Gasparilla Pirate Festival 2025: An Event Guide & On-the-Water Itinerary Curated by a Local
Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
Every year during the month of January, a crew of 700 pirates aboard a 165-foot fully rigged ship sails the bay. Once they reach the X (Tampa Convention Center), they raise their flags and the pirates bring the party on land. With a attendance of over 300,000, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival has become one of the most popular attractions of Tampa, Florida, but to those that live in Tampa watching the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla make landfall is tradition.
- When: Saturday, January 25
- Time: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Where: Tampa, Florida
Find available boat rentals for Gasparilla Pirate Festival
On-the-water itinerary curated by a Tampa local
Our Editorial team connected with Molly, a Tampa local and University of Tampa alum, to create this authentic on-the-water itinerary. For the last 10 years, she’s hosted friends from all over the country to keep on the tradition. Beside getting a boat rental to watch the invasion, she insists “you gotta dress up for Gasparilla.”
- 9 AM: Meet Owner or Captain at dock and load up
- 10 AM: Launch boat and cruise the Hillsborough Bay
- 10:30 AM: Anchor near Davis Islands (best viewing spot for invasion)
- 11:30 AM – 1 PM : Watch Jose Gasparilla ship invasion
- 1 PM: Relocate boat to Bayshore Boulevard waterfront
- 2 PM – 5:30 PM: View Parade of Pirates along Bayshore Boulevard
- 6 PM: Begin packing up and head back to dock
Boats for every group, from family-friendly to party rockers
Not only will a boat rental can give you a unique vantage point of the invasion of Tampa, it’ll also give you unobstructed views of the action happening on the water. Here’s a round up of top Tampa boat rentals to get on the water for Gasparilla.
2023 Axopar with Stereo
Not only will you be cruising in style aboard this sleek boat, this 25 ft Axopar boat comes with Bluetooth, Stereo, and a Bathroom making it just right for 6 mates to have a fun day out on the water.
View 2023 Axopar boat | Explore boats in Tampa, Florida
23 ft Sailfish Boat Includes Children’s Lifejacket
Not only is this 23 ft Sailfish boat suitable for children, but pets are also welcome aboard. Focus on the festivities aboard this Captained Center Console.
View 23 ft Sailfish boat | Explore boats in Tampa, Florida
75 ft Millenium Yacht with Jacuzzi & Over 20 Subwoofers
Go all out for Gasparilla and lock-in this 75 ft Millenium Yacht. Aboard this boat, up to 12 Guests can enjoy an array of amenities such as air conditioning, indoor lounge area, and its most notable feature, a state-of-the art sound system.
View 75 ft Millenium Yacht | Explore boats in Tampa, Florida
38 ft Axopar Mini Yacht with Grill
A 99% Owner response rate and 4.9 rating should tell you that JP is serious about making your day out on the water an unforgettable one. Aboard this 38 ft Axopar Yacht which has a grill, cooler, and WiFi, up to 13 friends can create a memorable Gasparilla celebration of their own.
View 38 ft Axopar Mini Yacht | Explore boats in Tampa, Florida
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