St. Augustine: The Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show (21+)

The Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show turns a short cruise on the Matanzas River into a lively adult night out. The crew performs sea shanties, tells pirate stories, and pulls people into unscripted skits, all while the ship moves past St. Augustine’s waterfront and Anastasia Island.

I like the show’s loose, improvised style, since the pirates can react to the crowd instead of repeating every line like a stage play. I also like the licensed bar, which makes it easy to settle in with a Rum Runner, Bahama Mama, or another drink while the action unfolds.

The main caution is simple: this is an adults-only performance with mature jokes and a drinking-focused atmosphere. The cruise can also last closer to two hours, and some seats lack back support, so plan for a longer spell on a hard bench.

Key points to know

• Adult humor is part of the show: This is a 21+ performance for people comfortable with spicy jokes and suggestive material.
• The script leaves room for chaos: The crew rehearses the show but does not follow a fixed script, so crowd interaction shapes each sailing.
• Drinks are sold onboard: The full bar serves alcoholic beverages for purchase, including rum-based cocktails.
• The cruise lasts about 90 minutes: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how the sailing runs.
• Parking needs advance planning: There is no onsite marina parking, and you should allow at least 45 minutes to find a space.
• The atmosphere works best with a group: Friends, couples, and birthday or anniversary parties can join the crew’s playful back-and-forth.

Setting Sail from St. Augustine Municipal Marina

You meet inside the Black Raven Ship Store, located in the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building. This is not a downtown street performance that you can casually wander into. Give yourself plenty of time to reach the marina, find parking, and get to the ship without rushing.

The marina has no onsite parking. The practical advice is to allow at least 45 minutes for parking, especially if you are planning the evening around a dinner reservation or another timed activity. Arriving late can mean missing the opening part of the show, and the opening helps set the tone for the rest of the cruise.

Bring a driver’s license. Since this is a 21+ sailing with a bar onboard, you should have identification ready even if you look well over legal drinking age.

Once aboard, you find a pirate ship built for watching a performance as much as for seeing the water. The ship is part of the entertainment. It gives the evening a stronger sense of occasion than sitting in a standard bar, though you should not expect the comfort of a theater seat.

A Pirate Show That Leaves Room for Improvisation

The Black Raven’s performance is rehearsed but not scripted. That distinction matters. You get a planned structure with recurring skits, stories, songs, and character work, but the crew can adjust its jokes and interactions based on the people onboard.

That loose format gives the pirates room to play with the crowd. The strongest part of the show is often the exchange between crew members and passengers, rather than a long story that requires careful attention. You can sing along, laugh at the crew’s bickering, and become part of a short bit if the pirates turn your way.

The show is designed for adults, not children. Expect mature material, suggestive humor, and jokes that would not fit a family afternoon cruise. If you prefer clean comedy or a quiet sightseeing boat, this is the wrong choice. If you like theatrical mayhem and do not mind being addressed directly, the interactive format should suit you.

The crew also uses sea shanties and comic songs to keep the pace moving. You may not always catch every word, especially when people are laughing or ordering drinks, but the music adds to the shipboard mood. One useful touch is the chance to take pictures with the crew without an extra charge, giving you a souvenir beyond the cruise itself.

The Matanzas River Views Between Skits

The show is the main event, but the water gives the evening breathing room. The Black Raven cruises the Matanzas River, with views toward the St. Augustine waterfront and Anastasia Island.

This is not primarily a sightseeing tour with a long narration about landmarks. The scenery works more like a moving backdrop. You get time to look out from the ship, enjoy the open air, and see St. Augustine from the water while the crew resets for the next exchange.

That balance helps the 90-minute format. You are not expected to focus on the performers every second. You can watch the river, take pictures, and talk with the people in your group between songs and skits.

The experience may be especially appealing if you have already spent time walking St. Augustine’s historic streets. A water view gives you a change of pace without requiring a full evening commitment. One passenger described it as a good way to see the sights around Anastasia Island, which is a fair way to think about the cruise: light sightseeing wrapped inside a comedy show.

The Bar and the Real Cost of the Evening

Admission costs $31 per person. That price includes the live pirate show and the Matanzas River cruise, but drinks cost extra.

I consider the price reasonable if you treat the Black Raven as a 90-minute entertainment event rather than as simple boat transportation. You are paying for a themed performance, live music, crowd interaction, and time on the river. The value improves if you enjoy the show itself and plan to buy only one or two drinks.

The full bar adds to the evening, but it can also affect your budget. Rum-based drinks are a natural fit for the pirate setting, and popular choices include Rum Runners and Bahama Mamas. Fruity cocktails with coconut rum and blue curaçao are also available, according to the onboard drink selection described by passengers.

