From serene swathes of forest greenery to breathtaking mountain peaks and peaceful lakes, of all the unique touches that make the alpine town of Big Bear such a wonderful place to visit, perhaps one of the most unusual and awesome is provided by its resident pirate ship, the Time Bandit.
An authentic, one-third scale replica of a Spanish Galleon that once played a role in the famous 1981 movie Time Bandits before serving as a tour boat in both the L.A. Harbor and the Fun Zone at Newport Beach, the Time Bandit currently graces the glistening waters of Big Bear Lake with public and private sightseeing cruises and more.
Charter your own adventure on the Time Bandit and embark on a scenic tour cruise on Big Bear Lake!
What is the Time Bandit Pirate Ship on Big Bear Lake?
A 1/3rd scale replica of a Spanish galleon that was built in the backyard of a man and his son sometime in the 60s and 70s, the Time Bandit has undergone many careers in its nearly 50 years on Earth, and is actually quite famous for having a starring role in “Time Bandits,” a 1981 adventure movie about a boy joining a band of time travelling dwarves seeking their fortunes in many different eras. After our favorite boat retired from the movies, the Time Bandit moved on to touring the waters of LA Harbor and Newport Beach for a while, but that soon grew old, and in its next life this jolly roger became someone’s home. Discovering the sedentary life wasn’t for him, the Time Bandit made its way to the shores of Big Bear Lake, and after some renovations, he once more terrifies—err…we mean traverses—the waters seeking gold and jewels.
Today
The Big Bear pirate ship goes out on daily tours of Big Bear Lake, lasting 90 minutes and providing fun and laughs for the passengers who most likely have never been aboard a real pirate ship before. Costing $22 for adults and $14 for kids 12 and under, they promise not to engage in any battles on Big Bear Lake when there are civilians on board! The pirate ship Big Bear Lake also can be commissioned for weddings or private parties if 25 or more people are going to attend.
Where to Charter Your Own Pirate Ship
Operating out of Holloway’s Marina and RV Park on Big Bear Lake, the Time Bandit customarily offers hour and a half-long sightseeing tour cruises with insightful narration on the local history and environment of Big Bear. However, if you want to charter your own pirate cruise on Big Bear Lake, the Time Bandit can also be rented out for private charters.
This extraordinary Big Bear pirate ship can be chartered for a wide variety of private events. Birthday parties, weddings, private sightseeing tours, and even corporate events and film production are all viable options for your private charter of the Time Bandit.
The Time Bandit holds a maximum total of twenty-five people aboard, making it ideal for large but manageable private gatherings. To accommodate an increased number of passengers, several twelve-person pontoon boats can be attached along its sides, providing additional space.
In order to charter the Time Bandit for a private event, a minimum of two hours will be required, at a rental rate of $240 per hour. Overnight charters are also available, making the Time Bandit an excellent option for a water-bound lake adventure under the stars.
Big Bear Vacations
Book your rustic and romantic cabin today and discover the pirate’s booty that could be hidden aboard the Time Bandit Big Bear pirate ship!
