Frequently
Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safety requirements for Tall Ships St. Pete?
Tall Ships St. Pete is designated as a Maritime Event of National Significance (MENS). Safety of our guests and visiting ships is our highest priority and we meet or exceed all safety guidelines set forth by federal, state and local law enforcement.
What are the security procedures to enter the Tall Ships St. Pete festival?
Increased security procedures may result in slight delays while entering the festival grounds. As part of this process:
- All bags, backpacks and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering festival grounds.
- All guests are subject to screening for prohibited items using hand-held metal detectors.
The following items are not permitted:
- Weapons, guns, knives or any other type of sharp objects
- Disposable straws
- Hard or soft coolers, luggage or bags with wheels
- Any hazardous items or materials
Any item that security deems unsafe or inappropriate will not be allowed inside festival grounds.
Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry.
Where can I see the ships come in/or under sail?
The Ships will arrive in a ceremonial parade of sail into Downtown St. Pete on Thursday, March 30th. The parade of sail can be viewed for FREE by public access along the St. Pete Pier and from Demens Landing Park between approximately 3:00 – 5:30pm.
A limited number of tickets to attend the Parade of Sail VIP landside viewing from the St. Pete Pier or to attend the Captain’s reception at St. Petersburg Yacht Club are available for purchase.
Do I need to purchase a ticket to access the festival?
Timed reservation tickets are required to enter the festival for each day (and time-block) you wish to attend. Tickets must be purchased in advance, are date specific and can only be used on the date for which they have been purchased.
General Admission + On-Deck tour tickets (adult & child) include access to all standard festival activities and allow guests to board and tour the visiting tall ships docked at Port St. Pete one time.
General admission tickets provide access to all dockside activities including food trucks, music, exhibitors, vendors and more. This ticket DOES NOT include boarding tall ships or on-deck tours. This ticket may be best utilized by mobility challenged and wheelchair guests that wish to see the ships, but may not be able to board.
Sail aways must be purchased separately and include a General Admission + On-Deck tour tickets to the festival.
Are there age requirements for children?
All festival attendees are required to purchase a daily admission ticket for each day you wish to attend the festival. Children 2 years of age or younger are free with a paying adult. Children ages 2-9 qualify for the Child Admission.
There is no age limit to enter the festival or sail aboard a tall ship. Please note that ALL sail away passengers, including children and infants, are required to have a ticket and children under 6 are required by law to wear a lifejacket at all times while aboard the vessel. Ships will provide life jackets. However, if sail away ticket holders have a children/infant life jacket they would prefer to use, they are welcome to bring it.
Please note ALL sail away passengers, including children and infants, are required to have a ticket to board the ships.
What is the refund policy?
Are the ships wheelchair accessible?
These historic vessels were not designed to be wheelchair accessible. The gangways and ship decks may be very narrow or steep and will not accommodate a modern wheelchair. We do invite wheelchair guests to enjoy the ships from the dockside and through stories told by crew members and Captain’s chats. The schedule for these discussions will be posted closer to the event.
What is the Tall Ships St. Pete alcohol service policy?
Alcoholic beverages can be purchased by guests 21 years of age or older. Any guest who wishes to purchase an alcoholic beverage must present one of the following forms of identification: U.S. state driver’s license (includes U.S. territories*), a driver’s license, issued by any government agency, domestic or foreign, provided it includes a photograph, U.S. military ID, original passport
What should I wear? / What is the proper attire?
Tall Ships St. Pete is a family festival and requires that guests wear appropriate clothing while anywhere in the festival grounds or on-board one of the visiting tall ships. Shirts, skirts or pants (including jeans or shorts) and shoes must be worn at all times. Flat, non-slip shoes are highly recommended as the ground may be uneven and the ships may be slippery. Costumes and full masks are not permitted.
We strongly recommend dressing for the weather. The festival grounds are exposed to the elements and have limited areas of shade/cover from the sun. A 3oz travel size bottle of Sunscreen is permitted through the security checkpoint and should be applied multiple times during your time in the sun. Umbrellas are not permitted on any tall ship.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
Special security measures are in place to ensure public safety. All personal belongings, bags, and purses are subject to search. Large backpacks are prohibited. No weapons are allowed. Liquids, food, and glass are prohibited. Baby food/formula must be in plastic containers and may be stored in coolers no larger than 5 quarts. Coolers for any other purpose are prohibited. Any other items deemed unlawful or dangerous may be prohibited at the discretion of security personnel. No prohibited item will be held at the gate.
We strongly recommend dressing for the weather. The festival grounds are exposed to the elements and have limited areas of shade/cover from the sun. A 3oz travel size bottle of Sunscreen is permitted through the security checkpoint and should be applied multiple times during your time in the sun. Umbrellas are not permitted on any tall ship.
In case of emergency, find the nearest Tall Ships® St. Pete Festival staff or volunteer member or uniformed security or law enforcement officer.
No pets of any kind are allowed inside the festival grounds, with the exception of service animals as permitted by law. Service animals are limited to gangways and top decks depending on stair/ladder set-up.
What are the transportation/parking options for getting to the event?
There is NO parking at Port St. Pete.
We encourage you to review and plan your visit based on the options outlined HERE.
What are the lodging options during my time in St. Pete?
The Hilton St. Petersburgh Bayfront is the preferred hotel partner of the Tall Ships® St. Pete festival. Please check rates and make reservations here. Additional lodging options are available throughout downtown St. Pete. Please check visitstpeteclearwater.com for more info.