When you tell people you’re from Delaware, I’m sure you hear a lot about how there’s nothing to do here. Well, haters, listen up. Not only is Delaware home to the best beaches in the country, but we even offer pirate sail adventures on our rivers and the bay! If you’re ready for the best adventure of the summer, set aside an afternoon to take to the high seas on the Kalmar Nyckel.

The Kalmar Nyckel is a replica of the 17th-Century Dutch Pinnace ship that brought the first European settlers to Delaware, and its home port is right here in Wilmington.
Facebook / Kalmar Nyckel
This ornate ship has been recreated by the Kalmar Nyckel foundation, down to every last detail! When you step aboard, you'll be stepping back in time.
Flickr / Lee Cannon
The Kalmar Nyckel offers tours and day sails, but one of their most popular programs is their Pirate Sail!
Facebook / Kalmar Nyckel
The Pirate ship sets sail on various days from May to October, and it's the ultimate nautical adventure for both children and adults. The crew breaks out their authentic pirate garb, and guests are encouraged to, as well. Grab your bandanas and peg legs and get ready to walk the plank!

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Board this historic ship in Wilmington and set sail for over an hour on this family-friendly pirate trip.
Facebook / Kalmar Nyckel
Kids will love helping to raise the Jolly Roger high above the ship deck! Seeing the cannons and hearing true pirate stories will entertain them for the duration of your journey.
Facebook / Wilmington and Brandywine Valley
Adults will love hearing the true pirate history of our very own coast. Families can test their treasure map skills by participating in the scavenger hunt on board - hopefully finding the hidden chest by the end of your trip.
Occasionally, the Kalmar Nyckel docks in Lewes, as well!
Flickr / Mark
You can find the Kalmar Nyckel at the Ferry Terminal fromFriday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3 and then again from Wednesday August 15 to Wednesday, August 22. Plan a beach day and a pirate sail all at once!

The Kalmar Nyckle sets sail from the Dravo Plaza Dock on the Christina River, at 920 Pettinaro Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801. Click here to see the sailing schedule and purchase tickets for the Kalmar Nyckel’s pirate sails.

If you can’t get enough of swordfighting and swashbuckling, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are two Pirate Festivals in Delaware in 2018! Downstate, you’ll find the Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash on Memorial Day Weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May. 26 and Sunday, May. 27, 2018. The Bowers Beach Bash is located at the Maritime Museum (Address: 3357 Main St, Frederica, DE 19946).

Upstate, there’s the Wilmington Pirate Festival on Saturday, July 7th, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Kalmar Nyckel shipyard (Address: 920 Pettinaro Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801).

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