Yet, as downtown Tampa flourished, city planners and local entrepreneurs recognized a key opportunity: to use the river not only as a scenic attraction but also as a functional transportation corridor.
Enter the idea of the Pirate Water Taxi—a system that would transport people between key locations along the river and bay, blending convenience with entertainment. The founders envisioned a fleet that would celebrate Tampa’s pirate heritage, reduce traffic congestion, and offer visitors a new way to explore the city’s cultural landmarks.
In 2016, that vision came to life.
The Launch of the Pirate Water Taxi
The Pirate Water Taxi officially launched in 2016, founded by Jud and Amber Kinne, a husband-and-wife team inspired by Tampa’s maritime culture and tourism potential. They recognized the city’s growing appeal as a waterfront destination and saw an opportunity to create something uniquely tied to its identity.
The fleet began modestly—with a few distinctive yellow boats adorned with black trim and pirate motifs, including flags and playful skull-and-crossbones insignia. The design struck the perfect balance between family-friendly fun and local character, making it instantly recognizable on the water.
Each vessel could carry dozens of passengers and was equipped with shaded seating, open-air decks, and narration that highlighted points of interest along the route. From the start, the focus was on storytelling as much as transportation—the captains and crew adopted pirate personas, greeting guests with humor and sharing tidbits of Tampa’s colorful history.
The initial route connected several key destinations: the Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Park, Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and the Florida Aquarium. The service quickly became both a practical and recreational success, appealing to commuters, tourists, and locals alike. shutdown123