By Janette Flavell
There’s something idyllic about Tampa’s serene waterways. Along the Hillsborough river’s channel walls, remnants of colorful graffiti tags boast the name of University of Tampa’s rowing team, blue herons and wood ducks splash alongside their brood. And it’s not too uncommon to spot a small group of dolphins or manatees following your waves on one of the many boats you might board while you’re here. Life along these barnacle-embellished byways is deeply connected to the history of what makes this city so special.
One of these vessels you might take for a ride is the Pirate Water Taxi. With six ships in their fleet seating between 29 and 100 guests, it’s the perfect vessel for immersing yourself in all things Florida life, with boundless experiences at its many stops along its route. It doubles as an excellent host for birthdays, bachelorette parties, scavenger hunts and moonlight cruises with drinks for purchase and trusted captains onboard. And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg (something southern boat riders need not fret over).
Passengers can hop right on the Water Taxi via the River Route at Water Street Marriott hotels, a route that makes for a convenient and scenic mode of transportation and relaxation. Those with hopes of luxuriating in an afternoon lounging at Curtis Hixon, an urban-centric waterfront park sitting on eight acres of grand waterfront views, can dodge weekend traffic aboard the taxi. It’s the perfect spot for kicking back and soaking up some sun with a picnic basket or podcast. The park includes a dog run for furry friends, and interactive water fountains and mist fans should anyone need a proper cool down.
The River Route continues to coast down to Julian B. Lane Park where there’s never a shortage of events and celebrations. Whether you’re catching live music or perusing fine art, there’s a little something for everyone. Featuring a playground and a splash pad, park goers can post up under the picnic or spend time enjoying public art, sports courts and fields, and stand-up paddleboard or kayak rentals. Riders rest assured: the staycation and endless summer energy that feeds Tampa Bay can be found on and off the boat.
Before the Taxi loops back around, it stops for an Armature Works and Ulele hop off. Consider ordering a brown paper bag of hush puppies from Ulele’s walk up bar or grabbing a riverwalk-approved to-go Spritz from Bar AW inside Armature Works. Eat and drink by the waterside or take a breather and soak up some cool air before heading back to the ship.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience on the water, Yacht Starship and Craft Tampa dinner cruises are the way to go. The Starship is available for premier dining cruises, private charters, and specialty events where guests might partake in murder mystery dinners or brunches celebrating Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. Much to everyone’s pleasant surprise, the Yacht Starship Cruise is family friendly, so rally up the gang aboard the ship for a princess cruise with photo ops, meet n’ greets and dance parties galore.
Like the Yacht Starship Cruise, Craft Tampa offers premier dining options like their two-hour brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises. With a menu curated by Chef Allison Beasman, guests enjoy an elevated cuisine with her stunning, three course dinner. Craft’s Chef Beasman grew up blue crabbing on the Chassahowitzka River where much of her menu draws from, inspiring fresh seafood twists prepared from the heart.
Upon boarding Craft Tampa, you might start at the Bow & Stern for a cocktail. Built from a 1914 wooden cruiser, this stunning bar offers iconic drinks, each designed with ingredients that are as seductive as they are delicious. And when you’re ready, you’ll be seated inside or outside (depending on weather and preference) for an intimate meal along the Hillsborough Bay.
For those visiting, look forward to exceptional service on each of these vessels. The stewards of Craft Tampa and the Yacht Starship offer an upscale, swanky vibe while the Pirate Taxi is your go-to for all day fun (and a little Tampa history).
“These ships are such a bucket list item for locals, but also for folks visiting Tampa Bay,” says Jennifer Richardson, Yacht Starship Vice President of Marketing.
What Richardson and her team have built in all three vessels is an homage to respecting, tending to, and utilizing Downtown Tampa’s waterways as they were designed to be enjoyed. So, hop on and hop off; keep the wind at your back and the sun on your face—and have a drink along the way.