Pros 
Cons A Course of Contrasts: First Impressions of Captain Bligh's Landing
Captain Bligh's Landing in Clearwater Beach presents a fascinating dichotomy. With a solid 4.4-star rating, visitors clearly find something to enjoy, but recent reviews paint a picture of a course in…transition. Located at 630 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, and open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM (with Monday & Tuesday extending to 9 PM), the mini golf spot offers a relatively affordable outing at just $13 per person. Many praise its size, noting it's larger and longer than initially anticipated, providing a good length of play. Several reviewers specifically recommended an evening visit to avoid the intense Florida sunshine, a tip worth noting!
However, the experience isn't uniformly positive. The general consensus is that the course has seen better days, and current conditions appear to be patchy – some describe a well-maintained, enjoyable course, while others detail significant disrepair.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some common themes:
- Positives: Fun atmosphere, challenging but accessible course design, good value for money, decent length of play.
- Mixed: Water features sometimes non-operational, varying degrees of maintenance based on timing.
- Negatives: Potential safety hazards (uneven sidewalks, missing railings, steep stairs), visible damage, dripping water, and in some accounts, a general state of disrepair.
Accessibility and Amenities – What to Expect
Captain Bligh’s Landing does make a commendable effort towards accessibility. The facility offers wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms, a definite plus. However, the reports regarding the physical course itself raise concerns. The complaints about uneven surfaces and steep stairs highlight a potentially significant barrier for those with mobility issues despite the accessible parking and facilities.
Regarding amenities, it is worth nothing the course is fairly basic. Currently, Captain Bligh’s Landing does not have a restaurant on site, so you'll need to plan for refreshments elsewhere. Payment options are modern and convenient, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. This mini golf spot is certainly geared towards families as it’s reported as “good for kids”, and the price point is reasonable for a family outing.
Here’s a quick look at the amenities offered:
| Amenity | Available |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Parking | Yes |
| Wheelchair Restroom | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Restaurant | No |
| Credit Cards | Yes |
| Debit Cards | Yes |
| NFC Mobile Payments | Yes |
| Good for Kids | Yes |
Gameplay and Atmosphere: From Caves to Caution Tape
The gameplay experience at Captain Bligh's Landing seems to vary significantly. Several reviewers highlighted the enjoyable course design and varying levels of challenge, enough to keep both casual and more competitive players engaged. The course incorporates elements like caves and waterfalls (when operational) that offer brief respite from the heat. Others emphasize the course's "fun" factor, loved the decorations and tunnels.
However, the atmosphere is undeniably…unique. Some visitors discovered a charming, lighthearted experience, however others found themselves amidst a landscape of dripping water, caution tape, and broken structures. One reviewer playfully described it as “the funniest mini golf because of how terrible it was.” It seems the course’s current state can add an unexpected layer of humor to the experience – though not necessarily by design. The presence of unmarked hazards also points toward a need for improved safety measures. Several golfers mentioned the clever placement of water traps, so a steady hand is advisable!
“It was a very hot day, but along the course there are many caves and waterfalls to cool off for a bit.” – A recent happy customer
Hurricane Recovery and Recent Experiences
It’s important to contextualize the negative reviews within the aftermath of recent weather events. Multiple commenters specifically mention potential hurricane damage as a contributing factor to the condition of the course. One visitor, playing in May 2025, reported that the course was "in great shape" despite prior negative reports, suggesting that repairs are being made, albeit perhaps at a fluctuating pace.
This highlights a key point: experiences at Captain Bligh's Landing are likely to be highly dependent on when you visit. Whether or not the water features are running, whether repairs are underway, and even the time of day can dramatically affect the overall experience. Despite the inconsistencies, the consistently low price point ($13 per person) seems to temper expectations for some, with some willing to overlook the flaws for a budget-friendly activity. Based on recent comments, it’s recommended phoning ahead (727-443-6348) to get a current assessment of the course's condition before planning a visit. Exploring the Gelato cafe next door after golfing is a sound strategy.