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River of Christmas Lights Boat Tour
Tampa, FL
Pirate-themed water taxi tours along the Hillsborough River
About
Embark on a magical journey along Tampa's waterways with the River of Christmas Lights tour. This unique experience offers a festive perspective of the holiday illuminations from the comfort of a pirate-themed water taxi. They also offer special cruises like the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, providing front-row seats to dazzling displays along the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, and groups seeking festive holiday views
Vibe
Festive, scenic, adventurous
Energy Level
Low to moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Duration
1 hour (for New Year's Eve cruise)
Schedule
Operating hours: Sun-Thu 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM.
Organizer
Manthey Hospitality Cruises & Events
Practical Information
Parking
They recommend parking in the Tampa Convention Center Garage, Pam Iorio Park Garage, or Fort Brooke Garage.
Accessibility
Click for Accessibility
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Happy hour specials available during cruises
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets in advance, especially for the New Year's Eve cruise, as these popular events tend to sell out quickly.
- Arrive at your chosen boarding stop at least 15 minutes prior to departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
- Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as it can be cooler on the water, even in Florida.
- Consider using the Pirate Water Taxi as transportation to other waterfront attractions before or after your holiday lights tour.
- Have your camera ready to capture the stunning holiday light displays reflecting on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'River of Christmas Lights' tour?
It's a festive boat tour where you can view holiday lights from a pirate-themed water taxi along Tampa's waterways.
Are there other holiday events offered?
Yes, they also offer a 'Holiday Lighted Boat Parade' cruise and a 'New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise'.
What are the operating hours?
They operate Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where should I park?
They recommend parking at the Tampa Convention Center Garage, Pam Iorio Park Garage, or Fort Brooke Garage.
Can I use the water taxi for transportation?
Absolutely! You can use the 'Hop On, Hop Off' service to travel between various waterfront destinations in Tampa.