium and then walk next door to the American Victory Ship and tour this historic WWII floating museum.
The weekend schedule has expanded stops. Visit piratewatertaxi.com for the full schedule and live tracker.
Pirate Water Taxi Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Ways to Save:
Consider picking up a Tampa Riverwalk Attractions Pass that includes: A day pass for Pirate Water Taxi, and visits to Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Florida Aquarium, Henry B. Plant Museum, American Victory Ship, and Tampa Bay History Center. One-day passes start at $65 for a child and $49 for an adult. There is also a three-day pass option. visittampabay.com/riverwalk-pass/