If you've always dreamed of taking a water tour on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina - and you have kids - then we suggest a themed pirate tour. What could be more fun for the entire family than a pirate ship cruise that departs from Beaufort and sails by the spot where Blackbeard's flagship Queen Anne's Revenge ran aground in May of 1718? Here's what you need to know to add this fun, family adventure in North Carolina to your summer agenda this year:

Exploring North Carolina's third oldest city (a.k.a. Beaufort) affords endless opportunities for families to enjoy many facets of this historic locale — including the city's history with pirates.

But if you really want to immerse yourself in the legendary pirate history, then you'll want to load up the kids and board the Beaufort Pirates Revenge pirate ship.

Aboard this fun-filled adventure, you'll take to the very waterways once used by Blackbeard and other pirates known to infiltrate the North Carolina coast.

The cruise even passes by the location of the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ship that ran aground off the coast of Beaufort in 1718.

But sightseeing and water tour aside, a ride on the Beaufort Pirates Revenge is just plain fun. Costumed pirates cavort with the passengers making the adventure more memorable, especially for the little ones aboard. And of course, costumes of your own are also welcome (and encouraged!).

And what's known as a 'chase' in pirate lingo (when a pirate ship is being pursued by another) eventually takes everyone by surprise as another pirate vessel appears with the full intention to take over the Pirates Revenge.

At this point, it's all hands on deck to defend the mother ship. Kids and adults alike will be called upon to fire the (water) cannons at the offending vessel to thwart the efforts of the takeover.

After, everyone can celebrate the victory and enjoy the rest of this truly fun pirate adventure that takes places in the same waterways as Blackbeard once sailed.

Here's what you need to know for the summer of 2020: Normal capacity of the pirate ship has been significantly reduced in efforts to allow more space between family units. For most passengers over the age of 11 (there are a few exceptions), face coverings are required to board the ship and must be worn during the cruise. With a reduced capacity, it's best to make your reservation well in advance to assure you have a spot during your planned visit to Beaufort. You can book your tour and learn more from the official website of the Beaufort Pirates Revenge.

For another fun-filled family adventure on the water, check out this shelling and horse safari cruise in North Carolina!