Now open daily for limited trips! 

For information on how to help with recovery efforts, click here

Questions?

Pirate Ship Cruise Logo
Dolphin Quest Logo
Shark Boat Tours Logo

Penny the Pirate Pup

A Fun-Filled Adventure Awaits Aboard the Royal Conquest!

Join Penny and Captain Driftwood on exciting journeys through Boca Ciega Bay. Perfect for young readers and pirate enthusiasts!

Based on the real-life adventures of the crew of the Royal Conquest, Penny the Pirate Pup follows Penny, an energetic pup with a spirit for adventure, on a journey through Boca Ciega Bay.

Introduction

Penny the Pirate Pup is a heartwarming and adventurous children’s book that takes readers on thrilling voyages aboard the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest. Follow Penny, a curious and brave dog, and her best friend, Captain Driftwood, as they explore the wonders of Boca Ciega Bay. From hidden treasure hunts to daring rescues, each page is packed with excitement and fun for the whole family!

About Characters

Meet Penny

Penny is a spirited and lovable Australian Cattle Dog who loves nothing more than adventuring on the high seas with her crew. Having grown up at John’s Pass Village, she has longed for the day she, too, could ride aboard the Royal Conquest, seeking treasure. She’s always ready to lend a paw when her pirate friends need her the most!

Meet Captain Driftwood

Captain Driftwood is the fearless leader of the Royal Conquest. He’s an experienced sailor with a heart of gold and a knack for discovering treasure. Together with Penny, they embark on one thrilling adventure after another.

Meet the Royal Conquest

The Royal Conquest is a real-life wooden pirate ship setting sail on adventures in Boca Ciega Bay! Built as a replica of the ships that sailed the seven seas during the Golden Age of Piracy, the Royal Conquest is a sight to behold.
Play Video

Why Kids and Parents Will Love It

Join Penny the Pirate Pup on an Exciting Reading Adventure!

Penny the Pirate Pup has sailed through many thrilling voyages aboard the Royal Conquest, and now she’s inviting kids everywhere to join her on her greatest adventure yet—discovering the joy of reading! Through Penny’s fun-filled escapades in Boca Ciega Bay, children will explore the magic of storytelling and learn the value of curiosity and imagination.

With Penny the Pirate Pup, you’re not just getting a delightful book—you’re inspiring a love of reading and adventure in young hearts everywhere. Set sail with Penny today and let the journey begin!

Explore Real-Life Adventures Through Stunning Illustrations!

When you order Penny the Pirate Pup, you’re diving into a beautifully illustrated story by author Chris O’Neal and illustrator Nathalie Ortega that brings the real-life charm of Boca Ciega Bay to life. From John’s Pass to the Royal Conquest, Penny’s adventures take readers on an unforgettable journey through actual locations, sparking imaginations and inspiring a love of reading.

Books can be picked up locally at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk or shipped directly to your door. Join Penny on this incredible adventure today!

Release Date: Late November, 2024. Books purchased can be picked up locally at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk or shipped.

Penny the Pirate – Sparking Adventure for K-3rd Graders or in your home!

For our younger adventurers, we’ve introduced “Penny the Pirate,” a charming tale for K-3rd graders. By sponsoring a classroom for $1,000, you provide each student with their own copy of the book for up to 30 students and a magical read-aloud experience led by our crew. Did you know that a two-decade long study found that the mere presence of a home library increases children’s academic success, vocabulary development, attention and job attainment. Penny’s adventures are sure to inspire curiosity about the ocean and conservation in the hearts of young learners.

Want to bring Penny the Pirate home? There are several purchasing options available. You can purchase your own copy for $25 or help our rebuilding efforts by contributing $100, which includes your own copy and a ticket for the pirate ship once we’re back up and running as well as your name or the name of a loved one in the second book!

Honorary Pirate Tier

Looking to Help Even More? If you purchase the book at this level, your name will be included in a special thank you page of the following installment of Penny the Pirate Pup! This tier includes:
  • 1 Copy of Penny the Pirate Pup
  • 1 Children's Ticket to ride the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest
  • Your Name Included on the Thank You Page in the next installment of Penny the Pirate Pup

Ready to set sail with Penny and her crew?

Don’t miss out on the fun—order your copy of Penny the Pirate Pup now!

About the Author

Chris O’Neal is a writer currently living in Tokyo, Japan, inspired by his adventures while working at Sunshine Scenic Tours at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach, Florida. His latest work, Penny the Pirate Pup, draws from the magical moments spent in Boca Ciega Bay with his brother, Dustin O’Neal, the crew of the real-life Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, and the charming pirate pup, Penny. Sunshine Scenic Tours’ Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, a true-to-life wooden pirate ship, serves as the backdrop for Chris and his brother Dustin’s creative venture. The brothers’ collaboration and shared experiences aboard the Royal Conquest brought Penny the Pirate Pup to life, capturing the spirit of their unique and exciting journey.

Sunshine Scenic Tours’ mission is conservation, education, and inspiration. Through their educational endeavors, they hope to raise the next generation of environmental stewards who’ll look after Boca Ciega Bay, making Penny proud.

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Enter your email to stay up to date and be the first to know about current/special events and offers.