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 an adults-only night of pirate comedy, songs, drinks, and audience interaction. The show is rehearsed but not tightly scripted, so the crew can play off the crowd and let the evening take its own course.

I like the mix of live theater and water views, since you are not simply sitting in a bar or watching a stage show. I also like the licensed bar, especially for couples or groups looking for something more playful than a standard evening out.

The main drawback is that the boat ride can run longer than the advertised 90 minutes, sometimes reaching two hours. Seats may not have backs, and hard benches can grow uncomfortable, so plan for a long stretch on board.

Key Points

• Adults-only pirate comedy: The material is intended for a mature audience and is not suited to anyone easily offended.
• A moving show: You cruise the Matanzas River while the crew performs skits, songs, stories, and improvised jokes.
• Drinks cost extra: The onboard bar serves cocktails and other beverages, but drinks are not included in the $31 ticket.
• Allow extra time for parking: There is no onsite marina parking, and you should allow at least 45 minutes to find a space.
• Expect a flexible running time: The cruise is listed as 90 minutes but may last 1.5 to 2 hours.
• A good group outing: The interactive style works especially well for birthdays, anniversaries, and friends who enjoy joining the joke.

What the Black Raven Experience Is Really Like

The Black Raven is not a quiet sightseeing boat with a pirate costume added for decoration. It is an interactive stage show that happens to move along the Matanzas River.

The crew performs skits, stories, and sea shanties, then uses the people on board as part of the evening. The show has been rehearsed, but it is not locked to a strict script. That gives the pirates room to react to the crowd, tease one another, and adjust the jokes as the night develops.

You should expect adult humor and material that can be bawdy. The experience is clearly aimed at people age 21 and older, not families with young children. If you like clean, polished theater, this may feel loose and unpredictable. If you enjoy a lively barroom atmosphere and do not mind being pulled into the fun, that looseness is much of the point.

The setting helps. You are outside on a real pirate ship, with the water moving around you and St. Augustine’s waterfront nearby. One part of the appeal is the contrast between the theatrical nonsense on deck and the ordinary Florida scenery beyond it.

Meeting the Ship at St. Augustine Municipal Marina

You meet inside the Black Raven Ship Store, located in the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building. This detail matters because the marina does not have onsite parking. You need to allow at least 45 minutes to find a parking space and walk to the meeting point.

That extra time may feel excessive for a short cruise, but downtown St. Augustine parking can take longer than expected, especially during busy periods. Arriving early is far better than rushing through the ship store or boarding after the show has started.

Bring your driver’s license. Since this is a 21-plus experience with a full bar, age verification is part of the practical preparation.

The ship store is also a useful place to get oriented before boarding. You can confirm the meeting location, locate the vessel, and take care of any last-minute needs before the 90-minute cruise begins.

Boarding the Black Raven and Finding Your Spot

Once aboard, look for a place where you can see the performers and still move easily to the bar. The exact arrangement can vary, but the boat offers enough room to move around and take in the view.

One practical complaint is worth taking seriously: some seating does not have backs. Another comment noted that the seats can become hard after about 1.5 hours. If you have a sensitive back or simply prefer comfort, bring a sweatshirt or small soft item to use as padding.

You may also want to settle your seating before ordering a drink, then visit the bar early. The onboard service is part of the fun, but one bartender may mean a wait during busy stretches. If you stand in line while a major scene or song is happening, you can miss part of the show.

The best approach is to get your bearings quickly, choose a spot with a clear view, and make your first bar visit early. After that, you can enjoy the performance without constantly deciding where to stand or sit.

The Matanzas River Cruise and Anastasia Island Views

The boat ride is included in the ticket, so the $31 price covers both the live performance and the Matanzas River cruise. The route provides a different view of St. Augustine than you get from walking the historic streets.

One particularly useful detail is the view toward Anastasia Island. The cruise is not built as a formal sightseeing tour with a long list of narrated landmarks, but the water gives you a pleasant change of pace and a chance to see the area from a new angle.

I like this part because it keeps the evening from becoming a stationary comedy show. You have scenery, fresh air, and movement between the songs and skits. The tradeoff is that the entertainment remains the main event. You should not book this expecting a detailed history lesson or a focused architecture tour.

The cruise time is approximate. It may last 90 minutes, or it may stretch to 1.5 to 2 hours. That extra time can be welcome if the show is flowing, but it also affects dinner plans, parking arrangements, and transportation afterward. Leave room in your schedule rather than booking a tightly timed reservation immediately after.

How the Adults-Only Show Works

The show depends on direct contact between the pirate crew and the people on board. The performers sing, tell stories, and act out skits, but they also respond to the mood of the crowd.

That makes each sailing somewhat different. A quiet audience may receive a different performance from an energetic group celebrating a birthday or anniversary. You do not need to be a performer yourself, but you should be comfortable with the possibility of being addressed or included.

The humor is intended for mature audiences. The description makes clear that the material is not for people who are easily offended. That is not a minor footnote. It is the central choice you are making when you book this version of the Black Raven experience.

The strongest part of this format is its sense of spontaneity. Since the crew does not follow a fully fixed script, jokes can feel more immediate. The weaker side is that improvisation can be uneven. Some moments may land better than others, and the tone may depend on the crowd and the performers on that sailing.

For many people, that rough edge is more entertaining than a perfectly polished production. The show feels like a pirate party with structure, rather than a formal theater performance at sea.

