Pirates
in Dominica
Films like “Pirates of the Caribbean” & “Pirate Master” have perpetuated
Pirate legends and in some cases, created new ones. But what was a pirate’s
life really like? Were pirates the top sea-dogs, or were there others whom
even pirates feared? Read more below.
A Pirates life for me!
Dominica is one of the filming locations used in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3: “Dead Man’s Chest” & “At World’s End” as well as Mark Burnett’s “Pirate Master!”
This is especially fitting since the island is not just the most unspoiled island in the eastern Caribbean, but in reality it was home to many pirates and their legendary treasure!
Films like “Pirates of the Caribbean” & “Pirate Master” have perpetuated these legends, and in the case of Pirate Master’s Captain Henry Steel, created new ones. But what was a pirate’s life really like? Were pirates the top sea-dogs, or were there others whom even pirates feared? Read on to find out…
A Place called Waitukubuli
A History of Pirates in Dominica
Even Dominica has had it’s fair share of encounters with famous pirates and buccaneers!
Dominica’s history has always been a turbulent one. Sighted and named by Columbus in 1493, he was not to know our indigenous people had travelled up the island chain many hundreds of years before him, naming this rugged island ‘Waitukubuli’: ‘Tall is her body’
And just as that rugged height was of reverence to the Kalinago, so it was an impediment to the colonical powers in their relentless march across the Caribbean. Though bickered over by the Spanish, French and English crowns from 1500 through to the Treaty of Versailles in 1763, when the British finally gained undisputed control over the island.
But throughout this turbulant period in history, the Kalinago were here; this archipelago was their home.
Sometimes they traded peacefully; sometimes they saw opportunities and took them stripping shipwrecks of treasure and oft times fighting and beating the invaders, whoever they were.
Amidst it all one story persists – that of the Kalinago Pirate Treasure….
1814 Map of Dominica
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This map of Dominica and neighbouring island of Martinique was published by John Thomson & Co. in 1814.
Source: McMaster University Library, Research Collections, Accession # 7848/9
1535
Dominica is declared to be a stopping place for the outward-bound convoys of the Spanish treasure fleets entering the Caribbean from Europe.
The bay at what is now Portsmouth, “the bay on the northwest shore”, with its forests, hot springs and fresh water was the anchorage. The fleets would then split into two, one sailing to Cartaghena and the Isthmus of Panama the other to Mexico.
1567
A small fleet of Spanish treasure ships on their way back to Spain is wrecked in a storm off Capuchin Point. The Kalinago strip the ships that are cast onto the shore.
1568
French and English interlopers such as John Hawkins, Sir Francis Drake and the Duke of Cumberland begin to use the bay at what is now Portsmouth as a refreshment stop and for trading with the Kalinago for tobacco and food.
Treasure and Legends
Dominica is a treasure beyond compare…
The Carib’s Pirate Treasure Legend
“In 1567 six vessels of a Spanish fleet were wrecked on the Northwest tip of the Island of Dominica. It is said that they carried over 3 million in pesos, and that the survivors were captured and eaten by the Kalinago Indians. During a salvage attempt a year later it was learned that the Kalinago had themselves salvaged the treasure and hid it in caves. They would not break and say where, even under threat of death. There are no records of the treasure ever being found.”
Treasure Hunt
Attractions in Dominica – explore the Nature Island.
Where to Stay – find your treasured hide-away!
Filming Sites
The film-makers for Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3 had their work cut out for them!
The sites selected for filming were spread throughout Dominica, from the rugged northern coast in the foothills of Morne Aux Diables, to the steep rocky cliffs of the southwestern coast between Point Michel and Soufriere.
Pirate Fun 'n Games
Even Pirates have to take a little R&R from their hectic lifestyle!
Here is our selection of fun stuff for all ages.
Pirate Games to Play Online or Download
Pirate Activities for Kids
Pirate Fun ‘n Games
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Even Pirates have to take a little R&R from their hectic lifestyle! Here is our selection of fun stuff for all ages.
Pirate Games to Play Online or Download Pirate Activities for Kids
Pirate Games
- Puzzle Pirates – a social online world of puzzling piracy. This online pirate game is best for older kids and adults.
- Pirates of the Caribbean Battleship – Fun FLASH Game to play online, based on the first POTC movie..Sink the Pirate Ships. Great for all ages.
- Pirate Cove – great little pirate shooting game. More fun for all ages.
- Pirate Treasure Hunt – an online Treasure Map Game for kids.
Pirates Name Generators
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What’s My Pirate Name? – Answer 20 questions to scientifically determine your Pirate Name.
*** Mad Jenny Flint’s favourite site.
What is YOUR Pirate name? Enter your name & gender and Ye Be Named.
Pirate Activities for Kids
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Here are some websites with fun activities & crafts for children, all about Pirates, PIrates, Pirates!
A to Z Kids Stuff for Pirates
Read a Pirate Story and illustrate it; create your own Pirate Flag; and lots more fun pirate activities.
DLTK’s Crafts for Kids: Pirate Activities
Pirate Colouring pages & crafts. Instructions for how to make a Pirate Ship out of small boxes.
Pirates of the Caribbean LEGOS!
Scense filmed in Dominica. Get the details about these Pirates of the Caribbean Lego sets…
Hide-Outs
In the 17th Century, Dominica was a great place to escape from the troubles of the World. Passed back and forth between the English and French through various treaties, the island pretty much minded its own business and carried on with life. Dominica became a haven for escaped enslaved labourers (called Maroons, or mawon in creole) and was actually declared a free island for 100 years.
Today, Dominica remains a beautiful, natural paradise. It is still a perfect escape from the troubled world.
So get away from it all and book a vacation at one of our precious Hide-Outs!
Pirate Trail
I doubt pirates would have wanted to take 14 days to walk from the foot of Dominica to the tip, but for the land lubbers out there, you have the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Dominica’s Waitukubuli National Trail is a 115-mile trek from one end of Dominica to the other. Experience Dominica from the inside-out on this wonderful trail.
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