Pirate-Themed Vacations in Nassau & Paradise Island

Ahoy there, mateys! As “Talk Like a Pirate Day” is on the horizon this September 19, it’s the perfect time to set sail for a swashbuckling adventure in Nassau & Paradise Island. With our pirate history, we offer a bounty of riches for those who dream of life on the high seas — no matter if you’re an adventurous soul, history buff, or just want to spice up your life like a Bahamian buccaneer.

So, come join us. It's all hands on deck as we embark on a journey through our pirate past and present!

Dig into Nassau’s Pirate Legacy

The Golden Age of Piracy lasted from 1690 to 1720, and Nassau was at its very heart, attracting the greatest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. With our turquoise waters too shallow for large man-of-war ships, but deep enough for the fast galleons and sloops favored by pirates, “the Pirate Capital of the Caribbean” was the ideal base of operations — especially with all the merchant ships anchored in the surrounding waters, just waiting to be plundered.

One of the best places to start your pirate-themed adventure is Pirates of Nassau, a fun and interactive museum in downtown Nassau. It features a great mix of entertainment and history that is sure to shiver your timbers. Board a replica pirate ship, then enter a world of cutlass-wielding pirates, where you’ll learn about infamous “local” pirates like Blackbeard, Benjamin Hornigold, and Anne Bonny. 

For a deeper dive into our pirate past, visit our three local forts: Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and Fort Montagu. Built during the 1700s, these forts were used for an array of purposes, including watching for and defending against pirates. In particular, Fort Fincastle was intended to protect the city from approaching pirates, but its appearance alone must have been intimidating since the fort’s cannons never needed to be fired!

Nowadays, you can explore the forts independently or go on a family-friendly tour. Whatever you decide, you’ll love the spectacular seaside locations and stunning views.

Try a Treasure Trove of Experiences

Nassau & Paradise Island is not only a great place to learn about pirates, but it’s also a destination for aspiring buccaneers. For the ultimate pirate experience, take a journey aboard Blackbeard’s Revenge, a 500-ton Spanish galleon replica that boasts an all-pirate crew, two bars, and Captain’s Lounge. Travel back in time as you sail the Caribbean — just be sure not to walk the plank.

Continue your pirate explorations with a Rum Runner’s Passage tour. Strolling the historic downtown streets of Nassau, you’ll be immersed in thrilling tales from our pirate plundering and rum-running days. Learn how to taste “the pirate’s drink” like a professional during a guided walking tour featuring rum-infused sweet and savoury bites and a selection of rum samplings and cocktails. Yo, ho, ho, you’ve got to go!

Speaking of rum, if you like grog, be sure to visit John Watling’s Distillery. Set on more than two acres of lush tropical gardens at the beautifully restored Buena Vista Estate, this local gem offers tours of the estate and distillery, as well as tastings on a variety of handcrafted premium rums.

Embrace Your Inner Pirate

To truly immerse yourself in the pirate experience, you’ve got to look the part. Nassau’s vibrant shopping areas, like the world-famous Straw Market and local downtown shops, are a good place to pick up pirate garb, wooden carvings, and accessories. You’ll find everything from tricorn hats to eye patches and fake swords. Dressing up in pirate attire while exploring the islands adds an extra layer of fun to your family adventures.

If you’d like to try on some actual pirate treasure, visit Coin of the Realm, where gold and silver pirate coins recovered from sunken shipwrecks are turned into beautiful jewellery. It’s become something of a tradition for local Bahamians to receive a Coin of the Realm piece on their birthdays or special occasions — making it the ideal souvenir to take back from your trip to The Bahamas.

Wrap up your pirate adventures and tell a few tales of your own with a pint at Pirate Republic Brewery. The only craft brewery in The Bahamas, it offers thirst-quenching beverages like Black Beer’d Stout, Island Pirate Ale IPA, and The Gold & Haze of Piracy. See how these unique beers are brewed and bottled on site on one of two daily brewery tours. Tour the brewery (housed in a renovated 125-year-old warehouse) and enjoy a flight of beer to taste in the taproom. Heave ho and away we go!

With “Talk Like a Pirate Day” just around the corner, there’s no better time to weigh anchor and start planning your own personal pirate getaway to Nassau & Paradise Island. Our helpful travel tips, suggested itineraries, and additional important island information will always lead you to X marks the spot. Plan Your Trip today.