If you’re looking for an adventure fit for the whole family and things to do on South Padre Island, then look no further than a pirate cruise in South Padre Island.
What is a Black Dragon Pirate Cruise?
Step aboard The Black Dragon, a 17th-century replica pirate ship, and feel the salty breeze through your hair as you cruise the Laguna Madre with a crew of real pirates! This isn’t just any ordinary cruise – this is a pirate adventure that will ignite your imagination and transport you back to a time of swashbuckling adventure and treasure hunts!
It’s the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and embrace your inner child. Kids will especially love the pirate stories, music, cannon firing, water pistol battles, and sword fighting, as well as face painting and treasure hunts to keep them busy throughout the entire trip.
With 4 decks and 10 different cannons, The Black Dragon is sure to impress even the most discerning pirate enthusiast. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!
How to Prepare for your Pirate Cruise
If you’re planning on embarking on a pirate adventure with Black Dragon Cruises, here’s some important information to keep in mind.
Firstly, Black Dragon Cruises sail from Port Isabel/South Padre Island all year round, weather permitting.
At the time of writing, these are the departure times and costs for the pirate cruises listed on Osprey Cruises’ official website. Please note that ticket prices and schedules are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest rates and schedules.
The Black Dragon Pirate Ship Cruise departs from Pirate’s Landing at Port Isabel, Tuesday to Sunday between 1 and 3 p.m., and costs $38 for adults, $27 for children (12 and younger), and is free for children 2 and younger.
The Sunset Pirate Cruise departs from Pirate’s Landing at Port Isabel, Tuesday to Sunday between 3 and 5 p.m., and costs $43 for adults, $28 for children (aged 12 and younger), and is free for children 2 and younger.
The Firework Pirate Cruise runs seasonally from Pirate’s Landing at Port Isabel between 6.30 and 9.30 p.m. and costs $53 for Adults, and $38 for children (aged 12 and younger) and is free for children 2 and younger.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Black Dragon Pirate Cruise website or by telephone. You may find discounts periodically on Groupon, so keep an eye out!
When it comes to being a pirate, attire is just as important as treasure. Luckily, Osprey Cruises has you covered. Their gift shop is stocked to the brim with all the pirate gear you could ever want or need. From eye patches and bandanas to hooks and swords, they’ve got it all. So, stop by and find your perfect pirate look, and don’t forget to grab your trusty weapon of choice before setting sail.
The cruise duration is approximately 2 hours. Be sure to arrive early, (about 30 minutes prior to sailing time) for the “meet and greet” session on the waterfront patio behind Black Jack’s restaurant for the firing of the 9lb “Gollywobbler” cannon, signaling “All Aboard”. Pre-boarding photos with the pirates are available for purchase after the tour.
Snacks and drinks are available on the boat, including a full bar offering sodas, snacks, beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks. Mastercard and Visa are accepted aboard the Black Dragon, so no need to worry about cash.
Men’s and women’s restrooms are also available on board and the cruise can accommodate wheelchairs.
Getting to Port Isabel from South Padre Island
Getting to Port Isabel from South Padre Island is a breeze! If you’re staying on the Island, you can take advantage of the free South Padre Island transportation on the city shuttle, The Island Metro. This shuttle operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers different routes to choose from. One route runs up and down South Padre Island, stopping at various beach accesses, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other points of interest.
If you’re planning on going to the Black Dragon Pirate Cruise, you’ll want to take the other Island Metro route that crosses the Queen Isabella Causeway into Port Isabel. This will take you right to the cruise’s location at 501 E Maxan St. in Port Isabel.
All of the Island Metro shuttles are equipped with a bicycle rack, ADA accessible with wheelchair lifts, and offer complimentary WiFi.
So, all you need to do is hop on the Island Metro shuttle, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride across the beautiful Queen Isabella Causeway into Port Isabel. From there, you’re just a few steps away from the swashbuckling adventure of the Black Dragon Pirate Cruise!
Plan Your Visit to South Padre Island
As a guest of Padre Island Rentals, you can rely on us to provide you with local recommendations and take care of your every need during your stay. Book now and get ready for a truly unforgettable vacation experience!
Other Tours from Osprey Cruises
If pirates aren’t up your alley, Osprey Cruises run a variety of other cruises you can try! There are plenty of things to do on South Padre Island!
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing sunset dinner cruise? Osprey Cruises have you covered with locally caught seafood, including shrimp skewers, bacon-wrapped shrimp, sirloin steak, chicken kebabs, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables and drink specials every night!
Or perhaps you want to explore the local marine life? Our Sea Life Safari Cruise takes you on an exciting dolphin-watching adventure while you learn about the ecology of the Laguna Madre.
If you want to take in the sights and sounds of nature, the Osprey Nature & Sightseeing Cruise is perfect for you with a high-profile passenger yacht that provides panoramic views of the estuary and an expert narrator to share fascinating stories about its inhabitants.
If you’re looking for a fishing adventure, Osprey Cruises Deep Sea Fishing trips take you year-round to the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of fishing experiences, including drift fishing for kingfish, shark, or dorado, and bottom fishing for red snapper, grouper, and amberjack. The Bay Fishing trips aboard our custom 50’ boats are perfect for shallow waters and leave from Port Isabel.
Osprey Cruises also offers private charters for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, school field trips, and private celebrations with the option for customizing the event to your needs for a special and unique memory!
Stay with Padre Island Rentals
We know you must be itching to hit the seven seas on one of Osprey Cruises’ tours and we think there’s no better place to set up base than South Padre Island, a tropical paradise and premier destination for relaxation and fun!
If you’re looking for the perfect accommodations for your vacation, don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay in one of our South Padre Island vacation rentals or condo rentals!
At Padre Island Rentals, we offer over 190 vacation rentals in 30 different complexes along the Texas Gulf Coast. We have a wide variety of resort condominiums on the beach as well as the bay, ranging from budget-friendly efficiencies to elegant South Padre Island condo rentals and fine beach houses with stunning views of the sparkling Gulf Coast’s finest beaches.
Not only do we offer a wide range of accommodations but we also ensure that all of our properties are non-smoking for your comfort and convenience. We aim to provide guests with a vacation home away from home, complete with a variety of amenities and features that make each rental special.
