Ahoy, mateys—tis José Gaspar here. I’ve traded the treasures of the Seven Seas for the endless riches on land in Tampa Bay. There’s plenty of adventure to go around, but only for those who are a part of me crew. So if yer up for some exciting exploits, I’m ready to share me wealth!
There’s just one catch: ye have to earn yer spot on my crew by proving your worth and loyalty. Along the way, ye will conquer Tampa Bay and show yer true pirate spirit. Heave to you scallywag, while the gettin’ is still good!
Yer quest starts with getting special access to Tampa Bay’s attractions through CityPASS, which unlocks a treasure trove of discounted admission passes. Once ye’ve gotten the golden ticket, begin your adventure at The Florida Aquarium. Leave yer cutlass at home, ’cause a wee bit o’ bravery is all you need for this adventure down to Davy Jones’ Locker. Jump into the Coral Reef Gallery tank and swim with the fishes, the sharks, and Flip the green sea turtle. Back on me ship, me crew and I vote for best bellyflop into the ocean—but that’s not the challenge here! Ye must capture a photo of a fish grinnin’.
Photo Credit: TBO.com
If yer afraid of heights, this next adventure is sure to shiver yer timbers! A true pirate always knows which direction to escape to the pirate hideout—prove yer skills as a navigator. First, climb into the cockpit of the biplane simulator at Glazer Children’s Museum and practice steerin’ your winged vessel higher than a Jolly Roger. Then, conquer the museum’s Art Room to make a movie or create a custom kaleidoscope—like the telescope I use back on me ship. Every pirate needs to be able to keep his or her good eye out for enemies.
Avast. The time has come for task number three. Get ye to MOSI. Me first thought was that it stood for Marooned On Staten Island, but ’tis short for Museum of Science and Industry. Here ye shall find a planetarium, space programs and a 3D theater. O’ course you can also steer the driverless car or fly the drones, but they won’t get ye to the crow’s nest—the Sky Trail Ropes Course will!
A pirate must always be quick on thar toes, so test those sea legs on the towering gangplank and more than 30 other obstacles on the multi-level Sky Trail Ropes Course. But the battle isn’t over until ye have zip-lined across to the 65-foot-tall crow’s nest. From yer lookout, shout a “Yo-ho-ho” to your maties below to prove ye’ve conquered the climb. Then let go and zip back down to make sail for your next adventure in Tampa Bay.
Every pirate needs a sidekick perched on thar shoulder. Pick a parrot or another trusty, seaworthy companion—like the Gang Gang Cockatoo or the Malayan Flying Fox—at Tampa Bay’s Lowry Park Zoo. See more than 1,000 animals before visiting Nature’s Kingdom, Manatee Cove or Lorikeet Landing to select a souvenir that’ll keep you company on seafaring trips. Ye can also visit the Mold-A-Rama machines to make a classic figurine. Plush, plastic or covered in plumes, every pirate needs a first mate he or she can count on.
Busch Gardens Tampa presents the most challenging task yet. While it’s an exotic world of animals and rides such as Falcon’s Fury, Stanley Falls, Air Grover, there’s more to this land than meets the eyepatch!
Show ye are worth your salt in a fierce fight by confronting the giant cobra of Cobra’s Curse. Strap yeself into the coaster and prepare to meet ye maker as ye climb straight up to the cobra’s head. Then ye must face the giant snake and roar in its face. Defeat the demon by showing no fear and earn the entire crew’s respect.
It’s time for ye to raise a pint o’ frosty root beer and toast to all your triumphs in Tampa Bay. Ye’ve racked up enough epic pirate experiences to earn first mate status. Ye’ve conquered Tampa Bay and proven yer worthy of this honored position on my crew.
Spend even more time exploring this vast cove of endless quests and ye can one day become a cap’n like me. Tampa Bay’s got plenty of attractions for old salts, and countless adventures for beginner buccaneers like ye. So share your exploits here with all your closest hearties and your bravest mates. But no pulling anyone’s wooden peg leg! Savvy?
Live the pirate’s life in Tampa Bay and plan your getaway today.
