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- Rebuilding Efforts are Underway at the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest
Rebuilding Efforts are Underway at the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest
Meet Penny the Pirate Pup and learn how you can help!
As you may already be aware, Sunshine Scenic Tours has temporarily closed its operations following severe damage caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The impact has left the dock and gift shop significantly damaged, forcing the suspension of all tours and events aboard the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, Dolphin Quest, and Shark Boat until further notice.
Despite the setback, Sunshine Scenic Tours is committed to rebuilding and returning to the waters soon. To aid in the recovery efforts, we are launching a rebuilding campaign, with proceeds going toward repairing the facilities and restoring services.
Meet Penny the Pirate Pup!

One key way is through the upcoming release of Penny the Pirate Pup, a heartwarming children’s book inspired by the real-life Penny, who lives aboard the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest. The book follows Penny as she embarks on thrilling adventures, helping her pirate friends solve mysteries and discover hidden treasures in Boca Ciega Bay. The book was written in collaboration by brothers Chris and Dustin O’Neal, owner and operators of Sunshine Scenic Tours.
Scheduled for release in late November, Penny the Pirate Pup offers families a fun and imaginative way to continue the pirate adventures at home. A portion of each book sale will go directly to the rebuilding efforts for our facilities.
How to Pre-Order
Penny the Pirate Pup is available to pre-order here. In addition to individual purchases, we are offering an Honorary Pirate Supporter package for those who want to contribute even more to the rebuilding efforts. This package includes a copy of Penny the Pirate Pup, a children’s ticket aboard the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest (valid for future use), and special recognition in the next installment of the book series.
Eco-Educational Series Sponsorship Opportunities!

Captain Dustin and Marine Specialist Kirsten Smail inspire students about Boca Ciega Bay
While the tours are on hold, Sunshine Scenic Tours remains dedicated to its mission of education and conservation. Our Dive Into Boca Ciega Bay! Eco-educational series, which offers engaging marine life lessons to school-aged children, will continue online and in local schools, free to use for teachers to inspire and educate future environmental stewards.
We have begun offering sponsorship opportunities to ensure that the eco-educational series continues to benefit school-aged children and the environmentally curious for years to come. Benefits to our sponsors include private tours aboard the Dolphin Quest, special recognition in the series’ credits, and much more.
To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, click here.
We hope to resume our eco-tours and pirate-themed adventures as soon as possible. Until then, we look forward to seeing you in the pages of Penny the Pirate Pup!

For more information, visit our website at www.boattoursjohnspass.com or by
calling us at (727) 423-7824.