Frequently Asked Questions

YES. Everyone aboard the Sea Gypsy requires a ticket, even infants. Per Coast Guard Regulations, we must count every single person towards the capacity of our ship. If your tiniest baby pirate will be held by an adult onboard and NOT participating in the adventure, select our discounted infant ticket for them.

Dress appropriately for the weather. For most of the year, it will be hot (welcome to Florida!), but for the winter months, be prepared for cooler temperatures aboard the Sea Gypsy.

If WE cancel due to weather, we will contact you via the provided phone number on the reservation, as soon as the captain determines a cancellation is necessary. In this case, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. We will not sail in high winds, heavy rain, or with lightning in the area. We may still sail in a light rain or drizzle. Because it is raining or thunderstorming in your location, please don’t assume we have cancelled. Storms can be very isolated, and very short-lived in our area. Pirate Adventures and its Captains monitor the weather and radar throughout the day. We will only sail if the conditions are determined safe by our Captain.

We are on the water for 75 minutes. We spend an additional 30 minutes before sailing for check-in, dress-up, and boarding (THIS is when you should arrive – 30 minutes before your sailing time). The boat departs at the sailing time listed.

It’s always encouraged to bring water with you! We have water bottles available for $1 during check-in as well. Alcoholic drinks are NOT permitted onboard. We ask that you avoid bringing food aboard the pirate ship, as we don’t know what allergies others might have, and the crumbs may invite unwanted pests. There is very little down-time for the kids to snack anyway, as our adventure is very interactive and engaging!

We are currently operating from the boat ramp at Palma Sola Causeway Park on Manatee Avenue. You will find our check-in area on the south side of Manatee Avenue just east of the boat ramp. You will also see the Sea Gypsy anchored just off the beach!

We operate on a strict schedule and will leave the dock at the specified sailing time. As a very small, family-run business, we are relying on your party to arrive for the time you reserved. Per our cancellation policy, we cannot refund or reschedule you for not showing up. Plan accordingly for traffic and remember you should arrive 30 minutes before the sailing time you booked for.

Please call us at 941-226-5640 to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. Cancellations must be made with AT LEAST 24 hours notice before your scheduled sailing time. For private charters, cancellations must be made with AT LEAST 72 hours notice prior to your sailing time.

As a Coast Guard Inspected Vessel, passengers are not required to wear lifejackets onboard the Sea Gypsy. We meet all of the requirements for lifejackets and safety equipment onboard, set forth by the USCG.

We recommend our adventure for children ages 3-10. Of course every pirate is unique though, and we certainly welcome all ages onboard. If you’re still unsure if this is appropriate for your child, give us call to speak to one of our crew members.