Well, I do have to say, the marketing for this "excursion" is very well written. Too bad the actual event wasn't nearly as exciting. Our loading time was 12:00, waiting for about 5 minutes to see if anybody else was going to join us. Captain Dave then took all boarding passes, payments, vouchers, etc. Also tried selling some Pirate gear for an additional $5.00 each - things that you can get at the Dollar Tree--all which took another 5 minutes or so. All the kids received pirate stickers though. While leaving, (12:10) the narration started - "see the seal", umm yeah-he's been swimming around for the last 30 minutes. Didn't narrate anything else, other than tell 3 pirate jokes and pointed out the fishermen on the rocks and what could possibly be caught. Rode up to the the break water, blew the horn to scare the birds so they could fly, the Captain says it's like being in the movie "The Birds". Turned around and floated by the kids beach, Coast Guard Station, the fueling dock, then he let the kids drive the boat for about 45 seconds each. Not really narrated much of anything - mainly because he was on the phone most of the time. We got back to the dock at 12:37. So--with leaving late and coming back early - I would say we were shorted 15 minutes. This company either needs another person go along on the rides or stay at dock to answer the phone and actually write down who and how many are coming for the next trip. Dave took about 6 business calls, pretending to write down the name and how many in the party; took 2 personal calls and made additional calls. Too busy to narrate anything that way. This 30 minute tour was nothing like what we were expecting. Captain Jack Sparrow would be embarrassed. AAARRRRRRRGH! read more

This was a great first boat ride for our baby boy. It's only 40 minutes so we didn't have to worry about bringing anything or about the kiddo being on the boat longer than he would want. It was really laid back and chill; no scary pirates, only a funny one. While we were waiting to board, we saw fish, crab and a small octopus, about 15 inches long- so cool! The captain was really nice- even helped me on the boat with my baby. He told some really cute pirate jokes and pointed out birds and dolphins as we slowly cruised the harbor. Then he let the kids take turns at the wheel, letting them wear his pirate hat. Wasn't too cold, as the front windows are covered. Would do this again for sure! read more

The Pirate Boat Ride - Tours Near Me - Oxnard, California

See all

I enjoyed this tour very much. It was a beautiful sunny September day. Very relaxing and beautiful scenery. Our tour guide (pirate) was nice, friendly and funny. I purchased my tickets on Groupon which is what I recommend. You can expect to hear some history on the islands and surrounding areas and you will see some wild life. Bring the kids they will love it. I would do the tour again! read more

See all

We came down on a Sunday afternoon and had a great, relaxing time on the Pirate boat. For about $25 for a family of four it's a wonderful time!!! After the boat ride we went to the Whales tail for a glass of wine, we could not ask for a better end to our weekend!:) read more

The Pirate Boat Ride - Pelicans on the rocks - Tours Near Me - Oxnard, California

There's not a lot going on at Channel Islands Harbor. We were happy to find the Pirate Boat Ride. Our kids loved it. They drove the boat! The Captain is friendly and narrates the trip well. I'd recommend this boat ride to families looking to get out on the water. read more

See all

Description exaggerated. Took the visiting grandkids, ages 6 and 7, who were expecting a true pirate experience. Per the website, they (and we) were anticipating an appropriately costumed buccaneer captain, and perhaps pirate hats or toy swords for the kids. We were looking forward to a lively and interactive cruise around the harbor. Instead we found a mostly desultory boat owner who changed the schedule at the last minute (he had something better to do, so made us show up an hour earlier than our booked time and then made us cool our heels after rushing to get there until he felt like shoving off.) The cruise consisted of going out to the breakwater and returning, at an excruciating slow speed. No harbor; no under the bridge to go up and down the fingers, etc. And the diesel fumes were obnoxious. While trying to keep the 6-year-old boy engaged, a request for the promised "kids get to steer the boat " was rebuffed until our captain decided he would honor it. By that time, the boy was trying to sleep and no longer interested. On the plus side, his 7-year-old sister was thrilled to be invited to steer the boat into port. An important note: there is a steep climb to get into and off the boat. There are no steps and the captain simply encourages you to jump down the two or three feet onto the concrete dock. Accident waiting to happen. In summary: not worth it. Even with the Groupon coupon that got us there in the first place! read more

