A Look at Cancun’s 2025 Jolly Roger Pirate Show and Cruise

So, you are looking for something a bit different to do in Cancun, right? It’s almost a given that you’ve seen the beaches, and perhaps you are seeking an evening activity that genuinely pulls you away from the usual resort life. We were, basically, in that exact spot, scrolling through pages of things to do. Then, something caught our eye: the Jolly Roger Pirate Show, you know, the one with a dinner and drinks right there on a big pirate ship. Honestly, the idea of sword fights on the high seas, or at least the bay, just sounded like a whole lot of fun. So, we figured, why not give it a try for its 2025 season; it really seemed like a pretty memorable way to spend an evening.

First Impressions: The Ship and the Pirate Vibe

Okay, so from the moment you get to the pier, the whole thing feels, well, pretty impressive. The ship, the El Galeón IV, is just enormous and looks like something straight out of a history book; seriously, the amount of detail is quite something. It’s a very big wooden vessel with tall masts and ropes everywhere, which is kind of what you want to see. As we were walking on board, the crew, who are all in full pirate gear, greeted us with lots of energy, so they were already in character. They were actually shouting piratey things and getting everyone pumped up, you know, setting the mood. The atmosphere was immediately festive, with some Caribbean music playing and a whole lot of people seeming pretty happy to be there, almost like a big party was about to start.

Anyway, as a matter of fact, once you are on the main deck, you sort of take a moment to look around. It is apparent that the whole operation is quite professional, with places to sit and a big stage area for the main action later on. Still, you have that feeling of the ocean air, you know, and the sound of the water against the boat. It’s a bit magical, to be honest, as the sun starts going down over the water. A pirate immediately came over to us, called himself ‘Captain Jack,’ and offered us our first drink from the open bar, which, frankly, was a pretty good start to the night.

The Main Event: Swashbuckling Action and Fun

Now, let’s talk about the actual show, because, at the end of the day, that’s a big part of why you are there. The show itself, well, it is sort of broken into different parts. First, there are a lot of little skits and bits of comedy, which really get the crowd involved. The pirates run around, telling jokes and picking out people from the audience to participate in some games; it’s honestly all very lighthearted and fun, especially for the children who were just loving it. They actually made sure all the kids had their own pirate bandanas, which was a nice little touch.

Then, as the evening goes on, the main story begins to unfold, which, you know, is about a treasure and some rival pirates. This is where you see the sword fighting, and I mean, it’s choreographed pretty well. The performers swing from ropes, they clash swords with lots of sparks, and it’s very dramatic. But the absolute highlight, for most people anyway, has to be the cannons. They fire off blank cannonballs from the side of the ship with this huge boom and a big flash of light. You just don’t expect it to be that loud, so it’s really quite a thrill. You feel the whole ship sort of shake a little bit, and everyone, both kids and adults, were cheering like crazy.

Let’s Talk Food: The Dinner and Open Bar

So, you’re probably wondering if the food on a pirate ship can actually be any good, right? Well, it was actually a bit better than we thought it would be. You have a few main course options that you pick when you book your ticket, like your grilled steak, some chicken, or a fish filet. We went for the steak, and it was pretty decent; it’s not some fancy steakhouse quality, of course, but it was cooked correctly and came with some sides like a baked potato and some vegetables. They also have a salad bar you can visit before the main course comes out, which is pretty good for loading up your plate.

But let’s be honest, many people are curious about the “open bar.” It’s actually legit; you know, you can order as much as you like. They have national beers, some cocktails like rum punch and margaritas, and soft drinks. The servers are, pretty much, constantly walking around the deck, so getting another drink is not hard at all. The cocktails are not super strong, which is probably a good idea on a moving boat, you know? But they are still tasty, and you definitely feel like you are getting a good deal considering it is all included in the ticket price.

Who Should Go? Final Thoughts and Tips

Okay, so at the end of the day, who is this experience really for? To be honest, it is fantastic for families with children. The kids just have the best time; I mean, what kid doesn’t love pirates and sword fights? It’s completely designed to keep them entertained from start to finish. For adults, like couples or groups of friends, it is still a pretty fun night out, especially if you get into the spirit of it all and take advantage of that open bar. It’s really just a lively, slightly cheesy, but ultimately very enjoyable show that offers a break from the typical Cancun nightlife scene.

It’s kind of a mix between a theater show, a booze cruise, and a restaurant, all rolled into one. You should probably book your tickets a bit in advance, as the popular nights can apparently fill up fast. Likewise, wear some comfortable shoes because you will be on a boat deck, you know? Just remember that it is all about having a good time and not taking things too seriously. You just kind of have to lean into the pirate theme and let loose for a few hours.

Frankly, here’s a small tip: If you or your little ones are sensitive to loud noises, you might want to prepare for the cannon fire. It’s quite loud, so just being ready for it, maybe covering your ears for a second, can make a difference. The staff does give you a heads-up, so at least there’s a warning!

Read our full review: Jolly Roger Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise with Open Bar Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Jolly Roger Pirate Show Official Website)