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Pirate Water Taxi launches magical River of Lights Cruise

A yellow water taxi covered in Christmas Lights

Pirate Water Taxi’s festive River of Lights Cruise returns this November and December along the Hillsborough River — and you can reserve your seat now. This will properly whet your appetite for our lighted holiday boat parade in Tampa.

Sure, you can wait at your house hoping carolers swing by your neighborhood to fill you with holiday cheer. But where’s the fun in that? In the city of Tampa we cruise while we carol. Pirate Water Taxi, my favorite way to navigate the stretch between Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works, is bringing back it’s fabulous River of Lights ride. 

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Merry and Bright along the Riverwalk

You will pass beneath low bridges to enter the beautiful Hillsborough River for a one-of-a-kind tour of lighted bridges and downtown Tampa. 

This unique holiday cruise will quickly become your new favorite family holiday tradition. As you cruise, you will get up-close views of Downtown Tampa’s spectacular seasonal decorations and holiday lights.

This family-friendly event will include a visit by a jolly pirate elf, Christmas song sing-a-longs, and a chance to see snow flurries in Florida! Every child will have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and drop it off in Tampa’s only floating mailbox. New for 2020: River of Lights will take place aboard Captain Jack II.

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Rides running from November through December

Rides begin November 27, and will continue on select nights through December 30. Each cruise lasts about 50 minutes and depart at 6:20 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 8:20 p.m., 9:20 p.m.

How much does a River of Lights cruise cost?

River of Lights cruises run $25+ tax for adults, and $20+ tax for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance online

Beer, wine, hard seltzer, and water are available for purchase on board Pirate Water Taxi. Sing-along with Dickens Carolers and get in the holiday spirit. 

Ride the river and then ice skate at Curtis Hixon

Board the River of Lights at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 South Franklin Street. 

Need more holiday cheer? Tampa’s Winter Village is officially open.

Want to support That’s So Tampa? 

If you love what we do for local businesses and events, consider wearing your Tampa love with our brand new That’s So Tampa merch. You can even rock our old school Ybor City Chicken tee

We’ve also just launched a Toy Drive to benefit R’Club Childcare, Inc. Consider dropping off toy donations at your local Kahwa Coffee. Full details HERE.

Do you part and help those in need in Pinellas County. Volunteer with Neighborly Care and help deliver meals to seniors throughout the St. Petersburg area.

What to read next: 

The Far Forest, a book and vintage store, opens in Seminole Heights

A flying car hub could connect Orlando and Tampa

VIDEO: Busch Gardens releases POV footage of Iron Gwazi

Tequila library opens at Sparkman Wharf

Winter Village will open at Curtis Hixon Park at the end of November

40 new/resuming routs launching from TPA this November

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