Weigh anchor! Swash your buckle! Or buckle your swash... whatever it takes, just get down to Key West this year for the Pirates in Paradise Festival!

Eleven days of outrageous, extravagant, overboard fun for the whole family in the tropical paradise of Key West - who would want to miss it? And this year the festival is going to be bigger and more entertaining than ever.

Thursday, November 28th the party gets started with shipwreck and reef dive and snorkel trips and a Tall Ships Pirate Sail. A Pirates in Paradise Thankstakin' Party wraps the night up.

From then till December 8th there's non-stop entertainment, nautical activities and literary lectures throughout the island. Check the official Pirates in Paradise website for a complete schedule of events.

The "Literature and the Sea Symposium" offer public presentations that are "historic glimpses" of life during Age of the Pirate... an author's and historian's tour to Fort Jefferson at the Dry Tortugas... plus luncheons, book signings, and readings.

"Maritime Arts and Culture" presents an artists' retreats with David Harrison Wright at Banana Bay Resort... shipwreck and treasure exhibit at the Mel Fisher Museum... and a maritime art exhibit at the Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House.

"Nautical Excursions & Seafaring Adventures" are a series of "sea battles" between tall pirate ships, shipwreck treasure dives, trips to the Dry Tortugas, and eco tours.

"Seaport Pirate Fest & Lazy Way's Village Market" serves up vintage vittles and grog, while living history re-enactors create authentic pirate encampments. There will be strolling minstrels and musicians, not to mention sword fighting bravos roaming the streets!

"Piratical Escapades & Special Events" includes the Great Sea Battle & Pillage & Plunder Party on December 6th, as well as Balls, parties, dinners.

Visit Key West for the Pirates in Paradise Festival and get into the spirit of Age of Discovery... and Plunder!