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

Pirate comedy works best with a drink in hand. The Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show combines a 90-minute cruise on the Matanzas River with an adults-only performance of jokes, stories, songs, and improvised crowd work. I like the way the crew keeps the show loose instead of reading from a fixed script, and I like that the boat ride gives you views around the river and Anastasia Island at the same time.

The fully licensed bar adds to the evening-out feel, while the live sea shanties and playful disorder give this cruise more personality than a standard sightseeing trip. The main thing to consider is that the seats can become hard after a while, and there are no seat backs. Parking at the marina can also take far longer than you expect.

Key points to know before sailing

• Adults-only material: The jokes and stories are intended for a mature audience and may be too spicy for anyone easily offended.
• A 90-minute cruise that may run longer: Plan on roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
• Improvisation drives the show: The performance is rehearsed but not fully scripted, so crew interaction changes with the crowd.
• Drinks cost extra: The onboard bar serves cocktails and other drinks, but beverages are not included in the $31 ticket.
• Arrive early for parking: There is no onsite marina parking, so allow at least 45 minutes to find a space.
• Bring photo identification: You need a driver’s license, and the experience is for passengers aged 21 and over.

What the Black Raven experience is really like

This is not a quiet harbor cruise with a few pirate costumes added for decoration. The main attraction is the crew’s live performance, with the boat acting as both stage and sightseeing platform.

The show mixes skits, sea shanties, stories, and direct interaction with the people onboard. The crew has rehearsed the material, but the performance is not tightly scripted. That matters because the mood can shift from a planned song to an improvised joke in seconds.

I like this setup for a group outing. You do not need to know much about pirates or St. Augustine before boarding. You simply need to be willing to laugh, respond when the crew addresses you, and accept that the humor is meant for adults.

The show is designed to be lively rather than polished in the theater sense. You may hear a joke aimed at someone in the crowd, watch the pirates play off one another, or find yourself pulled into the action. That unpredictability is part of the fun, though it also means the experience will work better for outgoing passengers than for anyone hoping to sit quietly at the edge of the room.

Boarding at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina

You meet inside the Black Raven Ship Store in the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building. Give yourself plenty of time before departure. There is no onsite parking at the marina, and the practical advice is to allow at least 45 minutes to find a parking spot.

That parking warning is not a minor footnote. If you arrive late, you risk starting the cruise stressed and missing the early part of the show. I would treat the 45-minute allowance as a minimum, especially if you are visiting St. Augustine during a busy evening.

Have your driver’s license ready. The show is strictly for passengers aged 21 and over, and the bar serves alcohol during the cruise. The host and crew speak English, so you should be comfortable following jokes, songs, and instructions in English.

Once aboard, find your place before joining the drink line. One useful tip is to secure a seat first, then head to the bar immediately. With one bartender serving the boat, the line can move slowly at busy times, and you may miss part of the performance while waiting.

The Matanzas River cruise and the scenery

The included cruise takes you along the Matanzas River. The water portion gives the evening a second purpose beyond the comedy show, particularly if you enjoy seeing St. Augustine from a different angle.

The river views are a pleasant change from walking the old streets. One passenger specifically appreciated seeing the area around Anastasia Island from the water. You will not be stopping at a series of attractions, so think of this as a moving view rather than a sightseeing tour with frequent shore visits.

That distinction helps set expectations. The cruise is not built around a detailed narration of historic sites. The crew’s attention stays on the pirate performance, while the river and shoreline provide the setting. If you want a serious history lesson, choose another boat trip. If you want scenery behind a funny live show, this combination makes sense.

The cruise is advertised as 90 minutes, but the actual time can run from about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep your evening open rather than scheduling dinner immediately afterward. The extra time may come from boarding, the performance, or the pace of the boat, so a little flexibility will make the night easier.

The adult pirate show: songs, stories, and improvised comedy

The show’s strongest feature is its energy. The crew performs skits and sings sea shanties, but the material is not locked into a rigid script. The pirates can react to the people onboard, which helps the performance feel like a live event rather than a recording played on a boat.

The adult-only format allows for stronger jokes and dirtier material than a family cruise. The humor is described as mature and is not intended for anyone easily offended. I would not book this as a surprise for a mixed-age family group. It is better suited to couples, birthday groups, bachelor and bachelorette parties, anniversary outings, and friends looking for something outside the usual bar or dinner routine.

The crowd interaction is central. You may be asked to answer something, join a song, or react to a pirate’s antics. You do not have to become the star of the show, but you should expect the crew to engage with passengers rather than perform at a distance.

The best reports of the experience focus on the crew’s comic timing and willingness to play along. One couple celebrated a fifth wedding anniversary onboard, while other groups described the night as a party with strong drinks, funny songs, and a crew that kept the energy high. That tells me the cruise succeeds most when the people onboard arrive ready to participate.

