The Buccaneer Pirate Ship has become one of Destin’s most unforgettable family experiences since finding its home at HarborWalk Village in 2012. Commissioned by Steve and Wendy Wilson, the ship overcame challenges before opening its deck to families seeking adventure on the Emerald Coast.
What makes the Buccaneer special is the heart behind the experience. Every cruise is powered by a dedicated krewe of captains and pirates who stay in character, bringing guests into a world filled with treasure hunts, sword fights, pirate training, dancing, and nonstop excitement. Kids become part of the adventure, helping defend the ship, learning pirate phrases, and embracing their inner swashbuckler.
Over the years, the Buccaneer has also become a training ground for young performers and aspiring mariners. Former crew members have gone on to Broadway, Los Angeles, and careers in theater, while others pursued maritime licenses and careers at sea. Through every season, one mission has remained the same: creating memories families treasure long after vacation ends.
Aboard the Buccaneer, the scenery is just as memorable as the entertainment. Guests experience Destin Harbor, the sparkling Choctawhatchee Bay, and emerald-green waters while enjoying live pirate performances designed for every age. Parents can relax while children immerse themselves in imaginative play and high-energy fun.
Guests may encounter Captain Crimson or Captain Cutthroat alongside memorable krewe members like Lady Scarlett, Foxx, Kraken, and Sharky. Whether joining a daytime pirate adventure, a Thursday fireworks cruise, or an adults-only evening sail, every voyage promises laughter and unforgettable moments.
Designed with families in mind, the Buccaneer transforms an ordinary boat ride into an immersive experience where children create stories they will tell for years. From pirate lessons to treasure hunts, every trip offers something magical, making it one of Destin’s most memorable ways to experience the water together.
“The Buccaneer is more than a cruise—it’s a place where families laugh together, kids become pirates, and unforgettable memories are made on Destin’s sparkling waters.”
Known aboard the Buccaneer as Ursula, Rebekah Permenter’s story reflects the spirit of dedication and adventure that defines the ship itself. After spending countless hours helping maintain and operate the Buccaneer, she developed a passion for life on the water, storytelling, and the unique culture created aboard the pirate ship.
That passion eventually led her to pursue a 100-ton captain’s license, granted by the U.S. Coast Guard in 2021. Yet, beyond the title of captain, Rebekah values something even greater: the opportunity the Buccaneer creates for young women entering the maritime industry.
In an industry often dominated by men, the captains of the Buccaneer built an environment where women could gain valuable sea time, mentorship, and confidence while working toward captain’s licenses of their own. Several former crew members have gone on to maritime careers across the country, while others remain in Destin, continuing the mission of opening doors for future generations.
For Rebekah, the Buccaneer has always been more than a ship—it is family, mentorship, and a place where dreams begin.