Explore the Most Legendary Pirate Hideouts and Uncover the Fascinating History Behind Each On
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Daredevils once ruled the seven seas and oceans and engaged in valiant treasure hunts and mischief. Many knew these people as pirates, sea robbers who often fought gory battles with villages and other ships to steal the goods necessary for surviving a life at sea.
Many know the 1680-1720s as the “Golden Age” of piracy, where these groups could thrive in this lifestyle. Some of the most famous sea rovers, including Black Beard and Henry Morgan, come from this age.
Today, few pirates remain in the world, but many people still find their lifestyle fascinating. While sea robbers remained elusive when alive, their hideouts remain, and adventurous travelers can visit them today.
Nassau, Bahamas
One of the most popular places to tour old hideaways is the Bahamas. Its unparalleled beach paradise offers travelers the perfect white-sand getaway with beautiful weather, ocean views, and frozen poolside cocktails.
Of course, it is also home to the Nuestra Senora e las Maravillas, a luxury Spanish ship that sank in 1656. Its discovery in 2019 led archaeologists to uncover numerous artifacts that shed light on how Nassau became a popular spot for piracy.
Today, vacationers can visit the wreck by touring the Bahamas Maritime Museum in Nassau and see recovered artifacts, such as coins, jewelry, and personal items. Many will also participate in dive expeditions off the coast of Nassau in the Exuma Caves. No one can see the wreck from above the water, so dives provide the perfect opportunity for pirate lovers to look at a piece of the fascinating history.
For more history, travelers can also see the Pirates of Nassau Museum to learn more about people, such as Blackbeard, who may have taken advantage of the wreck’s treasures. Many people will also take boat tours around the region.
Travel to the Bahamas for diving between December and April due to its tropical climate. Remember to book tours in advance.
Tortuga, Haiti
Haiti’s Tortuga Island is famous for its role during the Golden Age of Piracy. Well-known scavengers, such as Henry Morgan and David Nau, used Tortuga as a base for their operations because its remote location and rugged landscapes allowed them to hide easily.
Today, Tortuga remains difficult for visitors; however, people can still tour popular spots, including Fort de la Batterie. The pirates and other colonial powers once used it to defend themselves and the island against attacks from their rivals. Travelers can take an expert-led tour by local historians who will recount stories of sea robber raids and the fort’s historical significance.
Pirates also used Tortuga’s beaches, including Plage de Tortuga and Plage de la Pointe, to stash treasure and escape from opposing navies. Enjoy a sunny beach day and imagine what life might have been like back in the day.
Tortuga has developed minimal tourism infrastructure, but Haiti’s mainland has several museums, such as the Musee du Pantheon National Haitien Museum, which talks about the history of pirates and offers insight into life on Tortuga.
Omis Croatia
Omis had its pirate heyday during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Omis pirates were well-known for their brutal raids targeting merchant ships, coastal towns, and rivals. They operated along the Centina River for natural defence and could easily escape naval pursuits. The Venetian Republic quashed their reign, but some still revel in their achievements today.
Today, travelers and pirate enthusiasts can visit the Formica Fortress, or the Fortress of Mirabella, high above Omis, to see how the town protected itself against attacks. The city, along with the Split Princes, was built in the 13th century to defend itself against many attacks. Today, only fortress ruins remain, providing crucial historical context for the era.
When visiting Omi, tourists can participate in pirate-themed walking tours through the old town, the fortress, and other key locations. Guides tell stories of the raids, secret hideouts along the rivers, and their exploits across the Adriatic coasts.
Travelers can also visit the Omis Pirate Museum to see artifacts, take themed river tours, and see authentic hideaways by wandering through the local caves and islands around the Centina Delta.
Visit Omis between May and October when the weather becomes pleasant for walking tours and other outdoor activities.
Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Historians consider Jost Van Dyke a popular pirate hideaway during the Golden Age of PIracy. Its cliffs, secluded beaches, and many hidden coves provided the perfect places for infamous pirates, such as Blackbeard and Captain William Kidd, to take breaks and rest out of sight. Many would stash their loot and repair their ships in the Island’s mangroves.
Many pirates stayed in the British Virgin Islands as a whole and connected significant trade routes between Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The island has a rich history of piracy, and many travelers will visit these spots.
Pirate Cave, sometimes known as The Smuggler’s Cave, remains one of the most fascinating and legendary spots on the Island. Many tourists visit it today during pirate tours to see where pirates once met and share their information.
On Jost van Dyke, take a pirate-themed scavenger hunt or adventure. They are a fun activity and help travelers learn more about the Island while exploring in an authentic way.
Visit from December to April for calm seas and optimal weather. The off-season is quieter with fewer tourists, but know that the weather can become hotter and rainier as time goes on.
Leave a Reply