The movie ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ brought with it an increased interest in pirates and their lives. Tourists, most of them die-hard movie fans visit the Caribbean Sea area not just for its great beaches and sunbathing, but also to dive into what we call the ‘piratic’ past. Here are a few of the most ‘piratic’ islands of the Caribbean.
Tortuga, Haiti – Famous pirates include Henry Morgan, Francis L’Olonais and Pierre Legrain. It is here that Jack Sparrow hired his crew for the search of the Black Pearl.
Port Royal, Jamaica – This area was used as a base to attack passing by French and Spanish vessels. It is also called the ‘most sinful place on Earth’. In 1692, an earthquake destroyed the port and killed thousands of pirates.
Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas – Used during the Golden Age of the pirates, Calico Jack John Rackam, Anne Bonny and Captain Blackbeard were famous here. This port, a pirate republic was impregnable until the British sent former caper captain, Woodes Rogers to end the domination of the pirates.
Santa Cruz – This was used widely by pirates as it was a perfect position to attack vessels in the ‘Triangle Trade’.
Virgin Gorda – A perfect hideaway for pirates because of its jagged coastal line and bays and caves; it is also the third largest Virgin Island. In 1717, Black Sam Bellamy and his crew set up camp right under the nose of the English General-Governor.
Roatan, Honduras – Home to hundreds of pirates including legendary Henry Morgan and Lauren de Graff, Roatan is surrounded by treacherous reefs and shoals.