<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Ahoy! It’s nearly time for one of the coolest annual events in Tampa Bay. On Saturday, January 25 from 11:30am-1pm, the world’s only fully rigged pirate ship, the Jose Gasparilla, will set sail from the south end of Hillsborough Bay to kick off Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
Shouts of “Land, ho!” will ring out from the ship, once it magically appears, poised to invade and conquer Tampa (but in a friendly way, of course) during the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion!
To defend itself, Tampanians will launch a defending flotilla of ships, boats and watercraft of all kinds to defend the city and stop the pirate invasion. You’ll see over a thousand boats and watercraft of every kind in the water along Hillsborough Bay as they prepare to meet the invading pirates. Upon docking the Jose Gasparilla at the Tampa Convention Center at 1pm, the Mayor will surrender the Key to the City of Tampa into the hands of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Captain Peter Lackman.
So, what are the best spots for you to watch the pirates invade the city before they stroll down Bayshore? We’ve got all the details to know before you go. Bonus idea, make the most of it at one of these Gasparilla brunches!
What is the Gasparilla flotilla?
To defend itself, Tampanians will launch a defending flotilla of ships, boats and watercraft of all kinds to defend the city and stop the pirate invasion. You’ll see over a thousand boats and watercraft of every kind in the water along Hillsborough Bay as they prepare to meet the invading pirates.
The Jose Gasparilla II will sail at the south end of Hillsborough Bay at 11:30 am from the Tampa Yacht Club and then sail north to Seddon Channel (between Davis Island and Harbour Island) and then it will continue north before it docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1:00 pm.
Once it docks at the Tampa Convention Center, the Mayor will surrender the Key to the City of Tampa into the hands of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Captain Truett Garnder.
It’s a sight to see and a great way to experience Gasparilla Pirate Fest with the kids without the craziness that can come with parade day.
Best Places to View the Gasparilla Flotilla Invasion
There are several awesome places to watch the Gasparilla flotilla invasion, but no matter where you end up, you will want to plan extra time to get there since traffic is very heavy that morning.
Tampa Convention Center
Since the invasion docks at the Tampa Convention Center, it’s a great place to hang out and watch as the boats make their way down the Hillsborough. But plan on getting there early – between parking and walking to find a spot, you’ll need to give yourself time.
Davis Islands
Davis Islands is a great spot to catch the flotilla. Though it can get packed, it won’t be nearly as crowded as downtown Tampa. Most areas along the sea wall will give you a great vantage point. Just know, many spots around Davis Islands suffered damage from the hurricanes of 2024 so please be extra cautious, be patient, and express your gratitude to the locals who weathered the storms.
Tampa Riverwalk
Standing along the Riverwalk is a great spot to watch the invasion said down the river. Many of the great Riverwalk restaurants will offer specials too! Just be prepared for crowds and road-closures.
Downtown Tampa Waterfront Hotels
Though you will most likely need to be a hotel guest to view the invasion from hotel areas, some may allow public viewing (be sure to check ahead of time). Hotels such as Tampa Marriott Water Street, Westin Tampa Waterside, and Embassy Suites Downtown Convention are all prime viewing spots.
Harbour Island
Since the invasion makes its way into Harbor Island, you can catch a great view of the flotilla at spots such as American Social or Jackson’s Bistro.
Gasparilla Invasion-Viewing Brunch Spots
Gasparilla 2025 Invasion Brunch
This is the official Gasparilla brunch. Hosted inside the Tampa Convention Center, this brunch event provides a prime viewing area for families to watch the invasion.
Brunch begins at 10am and includes entertainment, a cash bar, and a reserved seat for the best view of the historic Gasparilla Invasion. The menu includes an array of items such as assorted baked goods, fruit and cheese display, salad, a hot buffet with french toast, egg, sausage, and bacon, a carving station, and assorted beverages. Tickets to brunch are $148 per person.
Gasparilla Invasion Party
Join The Junior League of Tampa Bay for their 21+ Gasparilla Invasion Party from 9am – 1pm at their Headquarters on Davis Island.
Tickets include unlimited food, drinks, live music and entertainment, and of course, viewing of the Gasparilla Invasion. Tickets are $160.
Take your Gasparilla experience to the next level with a Reserved High Top Table! This add-on includes:
A dedicated high-top table for your group, providing a private space to gather, eat and enjoy the festivities.
*Note that parking will not be available this year!
MORE OPTIONS: CLICK for our list of Gasparilla Brunch Spots (before they sell out!)
Viewing the Gasparilla Invasion on your own boat
If you are planning to travel by boat there are a few things to consider. First of all, know it will be extremely crowded. When the invasion starts out in the bay you will have your share of space, however if you think you are going to come into the channel and dock – you are sorely mistaken.
Plan to stay on your boat for the duration of the invasion and return trip back to your docking location. Docking in downtown is extremely limited and most likely will not be an option. (Plan accordingly for restroom breaks – take them when you can.)
City of Tampa’s Bead-Free Bay
Although boaters have thrown beads to those on land in years past, this year continues to look different. Tampa Mayor, Jane Castor, and community organizers relaunched “Bead Free Bay” as a way to help marine animals by keeping plastics out of the water. But don’t fret – you’ll have plenty of chances to catch some loot at the actual parade later that day!
Related: Where to recycle your Gasparilla beads
Beads and other non-biodegradable items are incredibly harmful to our environment and pose serious threats to marine wildlife. They take a thousand years to break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which never decompose. These microplastics remain persistent in the natural ecosystems for hundreds of years or longer.
Remember that throwing beads or any other items in the water is prohibited according to Florida Statute 403.413.
Wishing you a safe and fun Gasparilla season!