Went on The Pirate Boat Ride at Channel Islands Marina yesterday. What a waste of time. We knew it would be a tour of the harbor with some sort of Arrg factor, but did not expect to get pirated. We went on a living Social so were only out $10 as were the other adult and 2 kids on the boat. It was supposed to be a tour of the harbor showing the sites and homes around for 45 minutes. Well we waited 5 minutes in case others would join us and took off. went next dock over and saw some seals, OK. Then went out to the jetty while the captain talked on his cell phone. Got out of the harbor and sat for 15 minutes while the "captain" talked to a contractor on the phone and then to a buddy of his. Head back in and went 5 piers past our dock and turned around and docked total boating time 25 minutes. All of it with the Captain talking on his phone. He did let the 2 kids "drive the boat" so that was cool for them. But if they expect to stay in business they better put a little more effort into entertainment and not just listening to so yahoo talking on the phone. Note had to give them 1 star as it would not let me do no STARS. read more

We took the pirate boat ride in May after purchasing a deal on LivingSocial. We had a small Meetup group coming from the Los Angeles area and I was actually a little worried about the whole thing after reading some of these reviews here. However, none of the issues happened to us - and I probably bugged the guy calling a lot (I called to reserve our group, called to change our date since our plans changed, called a few days before, and then I called the morning of to make sure that the boat was going to go out that day.) He was friendly and attentive at all times when I called. When we got there (a little early, and luckily all together even though we drove from separate areas of the city) we went and waited to board. The captain was on time and friendly. We boarded and the kids were really excited. The boat was bigger than I expected - and there were about 10 other people on board. The captain was funny - yes, corny, but that's what kids like! We were able to see some seals too. It was a really pleasant way to spend a weekend day. And on the way back home, we stopped at the Disney outlet in Camarillo. Our kids had a blast! (aged 2-4.) There is also a Maritime Museum nearby if your kids are really into boats. read more

Gentleman answering the phone to take reservations was extremely rude. Acted aghast that I would dare call with only two weeks left of the holiday cruises to make a reservation. Said he was completely sold out and couldn't accommodate my Living Social I had bought. While I understand that this is probably a popular thing for people to do this time of year, there is no cause to treat a customer which such blatant rudeness. I called Living Social to report this uncalled for treatment and was able to get a full refund. After the way that I was treated while trying to make a reservation, I would never be interested in giving this guy my money in the future. Learn how to treat your customers with some respect! read more

Had to call several times to even get a person to attempt to schedule reservations, the man was completely rude and unprofessional. This company has the worst customer service and etiquette ever. read more

I have a groupon but not a reservation. All of the boat rides are sold out. What did the rude guy that answered the phone say? Get in touch with groupon and get your money back. I bought the tickets so that I could show my brother and his wife who are visiting from Maine a California Christmas. All we have is a poorly run business. read more

How I wish I would have read these reviews BEFORE going on this cruise. I have never written a review but feel it is my duty to humanity. He never answers the phone. I left message after message. Then I decided not to buy groupon coupon because I didn't know if they were open. Coupon expired so not available. He finally answered phone. We went to cruise and I explained that I called 5 times and left 2 messages. He basically called me a liar and that he answers calls personally. I explained about groupon and he said feel fortunate it's only $10 per person because rates go up tomorrow to $15. It was awful. No narration. No pirate stuff but one joke. He was so rude. read more

My parents got a deal on Groupon and made a reservation. Says that it's a 45 minute ride and goes up and down the harbor to Mandalay Bay and then out to see the Channel Islands. We left the dock at 1:05 and were back docking at 1:38. Simple math says we didn't get a full ride. We only went to the break water and then back. Never went up the harbor towards Mandalay Bay at all. He did some jokes and let the kids all steer. Outside some pirate jokes and the captain wearing a striped shirt, there really wasn't anything "pirate" about it. It's good if you're from out of town, but honestly just rent one of those family boats nearby for an hour and save some money and jokes. read more

We travelled all the way from Riverside, Ca to ride the pirate boat with our 2 grandkids. It was cancelled on Saturday due to the strong winds. We stayed in a hotel to wait for another day to go for the ride. We called on Sunday morning and we were told the schedule was 12, 1 and 2. We went to the dock at 12:45, and saw other groups come in, but there was no one from the company to welcome us or give us a ride. We started calling and were told it was cancelled again. Winds were not strong, are they just plain lazy or does not know how to do business? Our tickets are paid for, we called for appointments and the captain is a no show? We just want our money back, don't want to waste my time on this boat ride again. read more