The bar service has a practical limitation. With only one bartender at times, the line can move slowly. If you wait until the show is underway, you may miss part of a song or skit while ordering. My advice is to board, choose your spot, then get in line early if you want a drink. Once you have one, you can settle in and watch the performance without interruption.

You do not have to drink to enjoy the cruise. The show is built around comedy and interaction, and one account specifically noted that the event can still be fun for someone who is no longer much of a drinker. Still, alcohol is a visible part of the atmosphere, so nondrinkers should be comfortable being around a party-style crowd.

Seating, Space, and What to Wear

The ship appears to offer enough room to move around and enjoy the view, rather than forcing everyone into a cramped row. That helps when people line up at the bar or turn toward different parts of the deck during the performance.

Comfort is less certain. Some seating has no back support, and the benches can feel hard after 1.5 hours. Bring a light sweatshirt or something small for padding. A sweatshirt can also help if the evening feels cool on the water.

Try to claim a comfortable viewing spot soon after boarding. The show is interactive, so there may not be one perfect seat, but a position with a clear view of the main performance area will make it easier to follow the action. If you plan to spend time at the bar, choose a place first rather than assuming you can save one later.

The cruise time is listed as 90 minutes, but the actual outing can last 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep that range in mind when arranging dinner, transportation, or another ticketed activity. The extra time may come from the pace of the cruise and performance, so leave a cushion in your schedule.

Who Will Have the Best Time Aboard the Black Raven

I would recommend this cruise to couples looking for a different kind of date night, groups of friends, and anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or reunion. The interactive style gives a larger group more chances to laugh together, and the pirate theme supplies an easy excuse to relax and be silly.

It is also a good fit if you have done the standard St. Augustine attractions and want something less conventional. The cruise combines a boat ride, live entertainment, music, drinks, and views without asking you to commit to a full theater production.

The show is less suitable for people who dislike audience participation. The crew may interact with people directly, and the humor depends on quick exchanges. It is also not a good pick for anyone seeking a quiet sunset cruise, a serious historical tour, or a family-friendly outing.

The 21+ rule is not a minor detail. The material is aimed at a mature audience, and the atmosphere is closer to a themed adults-only party than to a daytime pirate attraction for children. Check your group’s comfort level before booking.

Planning Your Evening Around the Cruise

The easiest plan is to treat the Black Raven as the centerpiece of the evening. Arrive at the marina with time to park, check in at the ship store, and board without rushing. If you want a cocktail, order early.

You can pair the cruise with dinner before or after, but leave enough time on both sides. Parking alone can take up to 45 minutes, and the cruise may run as long as two hours. A tight schedule can turn a fun night into a race across town.

The cruise is conducted in English, and the host or greeter also uses English. That is worth noting if someone in your party is not comfortable following fast jokes, songs, or improvised dialogue in English.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at once. Check the available starting times when you book, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed here.

My Take on the $31 Black Raven Experience

The Black Raven works because it does not try to be only a sightseeing cruise or only a comedy show. The river views give the evening a sense of place, while the pirates keep the mood active with songs, stories, and improvised exchanges.

The most praised parts of the experience are consistent: the crew’s energy, the funny performances, the drinks, and the chance to enjoy a memorable group outing. The strongest value comes when you join in rather than sit back expecting a polished stage production.

There are tradeoffs. The bar costs extra, drink lines can slow down, some seats are hard, and the mature humor will not suit everyone. You also need to plan carefully for parking. None of these issues ruins the cruise, but they matter when deciding if it fits your evening.

Should You Book the Black Raven Pirate Show?

Book it if you want an unusual St. Augustine night out with adult comedy, rum drinks, music, and a short cruise. It is particularly well suited to couples and groups who enjoy playful audience interaction and do not mind a little rowdy humor.

Skip it if you want quiet sightseeing, padded theater seating, or a strictly family-friendly show. For $31 plus drinks, the Black Raven offers good value when you see it as live entertainment on the water. Arrive early, bring identification, plan for parking, and get your first drink before the show gathers speed.

FAQ

Is the Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show adults only?

Yes. This is a 21+ pirate show, and the material is intended for a mature audience.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is 90 minutes. The cruise can last about 1.5 to 2 hours.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes the live interactive pirate show and a Matanzas River cruise.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. The ship has a fully licensed bar, but drinks are available for purchase separately.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet inside the Black Raven Ship Store, located inside the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building.

Do I need identification?

Yes. Bring a driver’s license.

Is parking available at the marina?

There is no onsite parking at the marina. Allow at least 45 minutes to find parking before the cruise.