As today is Speak Like a Pirate Day (thanks for the reminder, pastymuncher!), here’s a guide to some of the best pirate-related attractions in Florida.

Florida has a long history of piracy and there are many different attractions and events to keep budding pirates occupied.

One of the best-known pirate-themed attractions in Florida is the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. The ride, which opened in 1989, was the inspiration for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie trilogy, and has since been added to include more characters from the films. Take your seat on a boat and glide into the Captain Jack Sparrow’s world. There are some great animatronics and special effects, including a sea battle. You’ll find the ride in the Adventureland area of The Magic Kingdom theme park.

The Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando is also extremely popular and runs a “Talk Like a Pirate Contest” on Speak Like a Pirate Day. You can see the show throughout the year, however, and eat a hearty buffet followed by a Port of Call Pirate’s Feast meal whilst watching the performance, which takes place on a stage designed to look like an 18th century galleon. After the show, you can dance the night away at the Buccaneer Bash.

For something a little more sedate, you can also enjoy at round of pirate-themed mini golf at Pirates Cove on International Drive. You could also take a trip to Tampa Bay to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American Football team at the Raymond James Stadium, which features a huge replica pirate ship.

If you head down to the Florida Keys, you can visit Pirate Soul in Key West, a fantastic interactive museum which houses authentic artefacts, including Thomas Tew’s treasure chest, the only pirate treasure chest left in the world. The best way to get to Key West is to drive, but it’s only about three hours from Miami and you can hire a car at the airport and enjoy the scenery as you drive through the Keys along US Highway 1. Easycar offers some great Florida car hire deals and you can book online.

There are a number of pirate ships operating off the coast of Florida that will let you join the crew. Try Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship in Clearwater or the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise which departs from Fort Myers Beach for the ultimate swash-buckling adventure.

Florida also hosts a number of pirate festivals throughout the year, including the Annual Pirate Festival in St. Petersburg in November, the Pirates in Paradise Festival in Key West in November, and the South West Airlines Gasparilla Festival in February.

Altogether now…..Arrrrrrrrrrr!