[9] Hidden Pirate Coves and Havens

 

Being trapped in a caved-in lagoon for the end of his days, its no wonder it took so long for people to find One-Eyed Willy and his hidden treasure, especially when he had ample time to construct such intricate and deathly booby-traps as a protective measure. But the topic leads me to wonder, in real life, where did pirates spend their time when they weren't off plundering, looting, and sailing the high seas? Clearly, they had to be in hiding, as capture by the authorities would often lead to a speedy and unfair trial and perhaps a public hanging by morning. This leads us to the topic of pirate islands and havens. 

Pirates often found suitable arrangements for themselves in places such as Port Royal, Jamaica, which was used as a 'buccaneer' base of sorts to launch attacks on nearby Spanish settlements and passing merchant ships. Madagascar in the Indian Ocean was another frequented haunt by legendary pirates, and within it were several pirate colonies that had been established. The shores of Central America also proved to host pirates, such as in the Bay of Honduras and Bay of Campeche, to name a few.