Ahoy, young adventurers! Ready to turn your kids into real pirates (at least for a little while)?
The Pirates of Charleston Adventure Cruise in Charleston, SC is a super fun, hands-on experience where families board a real wooden pirate ship and take off on a swashbuckling ride filled with treasure hunts, pirate battles, and silly fun.
We’re sharing everything you need to know before you go — including when to go, ticket prices, what to bring, and what your crew can expect aboard The Black Ghost.
Pirates of Charleston Quick Facts
- Where: Yellow “Pirates” sign in front of the La Quinta Inn, Ripley Light Marina, 11 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC
- When: Pirate Adventure cruises sail May–September; Pirate School cruises sail weekends in March, April, and October; private and birthday cruises are also available (dates vary)
- How long: About 90 minutes on the water, plus 10–15 minutes of check-in on shore
- Price: $43 per person; every passenger needs a ticket, with a reduced rate for babies and lap children
- Best ages: Aimed at kids ages 3 to 10, but all ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- The ship: The Black Ghost, a 45-foot, U.S. Coast Guard–certified pirate ship that holds up to 30 passengers
- What to bring: Sunscreen on sunny days or a light rain jacket if it’s cloudy; drinks are OK, food is not
- Parking: Free parking directly in front of the marina
- Contact: (843) 608-0105 · piratesofcharleston.com
What Is the Pirates of Charleston Cruise?
The Pirates of Charleston cruise is a pirate-themed boat ride for families aboard a 45-foot wooden ship named The Black Ghost.
Kids become part of the crew — dressing up, battling sneaky pirates, firing water cannons, and searching for treasure! Adults get to enjoy the scenic Ashley River views while cheering on their little swashbucklers.
You can also add a pirate accessory package when you buy tickets (or at check-in), which includes:
- A foam sword
- A pirate bandana
- And plenty of swagger
My kids declared this their favorite event of the season. They loved doing the limbo, cleaning the deck with their kid-sized mop, and earning their pirate names. It was such a fun day!
Watch! our Pirate Cruise in Charleston, SC
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Pirate Cruise Schedule & Duration
- Cruise length: ~1 hour and 30 minutes
- Adventure Cruises: Sail May–September
- Pirate School Cruises: Offered weekends in March, April, and October
- Arrival: Be there 15 minutes early for check-in
Planning a fall or spring trip? The Pirate Adventure cruise only sails May through September. In March, April, and October, book a Pirate School cruise instead — it’s the same length and price.
Ticket Prices
- General admission: $43/person (kids, youth, and adults all the same)
- Babies & lap children: A reduced rate is available — the operator doesn’t publish the amount, so call (843) 608-0105 to confirm
- Note: Even lap infants need a ticket
Where to Go
- Meeting Spot: Look for the yellow “Pirates” sign in front of the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
(Address: Ripley Light Marina, 11 Ashley Point Drive, Charleston, SC) - Check-in: Happens on land, where you’ll get briefed before boarding
What Happens On Deck: Pirate Cruise Activities
1. Become a Pirate
- Every kid gets a pirate name — ours were High Seas and Cannonball, and they still use them!
- Optional dress-up with bandanas, scarves, or pirate gear
2. Pirate School
- Learn how to talk like a pirate (Arrghh!)
- Practice safe sword-fighting with foam swords
3. Treasure Hunt
- Follow a pirate map
- Help recover a stolen key from Sneaky Pete, a mischievous pirate you’ll chase down by boat
4. Water Cannon Battle
- Fire real water cannons to defeat Sneaky Pete!
- Expect a little spray — it’s part of the fun
5. Sailing & Sea Songs
- Cruise down the Ashley River toward Wappoo Creek
- Spot local wildlife and sing fun pirate songs
6. Celebrate the Victory
- Once Sneaky Pete is defeated, there’s a party on deck
- Kids receive treasure and may even graduate from Pirate School with a diploma from the captain
Tips for Your Pirate Adventure
- Dress for the weather: The boat is covered but not enclosed — bring sunscreen, a hat, and dress for possible light rain or water spray
- Water-friendly fun: You may get a little wet from the water cannons
- Accessibility: Wheelchairs, mobility walkers, and folding strollers are allowed (motorized scooters are not), but space is limited
- Food & Drink: Drinks and a small cooler are welcome, but please leave food at home — there’s no time or place to eat on board
Pirates of Charleston FAQ
How much does the Pirates of Charleston cruise cost?
Tickets are $43 per person for kids and adults alike. All passengers need a ticket regardless of age, and the operator offers a reduced rate for babies and lap children.
When does the Pirates of Charleston cruise run?
The Pirate Adventure cruise sails May through September. Pirate School cruises sail on weekends in March, April, and October. Private and birthday cruises are also offered, with dates that vary.
How long is the pirate cruise?
Pirate Adventure and Pirate School cruises last about 90 minutes. Check-in and a crew briefing on shore take another 10–15 minutes, and the operator suggests arriving 15 minutes before your check-in time.
How old should kids be for the pirate cruise?
The adventure is aimed at kids ages 3 to 10, but the operator says it has welcomed everyone from two-year-olds to grandparents. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Can we bring food on the pirate ship?
Drinks and a small cooler are welcome, but the operator asks that you don’t bring food — there’s no time or place to eat during the cruise.
Will my kids get seasick?
The cruise stays on relatively calm waters, so the operator says motion sickness normally isn’t an issue, though the ship may rock on another boat’s wake.
Where do we park for the Pirates of Charleston?
There’s free parking directly in front of Ripley Light Marina, and the La Quinta Inn offers paid parking along the left side of the hotel.
Ready to Set Sail?
The Pirates of Charleston cruise is a one-of-a-kind family activity — especially for kids who love dress-up, water play, or just yelling “ARRRGH!” at strangers. It’s silly, fun, active, and memory-making all at once.
Visit the Pirates of Charleston website to book.
Has your family sailed with these pirates before? Share your favorite part in the comments!
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