yacht starship lost pearl

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• 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Come aboard the Lost Pearl’s 1.5-hour interactive pirate ship and enjoy swashbuckling activities, water cannon fun, and a bar that’s Free at Sea for kids of all ages! Your buccaneers will train to be a pirate so we’re prepared for any unwarranted encounter as we cruise Florida’s most pirate-infested waters, home to the legendary Jose Gaspar. Keep a sharp eye out for friendly dolphins as they like to swim along with us on our travels.

Be wantin’ a private charter for yer birthday or group event? Invite your buccaneers to seize the Lost Pearl for a swashbucklin’ good time. Groups of all ages love a pirate adventure on the waterways of Tampa Bay.

All cruises depart from Downtown Tampa.

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Debuting this Gasparilla: Lost Pearl, Tampa’s newest pirate ship

• Sara DiNatale Former Times Staffer

TAMPA — The Lost Pearl may not have sailed the seven seas, but it did sail seven days to start its new life in Florida.

The glossy red decked-out pirate ship that once entertained crowds in Virginia Beach has now settled into pirate-crazed Tampa Bay just in time for Gasparilla. Yacht StarShip president and CEO Troy Manthey purchased the ship from its Virginia owners to add to his fleet of dining yachts and water taxis.

“We have long recognized Tampa’s rich pirate history, theming our Water Taxi operation with a pirate theme and now adding a full-blown Pirate Ship to the fleet,” Manthey said in a statement. “Locals and visitors can take a real pirate ship adventure in search of treasure and dolphins on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay.”

The ship is located along the water taxi’s route, stop seven, in front of the Tampa Convention Center. The ship left Virginia for its 1,100-mile journey in late December and arrived in Tampa on Jan. 3. It was custom built in 2011 and has two decks that can carry up to 125 people.

Starting Feb. 8, the Lost Pearl will begin offering public cruises, which include a cast of pirates and interactive hunt for buried treasure.

The ship also will be available for private charters to accommodate birthdays, weddings and corporate events. The galley has snacks and a “grog” bar.

The Lost Pearl’s maiden Tampa Bay voyage will be at Gasparilla. You can purchase tickets to ride the Lost Pearl during the pirate invasion ahead of the Jan. 25 Gasparilla parade, but it costs more than $100 per person to come aboard.

Former Times Staffer

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Tampa’s newest pirate ship, The Lost Pearl, sets sail this weekend

Climb aboard the lost pearl.

Chip Brewster reports

TAMPA, Fla. - The Lost Pearl, Tampa’s newest pirate ship makes its maiden voyage for public cruises this weekend in the waters of Tampa Bay.

The 90-minute, interactive, cruise portrays the story of Blackbeard’s ghost, a pirate that stole treasure from The Lost Pearl. Those aboard ship must save it.

“We get the kids and we train them to be pirates,” explained Katherine Grace O’Sullivan, a.k.a “Amazing Grace”. “We teach them how to load the cannon, how to fire the cannon, we teach them how to stay low and limber by playing a game we call ‘under the yardarm’. It sounds a lot like the limbo, but it’s not. We pirated the music through. We also teach them how to pass cannonballs back and forth quickly to each other in the heat of battle and we teach them how to take orders.”

Though The Lost Pearl is a kid-oriented cruise, the adults aren’t left out.

The ship has a full grog-bar with beer, wine and liquor. 

“You can drink rum punch out of a pirate cup on the ship,” said Jennifer Richardson, marketing director for Pirate Water Taxi.

The lost Pearl previously sailed as a pirate ship in Virginia Beach.

It took about seven days to sail the boat from Virginia into the waters of Tampa Bay.

The Lost Pearl is part of the Pirate Water Taxi fleet.

“We have the dining cruises, the Yacht Starship, the water taxi…Tampa needed a pirate ship, so people could come on board and experience a swashbuckling good time,” Richardson said. 

The Lost Pearl can hold up to 125 passengers. 

LINK: Learn more and purchase tickets here .

TAMPA RIVERWALK RENTALS

Kayak, sup & bike rentals in tampa, florida, kayak, sup & bike rentals in tampa, fl, featured rentals.

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Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals

You can paddle the calm Hillsborough River viewing historic sites and a vibrant Riverwalk or you can choose an open water Paddle on Hillsborough Bay with beautiful Mansions and Dolphin Sightings! Our brand new Crescent Stand Up Paddleboards are wide and stable.

Kayak Rentals

From Mangroves to Mansions, get a workout while exploring Tampa’s beautiful waterfront Kayaking! Our brand new Crescent Kayaks can accommodate 1 or 2 adults, plus a small child.

Bike Rentals

Tampa Riverwalk Rentals takes pride in providing fun, affordable, and active experiences in Tampa. We offer the newest paddleboard, recreational & fishing kayaks, and bike rentals that launch directly from the Marriott Water Street on the Riverwalk. You can’t beat the breathtaking views of Tampa for your next adventure. Visit our sister companies Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi, and The Lost Pearl for more local adventures!

