The best pirate places in the Caribbean that you can visit today
If you are a true adventurer, then you would probably enjoy exploring the favorite area of 17th and 18th-century pirates, the Caribbean. Back in those days, pirate ships were roaming the Caribbean Sea and stealing treasure from wherever they could. That period may sound fun now, but it was full of danger and jeopardy.
Nowadays, these waters are a popular destination for tourists from all around the world. Here are some of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean that you can visit today that were once famous pirate hideouts.
Port Royal, Jamaica
Port Royal was once the pirate capital of the world. It was the major focus of British naval actions in the West Indies. Port Royal is also known as the sunken pirate capital because of the many earthquakes that shook it in the 17th century. The larger part of the city was washed away by a tsunami. What’s left today of Port Royal is a small fishing village where you can still visit the remains of the old fort and other buildings.
Tortuga Island, Haiti
Tortuga or Turtle Island is a turtle-shaped island close to Haiti. The island became famous after the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Visiting its pristine beaches is a dream come true for any exotic vacation fan. And not only that, Tortuga Island also offers many pirate history trails that you can explore and see how it was back in the days of the Jolly Roger. There are old forts where you can take your kids and play pirate games, or go exploring some of the many caves. If you’re not interested in pirate history, then just chill on the beach and relax in the crystalline waters.
Dominica
The island of Dominica has a violent history due to the rivalries of the British, French, and Spanish crowns that brought a lot of suffering to the indigenous people. The supply ships that visited these waters to help the warships were constantly targeted by pirates. Off the coast, there are many shipwrecks lying in the waters that fell victim to pirate attack. The island is also known for its evergreen, lush jungles.
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau was a home for many famous pirates in the 17th century. The British, Spanish, and French ships were too big to enter the harbor’s waters, but this wasn’t the case for the speedy shallow-draft vessels preferred by pirates. Sketchy characters like Charles Vane, Calico Jack, Mary Read and Anne Bonny were calling this place their home, and if you visit today you will still hear to stories about these infamous pirates. Today, the island is much quieter and safer, and many pirate buffs like to spend their vacations here.
St Kitts, West Indies
St Kitts Island became famous during the time of Captain Kidd. The British captain William Kidd at one point decided to betray the Brits and join sides with the French navy. He attacked the British ships, together with the French, before he turned coat once again and stole a French ship and became a pirate. He was then attacking British and French ships until he was caught, tried and executed in England for his piratical deeds. St. Kitts is known for the treasure hunts that pirate fanatics believe in. However, the island is a beautiful vacation spot that you can visit no matter whether you care about such pirate legends or not. Still, you never know what you might run into while exploring the beauties of St. Kitts.
If you’d like to add something of a more exotic flavor to your next island vacation, then you know where to look. Yo-ho-ho! And good luck!
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