At the Pirates of Nassau museum, you can discover Nassau’s history as an 18th-century pirate base through replica ships and exhibits. The city was once considered home to the world’s largest concentration of swashbuckling seafarers, who continue to capture the imaginations of visitors.
During the Golden Age of Piracy, from 1690 to 1720, pirates patrolled the waters of the Caribbean, terrorizing merchant ships, and no place played a greater role in illegal pirate operations than Nassau. It is said that when a pirate slept, he did not dream of heaven, but of returning to Nassau. A visit to Pirates of Nassau takes you back to this age.
A favorite of adults and children alike, this museum features artifacts like cutlasses and flintlock pistols, and installations telling the stories of famous pirates such as Blackbeard. Private bus tours are available, with flexible itineraries that can include Pirates of Nassau. The museum is self-guided.
- Pirates of Nassau is a good option for travelers with young kids or for those who want a break from the beach.
- It takes about 30–40 minutes to explore the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Set in downtown Nassau, one block off of Bay Street and close to the Straw Market, the museum is easily accessible by car from most places on the island, and is close to other major tourist attractions and hotels. It’s conveniently located by the cruise ship terminal and can be reached by foot from there.
Like most attractions on Nassau, it’s best to visit when there are no (or few) cruise ships docked to avoid the biggest crowds. Consider going in the morning before hitting the beach, or in the afternoon if you want to beat the heat. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Sundays.
To see another side of Nassau history, visit Fort Charlotte, the 18th-century fortification that was named after King George III’s wife, Queen Saharia Charlotte, and built for a battle that never took place. It’s one of the most-visited forts in the Caribbean and offers stunning views of Paradise Island, Nassau, and the harbor.