Songs, Sea Shanties, and Crowd Energy

Music plays an important role. The crew uses sea shanties and comic songs to keep the show moving, with audience participation adding to the noise and energy.

You may not remember every word, and there is no indication that songbooks are provided. If you like joining in, listen closely and follow the crew. If you prefer to watch, you can still enjoy the performance without singing along.

The songs also help break up the spoken comedy. A nonstop series of jokes can become tiring, while a short musical number gives the show a new rhythm. The result is closer to a variety performance than a single long monologue.

This is also where the group setting matters most. A couple sitting quietly may enjoy the show, but a larger group can make the experience more social. The more willing people are to laugh, sing, and play along, the more the atmosphere tends to build.

Ordering Drinks at the Licensed Bar

The fully licensed bar is one of the main reasons to choose the Rum Runners sailing instead of a standard sightseeing cruise. Drinks are available for purchase, but they are not included in the $31 ticket.

Cocktails mentioned by people on board include Rum Runners, Bahama Mamas, and sweet drinks made with coconut rum and blue curaçao. The bar also received praise for friendly service and strong pours. Keep in mind that taste and strength can vary, and you should pace yourself during a cruise that may last up to two hours.

The bar adds real value for an evening outing, but it also raises the total cost. A couple paying $31 per person may spend considerably more once drinks are added. I would treat the ticket as the admission price for the show and river cruise, then set a separate drink budget.

If you are not much of a drinker, you can still enjoy the performance. The entertainment does not require you to order alcohol. That makes the cruise more flexible than the name Rum Runners might suggest.

One practical point: order early. If the bar gets busy, you may have to wait, and the show continues while you do. A second bartender could speed service during crowded sailings, but you should assume there may be a line.

Space, Seating, and Comfort on Board

The boat does not appear to be so cramped that you cannot move around. There is room to enjoy the view and shift positions, which helps during a long performance.

Still, comfort is not the same as having theater seating. Some seats lack backs, and hard seating can become noticeable after an hour or more. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a light layer or small cushion if that would help you sit longer.

The cruise is outdoors, so conditions may affect how comfortable you feel. The provided information does not give a weather policy or a detailed seating map, so you should avoid assuming every place on board has the same view or comfort level.

I would choose a position with a clear sightline to the main performance area, then move around when appropriate. Since the show is interactive, remaining flexible can be more useful than guarding one seat for the entire trip.

The crew may also take pictures with people on board, and this photo opportunity has been offered without an extra charge. It is a nice touch for an anniversary or group night, though you should not expect a formal photography package.

Is $31 a Fair Price?

At $31 per person, the ticket is reasonable if you want both entertainment and a boat ride. You are paying for a live, interactive show, the Matanzas River cruise, and the novelty of being on a pirate ship. Drinks cost extra, so the final bill depends on how much you order.

Compared with a basic sightseeing cruise, this offers more performance. Compared with a full dinner theater, it offers less included food and a less formal production. The value is strongest when you want an evening activity with personality rather than a simple ride on the water.

The price also works better for a special occasion. A birthday, anniversary, or group outing gives the improvised comedy more purpose, and the ship setting makes the night feel different from dinner and a drink on land.

If you are mainly interested in St. Augustine history, spend your money elsewhere. If you want polished theater with assigned seats and a precise end time, this may not be the best match. For an adult group looking for silly pirate chaos, the cost is easier to justify.

Who Should Book This Cruise

I would recommend the Black Raven to adults who enjoy audience participation, informal comedy, sea songs, and a bar atmosphere. It suits couples who want an unusual date night and groups who can laugh at themselves.

It is also a good choice for someone who has already seen St. Augustine’s main historic sights and wants a different view of the city. The Matanzas River setting gives you something scenic, while the live show keeps the cruise from feeling passive.

I would be cautious about booking it for anyone who dislikes adult humor, loud group entertainment, improvisation, or the chance of being singled out. It also may not suit people who need cushioned, backed seating or who have a strict schedule after the cruise.

Book only if the tone appeals to you. The Black Raven is not trying to be elegant or quiet. It is trying to create a rowdy pirate night, and its success depends partly on how willing you are to join the mood.

Practical Details Before You Go

The listed duration is 90 minutes, but the cruise may last 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan your evening around the longer possibility.

Meet inside the Black Raven Ship Store at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina Building. There is no onsite parking, so allow at least 45 minutes to find parking and reach the marina.

The host and crew speak English. Bring a driver’s license, especially if you plan to buy drinks.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your plans are still changing.

Should You Book the Black Raven?

Book it if you want a lively adults-only night with a real pirate ship, river views, improvised comedy, sea shanties, and drinks available on board. The most praised parts are the energetic crew, funny songs, crowd interaction, and friendly bar service.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a history-focused tour, family entertainment, or a carefully timed theater production. Allow extra time for parking, expect hard or backless seating, and budget separately for drinks.

For the right audience, $31 buys a distinctive St. Augustine evening rather than just a boat ride. Bring a license, arrive early, and be ready to laugh along with the crew.

FAQ

Is the Black Raven pirate show suitable for children?

No. This version is adults-only and intended for people age 21 and older. The material is designed for a mature audience and may offend people who prefer clean humor.

How long does the cruise last?

The listed duration is 90 minutes, but the cruise may last between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. The $31 ticket includes the live pirate show and Matanzas River cruise. Drinks are available for purchase at 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. Allow at least 45 minutes to find parking before reaching the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license. You may also want a sweatshirt or something soft for padding, since some seating has no back and can become hard during the longer cruise.