Pirates of Dominica: Legends, Hidden Treasures, and Maritime History

Published on Feburary 27, 2025

Dominica’s rugged coastline, dense forests, and hidden coves have long made it a haven for seafarers, merchants, and outlaws. During the Golden Age of Piracy, the island became a strategic refuge for notorious pirates, smugglers, and privateers seeking shelter from European naval forces. The deep bays and towering cliffs provided the perfect backdrop for raiding ships, hiding treasures, and evading capture.

For centuries, the Caribbean was a battleground for European empires competing for power, resources, and dominance of the seas.

Amidst this chaos, pirates flourished, plundering merchant vessels, engaging in daring escapades, and leaving behind tales that continue to intrigue us today. Join us as we sail through Dominica’s maritime past, uncovering legendary pirate stories, hidden treasures, and the role this island played in Caribbean piracy.

The Golden Age of Piracy in Dominica

The late 1600s to the early 1700s was known as the Golden Age of Piracy, a period when the Caribbean became infested with rogue seafarers preying on European trade routes. Dominica, with its dense rainforest and secluded bays, became a prime location for pirates to regroup, hide stolen goods, and plan their next attack.

At the time, Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands all fought for control over the Caribbean, using privateers—government-sanctioned pirates—to weaken their enemies. However, many privateers eventually abandoned their contracts and became outlaws, attacking any ship that crossed their path.

Dominica’s proximity to major shipping lanes made it an attractive hideout. Pirate crews could stock up on fresh water, repair their ships, and wait for unsuspecting merchant vessels to pass. The island’s difficult terrain also meant European naval forces struggled to chase them inland, allowing many to escape justice.

While Dominica never had a major pirate settlement like Tortuga or Port Royal, its isolated nature made it a safe harbor for those seeking to disappear from the authorities.

Notorious Pirates of Dominica

Several infamous pirates are believed to have used Dominica as a base of operations or passed through its waters during their raids. These fearless captains became legends, striking fear into the hearts of merchants and European navies alike.

Blackbeard (Edward Teach)

One of the most feared pirates in history, Blackbeard, terrorized the Caribbean in the early 1700s. Though most of his exploits took place around the Bahamas and North Carolina, some records suggest that he may have stopped at Dominica to rest and resupply his fleet.

With his thick black beard, burning fuses in his hat, and ruthless tactics, Blackbeard was a master of intimidation. His flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was heavily armed, allowing him to blockade ports and take over merchant ships with little resistance.

Captain Kidd (William Kidd)

Initially hired as a privateer by the British, Captain Kidd was tasked with hunting pirates but later turned to piracy himself. Legend has it that he may have buried treasure in Dominica, as he frequently sailed through the Lesser Antilles before his capture and execution in 1701.

While no confirmed treasure has been found, the possibility of hidden loot continues to fuel local folklore and treasure hunters’ imaginations.

Jean Hamlin

Unlike many English or Spanish pirates, Jean Hamlin was a French rogue captain who targeted British and Dutch ships in the Caribbean. His ship, La Trompeuse (The Deceiver), was known for its speed and firepower, allowing him to escape many naval battles.

Some believe that Hamlin used Dominica’s eastern shores as a temporary refuge, avoiding patrols while plotting his next raid. His fate remains unknown, but his elusive nature and cunning tactics made him one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating pirate figures.

The Myth of Hidden Treasure on Dominica

For centuries, tales of buried gold and lost treasure chests have sparked curiosity among explorers and locals alike. While no major pirate hoard has been discovered, Dominica’s remote caves, dense jungles, and hidden beaches make the perfect setting for treasure legends.

One of the most persistent stories involves Captain Kidd’s lost treasure. According to local folklore, before his capture, Kidd allegedly buried some of his ill-gotten riches on an uninhabited part of Dominica. Some treasure hunters have scoured Secret Bay, Woodford Hill Beach, and the caves along the western coastline, hoping to uncover the fortune.

Another story claims that French privateers stashed stolen gold deep within Dominica’s rainforest, using landmarks like waterfalls and unusual rock formations as secret markers. Over time, these clues were forgotten or lost, leaving behind a mystery that remains unsolved.

While the chances of finding a chest of gold coins are slim, exploring the island’s untouched landscapes feels like an adventure straight out of a pirate legend.

Dominica’s Naval History and Privateering

Pirates were not the only ones who sought refuge in Dominica. The island also played an essential role in the naval conflicts between Britain and France throughout the 18th century.

As a strategic Caribbean outpost, Dominica became a contested prize, with both empires seeking control over its natural harbors and defensive positions. European warships patrolled the waters, often engaging in naval skirmishes with privateers and enemy fleets.

Some of the most famous naval battles near Dominica include:

• The Battle of the Saintes (1782) – A decisive British victory against the French, fought near the waters of Dominica. The battle helped secure British control of the Caribbean for years.
• The French Invasion of Dominica (1778) – France briefly seized the island from Britain, using it as a base to disrupt British trade routes before it was reclaimed.

These conflicts highlight Dominica’s strategic maritime importance, drawing in not just merchants and pirates but also the world’s most powerful navies.

Pirate Legends in Modern Dominican Culture

Pirate history continues to influence Dominican culture and tourism. Many local festivals, storytelling traditions, and themed attractions pay homage to the island’s swashbuckling past.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in pirate history is by visiting Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park. This historic British fort, built to defend against French attacks and privateers, offers a spectacular view of Prince Rupert Bay, where pirates once sailed.

Dominica also became a Hollywood backdrop for pirate lore, with parts of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest" filmed on the island. The dramatic cliffs, untouched beaches, and hidden grottos make it easy to imagine ships full of treasure anchored offshore.

Even today, locals share stories of ghost ships, buried gold, and pirate spirits wandering the coastline, keeping the mystique of Dominica’s maritime past alive.

Set Sail on a Pirate Adventure With Us!

Dominica’s pirate history is a thrilling mix of legend, mystery, and historical intrigue. From tales of hidden treasure to the battles fought along its shores, the island’s past is filled with excitement.

Want to explore these legendary locations firsthand? We offer guided tours to historic forts, hidden beaches, and the very places where pirates once roamed. Whether you’re interested in learning about privateers, uncovering treasure myths, or simply soaking in the maritime history, we’ll craft an adventure you won’t forget.

Call or WhatsApp us at (767) 277-1316 to book your pirate expedition today!