Nautical Nonsense with Pirates

Top Performer

Pacifica, CA

$175 – $2,500 per event

Travels up to 30 miles

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Talk Like a Pirate Day

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playing a sea shanty on the double ocarina

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shooting the sun

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Captain Gravy in full kit

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a pirate party in full swing

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embracing me hearties

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splicing the Main Brace

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foam swords

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foam sword for sale or rent

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sample custom backyard Treasure Map

Overview

If Nautical Nonsense be something you wish, no need to drop on the deck and flop like a fish! Call Cap'n Gravy to enliven your event. Whether it be a birthday party, store opening, pirate-gram, or other venues where a pirate might be inappropriate, the Captain provides sea shanties (kid-friendly or ribald), stories, lively piratical banter, and sword fights.

For the ultimate pirate experience, ask about the Gold Doubloon Treasure Hunt -- featuring a keepsake treasure map, a customized interactive treasure hunt, and a genuine treasure chest filled with pirate booty you get to keep! (if you find it) Cap'n Gravy provides bespoke nautical nonsense for all occasions -- except escrow closures.


Reviews

7 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sarah K.

Sarah K.

October 30, 2026
Verified review

Highly Recommended! Core Memory Created!

Capn Gravy brought so much magic to our child's birthday party, it will undoubtably be a core memory for our kids. I highly recommend him for all your pirate party needs! His pre-event communication and prep was excellent - he visited the site beforehand to familiarize himself and create a handmade, personalized treasure map/hunt of the park. He also created a handmade treasure chest filled with booty that he gifted to our son, along with the map. Our son shows it to everyone he sees. From start to finish, Capn Gravy committed to character and everyone at the party - from toddlers to adults - were engaged. He did a wonderful job seamlessly directing (and redirecting) young children through different games and activities - he instantly felt like one of the crew! Capn Gravy was professional, proactive, punctual and skillful throughout the event. We were approached by many parents who were impressed by Capn Gravy - he really brought the party!

Hired as: Pirate Entertainment


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jina B.

Jina B.

September 28, 2026
Verified review

Absolute Treasure from Start to Finish!

Huge thanks to Nautical Nonsense with Pirates for making our playground opening so special. He played the pirate role perfectly for 90 minutes straight and kept every kid at the park completely engaged. The energy was great from start to finish. If you need a entertainer who really commits to the character, hire Nautical Nonsense with Pirates!

Hired as: Children’s Party Entertainment, Pirate Entertainment


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Renee M.

Renee M.

September 22, 2026
Verified review

Amazing

Steve was incredible. Good pre-event communication, he reached out to collect info on the crowd ie how big, what was the event, what level of rowdy we wanted. I told him turn it all the way up! He made an absolutely incredible entrance and totally elevated our pirate themed retirement/birthday party. Photo of the lady of honor’s face when he made his grand entrance!!

Hired as: Pirate Entertainment


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Whitnie N.

Whitnie N.

August 19, 2026
Verified review

Great pirate, great price

We had a great time with Capt'n Steve for my son's 7th birthday party. He looked so real and my son kept asking if he was a *real* pirate. He brought swords, tattoos, and giveaways for the kids.

Hired as: Children’s Party Entertainment, Pirate Entertainment


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Leila F.

Leila F.

July 15, 2026
Verified review

Highly Recommended! Fantastic Pirate Entertainment

We hired him for my son’s 6 birthday party, and he was absolutely fantastic! The pirate put on an incredible performance and did an amazing job keeping all of the kids completely engaged, excited, and entertained from start to finish. My son had the absolute best time, and the energy was perfect. If you want hassle-free, high-quality entertainment that kids will talk about for days, look no further!

Hired as: Children’s Party Entertainment

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Booking information

Price range: $175 – $2,500 per event

About

I used to perform and teach improv with ComedySportz in Chicago. After a long stint living abroad, working on boats, and having adventures, I settled in San Francisco almost 30 year ago. I joined the Lamplighters company in 2008, performing in many operettas and musicals, and continue to perform with Presto Opera every Christmas season at Grace Cathedral as a singing pirate. Now I teach sailing by day, and sing and carouse as a pirate by night.

Upcoming booked events

November 2026

28

Saturday

Children’s Birthday Party

2:00pm - 3:00pm

•

Brisbane, CA

Past booked events

October 2026

25

Sunday

Children’s Birthday Party

11:00am - 11:30am

•

Albany, CA

17

Saturday

Children’s Birthday Party

3:00pm - 4:30pm

•

Redwood City, CA

September 2026

26

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

2:30pm - 4:00pm

•

San Francisco, CA

19

Saturday

Retirement Party

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

San Francisco, CA

August 2026

18

Tuesday

Children’s Birthday Party

12:30pm - 1:15pm

•

Burlingame, CA

July 2026

12

Sunday

Children’s Birthday Party

11:00am - 11:45am

•

Lafayette, CA

Set list

Blow the Man Down
Billy Bones
Drunken Sailor
15 Men on a Dead Man's Chest

Influences and inspiration

Long John Silver
Pirate Captain (from Pirates of Penzance)
Yellowbeard
Captain Hector Barbossa
Captain Skip Henderson

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