I was a little aghast at the tiny boat that showed up but now looking back at the pictures that I took of the lights on the boat, it wasn't such a bad time. The captain seemed a little aloof and I think I smelled some alcohol on his breath and I didn't appreciate seeing him steer the boat with his feet but beyond that it was an okay trip there's no way I would spend more than $15 per person so I'm glad I bought this on a Groupon. read more

AWFUL DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! rude employee and our "captain" was rude and told inappropriate jokes (kids on board) and used foul language. read more

Picked up a brochure and checked out the website that says "We are a family run operation." Left a message with a rude person. Called a second time, he said I have the wrong number for the owner "Carrie." Didn't offer to take a message and hung up in the middle of my question. read more

Super, amazing, awesome! Driver determined to find some seals and dolphins for us to see. He was entertaining with jokes. Boat was comfy, although a good idea to take a hat and light jacket. In the end...we saw a group of dolphins! So it was a WIN read more

it was cool! not bad for 17$ for 2 persons (groupon). it took us forever to reserve though cz its most of the time we call, they arent available. my favorite part are the seals! they are laying around port hehe read more

See all

We went with a group (7 adults and 3 kids) a few weekends ago and had a nice time. It was the perfect length of time. Captain Don even let the kids on the cruise take turns and "drive" the ship. My kids loved it! read more

My Grandkids enjoyed this boat ride compared to the others. Seems the boat itself is more enjoyable to little kids than the bigger ones. This boat is closer to the water and they can easily spot the sea lions and birds on the shore and the breakwater. Nothing much to expect but kids takes turn at the wheel. Captain dressed in stripped black and white t shirt cracked jokes once in a while. Overall the trip was okay as long as the little ones had fun. read more

Wish I had taking the boat next to us ..it was way to short ..takes you to see birds Then back ...glad I had a groupon ...

We had a free day on the coast so we took the kids ( two boys, 4 and 6) down to Channel Islands Harbor for a pirate boat ride. After looking around a bit for the boat (the harbor is huge) we found the "Harbor Queen" loading people in front of the Whale's Tail restaurant. The captain accepted our Groupon coupons and we jumped aboard. The kids really enjoyed the trip. They got to drive the boat and were given pirate treats (lollipops). The captain is entertaining, friendly and insightful about the harbor and marine life. Don't expect a huge pirate ship with tall masts and sails, this is a quaint little boat. Perfect for entertaining the little ones and getting out on the water. I'd recommend it to families with kids 12 and under. You can find a great deal for this ride on groupon right now was well. read more

I am not one to write reviews but my experience was so bad I feel I must. I bought a LivingSocial Groupon and booked the boat ride for Dec. 11th. I called and left a message that we need to change it and he was SO RUDE and told me that when I booked it he told me I could not change the reservation. He absolutely did not tell me that. I asked him if there was any other availability on any day/time and he said only that night and that I could cancel. I own a business and would NEVER speak to a customer that way especially one that has already paid for the service. Again I never write reviews but he is the RUDEST business owner I have ever spoken to. read more

Attempted to purchase this as a Groupon. Owner was rude on the phone when I called with questions. Never returned my calls when trying to reserve. read more

Unfortunately we had already purchased 2 certificates ($20) What a loss. The tour was only 25 minutes not the 40. The pilot should purchase a message machine & return calls. He received 5 calls from people making reservations for future tours, 2 personal calls and made 1 personal call discussing a private charter from the night before with a bachlorette party. I was embarassed with my grand daughter sitting next to me and we could heard all conversations. 8 calls in all He rarely narratted anything. He ran out of time. Pointed out the coast guard station, scared birds,oh and the seal was already swimming around the harbor. Worst example of "Customer Service" The sun never came out casting a very GRAY cloud on this disappointing experience read more

I bought a Groupon and we went today. I was skeptical after reading some of the reviews but Captain Alex did a great job. There were a lot of kids on our boat and I think they really had a lot of fun. He told us facts that I did not know and he let the kids steer the boat. The weather was perfect and Captain Alex was fun. I would recommend this to others for sure! read more

