Tales of Treasure, Adventure, and Infamy
Jamaica was once a hotbed of pirate activity, earning a reputation as the “wickedest place on earth” during the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th century.
At the heart of this legendary era lies Port Royal, a historic town steeped in tales of treasure, adventure, and infamous pirates.
Port Royal: The Pirate Capital of the Caribbean
During the late 1600s, Port Royal was the epicentre of Caribbean piracy.
Nestled along Jamaica’s south-eastern coastline near modern-day Kingston, this bustling port became a haven for privateers and pirates due to its strategic location and vibrant trade routes.
Port Royal was known for its lavish lifestyle, teeming with taverns, brothels and an anything-goes attitude that attracted rogues from around the world.
At its peak, Port Royal was one of the wealthiest and most notorious cities in the New World.
However, its prosperity came to a sudden halt in 1692 when a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami submerged much of the town into the sea.
Today, the remnants of Port Royal serve as an archaeological treasure trove and a sobering reminder of its wild past.
Famous Pirates of Jamaica
Sir Henry Morgan
Arguably the most famous pirate associated with Jamaica, Sir Henry Morgan was a Welsh privateer who became a key figure during the island’s pirate era.
Morgan’s bold raids against Spanish territories in the Caribbean, including Panama, earned him fame and fortune.
Surprisingly, despite his exploits, he was knighted by King Charles II and served as Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica.
His name remains synonymous with both piracy and Jamaica’s history.
Calico Jack (John Rackham)
Calico Jack, infamous for his colourful attire, was another notable pirate who frequented Jamaican waters.
His most enduring legacy is the “Jolly Roger” flag—a skull and crossed swords—that remains an iconic symbol of piracy today.
His career was cut short when he was captured and executed in Port Royal in 1720.
Anne Bonny and Mary Read
These two fearless women joined Calico Jack’s crew and defied gender norms of the time.
Known for their combat skills and determination, they were among the few female pirates to achieve legendary status.
Their daring escapades off Jamaica’s shores have been immortalized in pirate lore.
Exploring Jamaica’s Pirate Legacy Today
Visitors to Jamaica can explore remnants of its pirate past.
Port Royal offers guided tours showcasing submerged ruins, museums featuring artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and historical insights into the lives of pirates.
The Giddy House, a structure tilted by the 1692 earthquake, provides a unique and entertaining experience for history enthusiasts.
Jamaica’s pirate history isn’t limited to Port Royal.
Other sites, such as Pedro Bank and surrounding waters, hold sunken treasures and tales of daring high-seas adventures.
For history buffs, adventurers and those fascinated by tales of swashbuckling rogues, Jamaica offers a treasure trove of experiences rooted in its pirate past.
Discover Jamaica’s pirate heritage — where history, adventure and legend collide.
Let Port Royal and the tales of infamous buccaneers transport you back to the Golden Age of Piracy!
