Amelia Island Pirate Voyages in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Through an unassuming gray shack in the Fernandina Harbor Marina, visitors board a 53-foot-long ship, The Flying Dutchman, for a high seas adventure like no other. The 90-minute to 2-hour voyage offers guests an immersive, family-friendly tour of Amelia Island’s nautical history and natural wonders. The boat itself is decked out with pirate fanfare, from “Wanted” posters to tattered flags atop the mast to a skeleton or two. With a ragtag crew of boisterous pirates, you’ll sail past such landmarks as Fort Clinch, the famous 19th-century coastal fortification; Cumberland Island, where wild horses roam; and Little Tiger Island, home to 565 acres of salt marsh and maritime forest. You may spot dolphins swimming in the Dutchman’s wake or coastal birds circling above as you make your way back toward the harbor. Younger pirates even receive eye patches, hats, and gold coins, and get to walk the “plank” (if they’re fearless enough). All the while, your crew will regale you with stories from Amelia Island’s history and make sure you don’t miss any sights along the way. Some lucky guests may even be captained by Jack Sparrow himself — but have no fear, all of these captains are quick with a joke and eager to spin a yarn or two. There are various trip types catered to different ages and interests: The classic daytime pirate cruise is typically offered at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Then, there’s a 5:30 p.m. sunset cruise that’s a bit more low-key and slow-paced (without sacrificing any of the nautical folklore). Adults-only groups can even opt for the “BYOG Rumrunner Sunset Pirate Voyage” offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, which celebrates Amelia Island’s colorful smuggling history with music, dancing, and coolers for your beverages of choice. No matter which voyage you choose, you’ll return to land with the seasoned vocabulary of a professional pirate and more than a few tales from this region’s fascinating history.

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