Free VIP photo experience when you purchase online. $10 Value.
- Adventure Awaits!
Learn the real-life stories of Maria Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet, and her beloved “Black” Sam Bellamy, and see the only authentic pirate treasure ever discovered in this interactive experience!
- All Ages Ages All Ages
- 1-2 Hours Duration 1-2 Hours
Discover Real Treasure, Real Pirates and the Witch that Loved Their Captain
The Story of Black Sam Bellamy and the Whydah
Immerse yourself in the stories of Real Pirates! The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.”
During the early 1700s, Bellamy captured the infamous slave ship Whydah, as well as more than 50 other ships, earning him the nickname the “Prince of Pirates.” Meet the crew and follow their journey as they seek fortune on the high seas, amass the greatest pirate treasure of all times, and ultimately meet their untimely fate when the Whydah sinks in a violent Nor’easter off the coast of Cape Cod.
Visit The Attraction And See Real Pirate Treasure!
See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago.
Learn About Archeology And Preservation
Explore our Discovery Lab, where you can dive into the preservation process of these artifacts, and follow the journey with an audio tour narrated by famed underwater archaeological explorer Barry Clifford.
Take Your Swashbuckling Adventure Home With You
Become a Real Pirate through our complimentary photo experience and visit our museum gift shop for a memorable keepsake.
See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago. Explore our Discovery Lab where you can dive into the preservation process of these artifacts, become a Real Pirate through our complimentary photo experience, follow the journey with an audio tour narrated by famed underwater archaeological explorer Barry Clifford, and visit our gift shop for a memorable keepsake.
Real Pirates Salem follows all state and local COVID protocols for your safety and that of others.
Sam Bellamy
Pirate, 26 years old, English captain of the Whydah
Maria Hallett
Legendary “Witch of Wellfleet” and Captain Bellamy’s true love
Hendrick Quintor
Pirate, in his 20s, Dutch-African descent, crewmember of the Whydah
John King
Pirate, 9 years old, runaway, crewmember of the Whydah
John Julian
Pirate, 16 years old, Miskito, pilot of the Whydah
As a boy, Barry Clifford sat around the fish house listening to stories told by men who had just come home from World War II. His favorite story was told by his Uncle Bill. It was the story of a pirate ship that had wrecked off the Cape – one that supposedly was full of the biggest pirate treasure ever known. And it was right here in his own backyard.
From the very first time he heard this story, he knew he wanted to try and find the wreck of The Whydah. And when he finally did, he realized that the real treasure of this shipwreck was not the gold, or jewels, but the stories he had found.
Come explore with us!
SEE AN EXHIBITION OF REAL PIRATE TREASURE DISCOVERED BY FAMED EXPLORER BARRY CLIFFORD!
The three-masted, 300-ton Whydah was built as a slave ship in London in 1715 and embodied the most advanced ocean-going technology of her day. She was easy to maneuver, unusually fast and, to protect her cargo, heavily armed and ready for battle. She was built to transport human captives from the West Coast of Africa to the Caribbean – but only made one such voyage before being captured by pirates in February 1717. Soon after the ship’s slaves were sold in the Caribbean, the Whydah was captured near the Bahamas by Bellamy. His crew quickly hoisted the Jolly Roger, signaling to others that the slave ship was now a pirate ship.
“Treasure hunt fever, new discoveries spark search.”
“Bells confirm that salvors found pirate ship of lore.”
“Sam Bellamy #1 Richest Pirate in History.”
Barry Clifford And The Whydah Shipwreck