For decades, the worst thing about Gasparilla was getting there. Now, getting there is the best part. Thanks to The Pelican St. Pete, going to Tampa Bay’s massive annual pirate festival is (literal) smooth sailing – no traffic, no parking, and no need for an Uber back to St. Pete.
The Pelican, a 60-foot catamaran offering water journeys from the St. Pete Pier, announced it is hosting a Gasparilla Pirate Fest trip on Saturday, January 25. The all-day tour will bring revelers into the thick of the action as they join the invasion of Tampa Bay and downtown Tampa.
Dubbed “Piracy on The Pelican,” the Gasparilla party launches from the pier at 8:30 am and returns at 4:30 pm, offering a full day of fun on the water. Tickets include lunch catered by local favorite Gateway Subs and two drink tickets redeemable from The Pelican’s excellent bar.
With both indoor seating and outdoor observation decks, guests have their option of where and how to enjoy the ride. Riders must be at least 21 years of age, and tickets are $220 per person. Limited supplies are available, as The Pelican is limited admission to 49 people, and reservations can be made here.
And of course, one of our favorite parts of any journey aboard The Pelican: the beautiful catamaran partners with Tegan Foster (the founder and former owner of Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe) to provide a curated and delightful bar selection featuring some of the best beers and wines from across the country and the globe.
The Pelican journeys from St. Pete Pier every day
The Pelican, promising “pier to paradise” transportation, is a sleek new ship offering gorgeous views through Tampa Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico every day.
Riders have their choice of three types of excursions, either spending a couple hours sailing through Tampa Bay during the day; taking a two-hour sunset cruise in the evening; or a chartered six-person pontoon boat, complete with a captain. Dates are now open for booking as soon as this weekend for all three.
The 60-foot catamaran holds up to 49 passengers, complete with air conditioning and generously sized bathrooms, and is also available for special private charter events like weddings, corporate parties, reunions, and birthdays.
On the Sunset Cruise, guests are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy themselves during the two-hour journey from The St. Pete Pier through paradise. Sail by the beautiful shorelines of St. Pete, pass under the stunning Sunshine Skyway bridge and perhaps even see a dolphin or two. Prices for the 18+ excursions are $59 per person. Cruise times will adjust throughout the year as necessary.
As for the pontoon rentals, they offer full flexibility for whatever type of day (or night) you want to have. The journey includes a captain for the boat so everyone can enjoy themselves, and all charters are bring-your-own food and beverage.
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