The Pirate Ship Returns to Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, NJ
After more than four years away, the iconic pirate ship that once stood proudly at the entrance of Playland’s Castaway Cove is making its grand return to the Ocean City Boardwalk.
On Wednesday morning, crews will begin installing a brand-new, 60-foot-long pirate ship in front of the amusement park, bringing back a beloved boardwalk landmark lost to fire in early 2021.
The Pirate Ship Returns to Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, NJ
In January of that year, a four-alarm fire tore through the entrance building of Castaway Cove, destroying the arcade, offices, and the towering pirate ship that had greeted visitors since 1998.
The ship—complete with masts, sails, and a colorful oversized parrot—had become one of the most recognizable photo ops on the Boardwalk.
Now, just in time for the 2025 season, the pirate is back.
“Someone said they wanted a Pirate Ship? From the warehouse to on location. Tomorrow is the day it will begin its journey up to its home on the rooftop,” said the owners of Playland’s Castaway Cove on Facebook earlier today. “We are nearing completion of a long journey and it feels great!.”
While the design of the new ship pays homage to the original, it comes with several fresh features. The structure is slightly larger and sturdier, built to handle the sea breeze and salt air of the Jersey Shore.
Visitors can expect enhanced lighting, decorative cannons, and of course, the return of the famous pirate.
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The ship itself is made of metal and is painted in a similar color scheme with green being the primary color of the ship.
For those wondering, the ship isn’t a full sized ship. Only half of the physical ship will be built, because you only see one side of the ship while on the boardwalk.
So don’t expect the ship to set sail anytime toon.
The reinstallation comes during a major period of revitalization for the park.
In addition to the ship, the long-awaited arcade—rebuilt from the ground up after the fire—is set to reopen this summer as Playland celebrates over 65 years on the Boardwalk.
With the closure of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 2024, Playland’s Castaway Cove now stands as Ocean City’s only amusement park on the boardwalk—making the return of the pirate ship not just exciting, but essential to preserving that timeless boardwalk charm.
Whether you’re a lifelong Castaway Cove fan or planning your first Ocean City vacation, the new pirate ship is sure to become your new must-see stop.
So grab your eye patch and your camera—the pirate is back, and he’s here to stay.