Dishonest!! I had booked a trip on the Pirate Boat ride for April 26. I had purchased a Living Social deal which expired in June. On the day of the trip, I got a call saying that the trip was cancelled due to high winds, and that I would be able to use the promotional value of the deal throughout the summer. However, when we called to rebook, we were told that we cannot use the promotional value, and can only use the paid value. I even reached out through Living Social to ask them to honor the promotional value, especially since the owner cancelled the trip, but they wouldn't do it. BAD BUSINESS!!! read more

My Husband and I were going to give this company a second chance after not showing up to take us and others who had reservations and that had driven well over an hour for a boat ride. We called and called but they never answer their phones. We left 2 messages that we wanted to make a reservation but they never called back. They will not be in business for long read more

AWFUL!!!! We went on the "Holiday Tour" and boy that was no holiday! First of all, you think you will be seeing all kinds of beautiful lights in the harbor. There are very view homes that are lit and even less boats. They should not call this a holiday boat tour. Second, we had about 10 screaming kids on the boat running around a jumping on all the seats the whole time. Maybe you should have a "kids" boat tour and a separate "adult" boat tour so we could actually hear the Christmas music and relax with our adult friends! This was such a waste of money and would never recommend to anyone!!!! DISASTER! read more

The only thing good about this ride is the scenery. Captain not as funny as he thinks he is and condescending. Ride didn't even go to where houses are (Mandalay bay) as advertised. Seemed the group had groupons (?) and perhaps why he shortened the ride? Always tip but not for this old pirate. read more

Customer service was disappointing. Was on our way to experience the boat ride for the first time & the condescending response on the phone from the rep made us to turn right back around. There was no attempt to help or even wanted to hear what I had to say. Completely cut me off on the phone. Disappointed. read more

Very fun experience for all ages. The captain made it fun. We had a one year old with us and he had so much fun. I would recommend the trip to everyone read more

Took the grandson and he loved it. We also had our infant granddaughter with us. Be aware when the Pirate Boat Ride says children under 12 is $10.00, this includes your newborn child. Two stars off for charging a 6 month old infants. It was on a summer weekend with only a handful of people. read more

What a lovely, lovely little excursion. If you're looking for the full-on pirate experience or some kind of comedy cruise, the Pirate Boat Ride is not for you. If you want to take the kids on a pleasant sail around the harbor, they'll really enjoy it. Especially when they get a chance to pilot the boat. The captain was prompt, friendly, informative and amiable. He was patient and considerate with my visually-impaired daughter, who has not stopped talking about the cruise. She had a blast, as did my wife and I. The harbor is beautiful on a sunny day (always bring a jacket). The sea lions were amazing. Nowhere in California, including Pier 39 in SF, have I ever had such close contact. They're huger than you think. I recommend going early as the 101 is packed on the weekend, and have lunch at the Whale's Tail, overlooking the dock where the Harbour Queen is moored a few steps away. You'll wish the cruise was longer, but the duration is perfect for kids. Combine with a nice lunch and it's a wonderful family day. read more

Extremely bad experience! My sister and I spotted the Groupon for the holiday cruise (2 adults, 2 children for $75). Before we purchased the Groupon, my sister called to confirm that our day and time was available. The owner told her it was and there was no need to purchase the Groupon, just make the reservation, pay cash when we arrived, and he would honor the Groupon price. So, we arrived on our reserved day/time and the man taking the money asks for $100 instead of $75. We explain the verbal arrangement we had and he said he didn't know about that, but after a bit more conversation he agreed and honored the $75 rate. A few minutes later the owner is there and wants to discuss why we think the rate is only $75, so we explain it again. During this conversation the owner is raising his voice and everyone in line is staring at us. He asks us to show him proof of the $75 price and says he does not recall having that price. At this point we are agitated because it is a ridiculous way to run a business. He should know what deals he has running and he should honor what he agreed to over the phone. We let him know that he is ruining our evening with his questioning and his tone, and that gets him more upset and he starts talking louder and says we are ruining the evening. Ultimately, he says we owe him an apology and unless we apologize we can't go on his boat and shoved our money back at us. We were left standing there on the dock with the kids asking why we couldn't go on the boat. It was so disappointing and definitely not the way to do business. read more