"Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum?" Well, not exactly in this case. Although these buccaneers do serve rum and some of the best margaritas around to adult adventurers on their Destin pirate cruise, it's more about the treasured adventure they provide to families. The SS Buccaneer is a custom designed pirate ship anchored in the Destin Harbor that is 103 feet long and is modeled to look like a 16th century Spanish galleon but with all the 21st century amenities. It was commissioned in 2011 by Steve Wilson who owns the popular dolphin cruise boat known as the Southern Star. He collaborated with boat designer Travis Carter to bring his own vision to fruition and after fifteen months it was completed in 2012. This impressive vessel includes two sets of double spiral staircases, a "Treasure Room", multiple viewing decks, a full galley as well as a state of the arts engine room with twin high powered 550hp engines. The Buccaneer first set sail on July 2, 2012 with Captain Cannonball, (aka local native Cliff Atwell), at the helm. During the summer season Captain Cannonball and his pirate crew take family and fellow adventurers on a treasure hunt four times a day at 9:30 as well as 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 pm. Pirate treasure hunt cruises are also conducted throughout almost all the rest of the year as well but on a different schedule. The Buccaneer always sets sail to where ever they think a treasure chest may be found in the open gulf or in Choctawhatchee Bay. Usually this location is synonymous with how calm the winds are for the day since the crew wants everyone to experience a fun smooth cruise.

Captain Cannonball and the buccaneer crew usually start their day before 8:00 am since the first passengers board at 9:00 for a departure at 9:30 am. He starts by checking out all of the elaborate equipment in the impressive engine room, setting up the sophisticated sound system that provides pirate tunes, preparing the cannons that are to be fired and has a meeting with the crew to discuss the day's scheduled adventures. At 9:00 he and most of the crew change into their elaborate pirate costumes which includes special sashes, jewelry, swords, hats and boots. The same kind of accoutrements are available for sale in the galley including "Jack Sparrow" hats, beads, pop guns and swords. Food, sodas and pirate's brew for adults are also available. At 9:30 the captain welcomes adventuresome passengers and introduces the crew. A Safety Briefing is also presented since this ship can accommodate up to 149 buccaneers. At 9:30 the ship sets sail out of Destin Harbor and Captain Cannonball of course, fires the cannon to let everyone know they are underway on a treasure hunt. From 9:30 until about 11:00 lots of fun activities occur which includes hoisting the ship's colors and flags. The crew teaches kids as well as the young at heart how to talk, walk and dance like a pirate. This includes learning how to do the "Sea Leg Stomp" and other dances accompanied by fun rollicking music. Face paint and temporary tattoos are provided so that everyone can become a fellow buccaneer. Little buccaneers are taught the art of sword fighting and marksmanship skills in order to defend the boat from possible scoundrels or scalawags.

The training involves participating in "sword fights" along with shooting water guns at each other and sometimes even firing the cannon. At around 11:00, if the adventurers have proved themselves worthy of being a buccaneer, Captain Cannonball takes them into his confidence. He invites those trusted downstairs to his secret Treasure Room and told the story about the current treasure they are in search of. He promises to share part of the treasure if they do their duty and tells them how to spot it. If they are lucky, (and they always are!), treasure may be spotted soon afterward. The treasure chest is found and fellow buccaneers help hoist it on board to open it. After a lively negotiation with the captain, part of the treasure may be doled out to all the participants. Then a real celebration begins with more song, dance and another burst of cannon fire! Before sailing back to harbor with the loot all of the buccaneers have to pledge and recite the Pirate's Oath. The general message of this oath is as follows: "Unlock the treasures of your heart and let your dreams come true. You are leaders now, not followers so set a good example for your friends and family to always do good in this world whenever possible." The cannon is fired one last time and the ship returns to Destin Harbor around 11:30. After saying their goodbyes, Captain Cannonball and his crew prepare for the next treasure hunt once again with the next bunch.

Ocean Reef Resorts provides a varied selection of Destin Vacation Rentals for adventure seeking families. As our guests you will enjoy discounted tickets aboard this Destin Pirate Cruise and at many other top attractions along the coast with our Reef Rewards program.