There is a tradeoff. Improvised comedy can be uneven. A joke may land perfectly with one group and fall flat with another. The show’s loose structure is part of its charm, but passengers who prefer carefully paced theater may find it less polished.

The onboard bar and the cost of drinking

The ticket costs $31 per person, which includes the live show and the Matanzas River cruise. Drinks are not included, but a fully licensed bar is available onboard.

At that price, the cruise offers decent value if you would normally pay for entertainment and a drink during a night out. You are getting a boat ride, live performers, and a social setting for less than the cost of many ticketed evening attractions. The value becomes stronger for a group that wants an organized activity rather than another meal or pub stop.

You should still budget beyond the ticket. Cocktails such as Rum Runners and Bahama Mamas are available, and one passenger described the drinks as strong. Another enjoyed a fruity cocktail made with coconut rum and blue curaçao. Drink prices are not provided, so I would not assume the $31 covers much beyond admission.

The bar also affects how you plan your time. If you want a drink before the show gets going, line up soon after boarding. A single bartender may create a wait, and standing in line means missing part of the performance. The bar is a useful feature, but it is not a reason to ignore the show.

You do not need to be a heavy drinker to enjoy the cruise. The performance, scenery, and group atmosphere carry the evening. If you prefer not to drink, you can still take part in the comedy and music, but the setting naturally feels like a bar outing on the water.

Seating, comfort, and what to bring

The boat has enough room for passengers to move around and enjoy the views, according to the practical experience of people who worried it might feel crowded. That is good news for a lively show, since you will not be packed into a tiny enclosed space.

Comfort is a little less certain. Some seats do not have backs, and the seating can become hard after about 90 minutes. I would bring a sweatshirt or something small for padding. A sweatshirt also helps if the evening air turns cool on the water.

Do not expect theater-style seats. The boat is arranged for a casual cruise and live entertainment, not plush comfort. If you have back problems or need supportive seating, contact the operator before booking so you can clarify the available seating.

The lack of seat backs is the clearest physical drawback mentioned about the experience. It will not bother everyone, especially passengers who move around during the show, but it can matter if you remain seated for most of the cruise.

Who will enjoy this St. Augustine cruise most

I would recommend the Black Raven to people who want a social evening with a strong sense of fun. It is especially suitable for:

• Couples celebrating an anniversary or special occasion
• Friends looking for a different night out
• Groups that enjoy live comedy and audience interaction
• Visitors who want river views without booking a formal sightseeing cruise
• Adults who like cocktails, songs, and playful pirate theater

You will probably enjoy it less if you want quiet scenery, detailed local history, or a refined dinner cruise. It is also a poor fit for anyone uncomfortable with adult jokes or being addressed by performers.

The group matters. A lively group can help feed the crew’s improvisation, while a very reserved crowd may make the performance feel less electric. You do not need to perform, but a willingness to laugh and respond will improve the experience.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The listed duration is 90 minutes, but allow 1.5 to 2 hours. That extra margin is useful if you are planning dinner, another tour, or a ride afterward.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you flexibility when your St. Augustine schedule is still changing.

The meeting point is inside the Black Raven Ship Store at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building. Since parking is not available onsite, plan your route and arrive early. I would rather spend extra time nearby than rush through parking and board at the last moment.

Bring your driver’s license. The cruise is conducted in English, and the adults-only format means you should be prepared for mature jokes and stories from the moment the performance begins.

Is the Black Raven worth $31?

For $31, I think the cruise offers good value if you treat it as an evening activity rather than a basic boat ride. The ticket combines a river cruise with a live show, and the improvised format gives the entertainment a quality you cannot get from a recorded attraction.

The strongest reasons to book are the crew, the crowd interaction, the songs, and the chance to see the Matanzas River while enjoying a drink. The main costs beyond admission are cocktails, time spent finding parking, and the possibility of less comfortable seating.

Book it if you want a funny, adults-only night that feels different from the standard St. Augustine itinerary. Skip it if you dislike crude humor, audience participation, or loosely structured performances. For couples, friends, and celebration groups, the Black Raven is a lively choice, provided you arrive early, bring identification, and save room in your schedule for the pirate chaos.

FAQ

How long is the Black Raven Rum Runners Pirate Show?

The listed duration is 90 minutes, but the cruise can last about 1.5 to 2 hours. Allow extra time if you have plans afterward.

Is the pirate show for children?

No. The Rum Runners show is for passengers aged 21 and over, and the material is intended for a mature audience.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. The $31 ticket includes the live pirate show and the Matanzas River cruise. Drinks are available for purchase from the fully licensed bar.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

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

Is parking available at the marina?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license. The cruise is conducted in English, and the show is intended for an adult audience.