Locally owned and operated, Tampa Riverwalk Rentals takes pride in providing fun, affordable, and active experiences in Tampa. We offer the newest paddleboard, recreational & fishing kayaks, and bike rentals that launch directly from the Marriott Water Street on the Riverwalk. You can’t beat the breathtaking views of Tampa for your next adventure. Visit our sister companies Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi, and The Lost Pearl for more local adventures!

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD RENTALS

Take in Tampa’s beautiful waterfront while Stand Up Paddling! Whether you are an experienced paddler or a beginner, our Crescent Stand-Up Paddleboards are designed for maximum stability. We also provide several routes to choose from. You can choose to kayak the calm Hillsborough River and explore historical sites or paddle the open waters of Hillsborough Bay and see delightful mansions and dolphins. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy your trip! (Maps Provided)

KAYAK RENTALS

Get a workout while kayaking Tampa’s beautiful waterfront with views of mangroves and mansions! Whatever your level of experience, there are a variety of routes to choose from. Choose between paddling on the Hillsborough River, which has historic sites and a vibrant Riverwalk, or on the Hillsborough Bay, which has beautiful mansions and dolphin sightings! One or two adults, plus a small child, can paddle in our brand-new Crescent Kayaks. (Maps Provided)

BIKE RENTALS

Our new Coastal Cruiser bikes are perfect for riding around Tampa. You have the option for a more leisurely ride on the Riverwalk or around Davis Island with a stop for lunch. For a more ambitious ride, try Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa’s most scenic boulevard and considered the longest sidewalk in the country. If you want to stay in the city, consider cruising downtown or visiting Ybor, Armature Works, or Hyde Park. For all biking experiences, we provide Men, Ladies, and Children bicycles, maps, and safety gear!

PEDAL BOAT RENTALS

Enjoy a day on the water with friends, family, and the kiddos of course! Our pedal boats let you explore the waterways safely while putting those feet to work. Discover a new perspective of the downtown areas and see local wildlife.

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Groups are welcome, we can develop packages and pricing for corporate events, conventions, birthdays, reunions, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Call for pricing.

Groups are welcome, we can develop packages and pricing for corporate, conventions, birthdays, reunions, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Contact Us for pricing.

Tampa Riverwalk Rentals Group Activities Enquiry

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Ready For Fun? Book Your Adventure Today!

Top-rated outdoor equipment rentals in tampa, top-rated tampa rentals.

We absolutely loved our date night using Riverwalk Rentals! We rented two bikes & enjoyed the sunset on the Hillsborough. The staff was helpful & the bikes were easy to use. We will definitely be back to try out the kayaks!

Rented SUPs for 2hrs and paddled out near the large mansions. Great quality boards, competitive prices, and great scenery. The attendant gave us some good options to choose from for the different directions. Thanks for a great time! Definitely recommend it to others.

Awesome way to enjoy a scenic and layback ride or a needed workout while discovering the cool areas of Tampa Bay. Also loved the friendliness and knowledge of the Tampa Riverwalk Rentals team members.

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The Lost Pearl is currently in Dry Dock. We will not be taking reservations at this time. Please subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on The Lost Pearl.

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Locally owned and operated for 23 years

We’re Hiring!

Marine Technician

Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises and Events operates Florida’s largest and premier fleet of dining and wedding yachts sailing out of Tampa Channelside and Clearwater Marina. Our dining cruises consist of lunch and dinner cruises, private events, corporate functions, social gatherings, beautiful weddings, and much more. Yacht StarShip also owns and operates Pirate Water Taxi with a fleet of 6 water taxis, the Lost Pearl pirate ship, Bay Rocket jet-propelled speed boat, and Tampa Riverwalk Rentals offering bicycle, kayak, and paddle board rentals.

We are currently searching for a seasoned marine maintenance technician.

• Looking for someone who is experienced in general maintenance, general knowledge of plumbing, electrical, engine service, and use of power tools.
• General cleanup on a daily basis. Looking for someone that is willing to work hard and learn.
• General maintenance on vessel fleet, offices, and docks. General knowledge of prep and paint work is needed.
• Daily duties will include assisting the marine engineers in servicing the boats along with cleaning and organizing.
• A fun work environment with no 2 days doing the same thing! Mostly outdoor work.
• The position is at our Tampa location.
• The position is full-time.

Two schedules available:

• Sunday – Thursday
• Tuesday – Saturday

Outboard engine experience is a big plus!

Benefits:  

• A full suite of insurance benefits for you to choose from for your AND your family effective after only 30 days!
• All employees receive complimentary dinner cruise tickets, Pirate Water Taxi passes, and matching 401k options (over age 21) after 6 months.
• We are proud to be a drug-free employer regulated by the United States Coast Guard.
• Fantastic company, with terrific benefits, and employee perks!
• Great job for the right person!
• Yacht StarShip and Pirate Water Taxi have many great career and advancement opportunities.
• Not just a job, your future starts here!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

• 401(k) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
• 8-hour shift
• Weekend availability

Experience: Marine Mechanic: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to  [email protected]     or   click here to complete an online  application

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