Ever felt like being a pirate? At least one point in our lives, most of us could raise our hands and say AYE! The Pirates of Nassau Museum is your chance to learn about the true lives of pirates.

After paying for your ticket, you will be greeted by a fully costumed pirate who will transport you back into time. As you enter, walk along the side of the ship Revenge as she waits at the dock. You will walk along storefronts and bars complete with the sound of the city in 1716. When you board the ship, you will explore the different decks, and see what life was like for those who lived on the waves. Weave between the rooms, but make sure you read the informational plaques describing the conditions of the time.

The museum strives to present both sides, the pirate perspective as well as that of the establishment. As you round the corner, enter a room where you will hear the plans to defeat the pirates and drive them from the area. The seas around Nassau were becoming prime targets to be raided, and thieved. King George I had decreed that enough was enough and that something must be done. As such, he appointed Woods Rogers as governor of The Bahamas and gave him the power to offer pardons to those pirates who surrendered. Those who didn’t surrender, became targets to be hunted. These actions created the battles among the “civilized” and “pirates.”

Continue into the past as you learn about the Codes set by captains and fellow pirates. These Codes were contracts that must be signed and fully agreed to before a mate could climb on board. A crew mate that became stranded after not following orders.If any of these Codes were broken, a brutal punishment awaited the perpetrator.

Ever wondered how the spoils were divided? There were strict rules for the division of the plunder. Spoils were to be divided equally among the crew. However there were some exceptions. Those who were surgeons received 200 crowns to cover the cost of their supplies, as well as their share of the spoils. Those who spot ships first that were successfully raided got an extra 100 crowns. Pirates were even compensation for lost eyes or limbs during the heat of battle. They could choose to either receive six slaves, or 600 crowns!

Imagine sailing your own ship in the warm waters off the Caribbean then suddenly you come across the dreaded Captain Teach (Blackbeard) himself. He has come to take your ship and any spoils! It was an all too common and terrifying experience in those early days!

Hung on the walls of the museum, you will become acquainted with many of the better-known pirates through displays and information plaques. These plaques display an image of the pirate, along with a short biography. This wall of infamy includes Charles Vane, Howell Davis, Henry Every, Jack Rackham, Edward Teach, Bartholomew Roberts, Captain Kidd, and Stede Bonnet.

You then enter the period where the reign of pirates was coming to an end. The government was assuming control and vicious trials and torture methods were imposed on the pirates captured and found guilty. Peer through the widows in the exhibit to see examples of the brutal punishments used.

As you leave the museum, you will exit through the gift shop. In addition to souvenirs to purchase, there are a number of interesting displays of weapons from the time of the Pirates, as well as historical news articles. There is even an old chest with a pretty hefty security lock. Imagine trying to pick this lock! Enjoy looking over all the pirate treasures available for sale.  These goodies make great booty for the pirates at home.

Entry into the museum is $13.00 for adults, and $6.50 for children.

To learn more about the museum, click HERE for their web page.