Real Pirates Salem Museum: Authentic Pirate Treasure Display
4.9
159 Ratings
Salem
Immerse yourself in the real-life stories of real pirates at the Real Pirates Salem Museum. Discover authentic pirate treasure, witness live archaeology, and become a pirate yourself through our interactive experiences.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Real Pirates Salem - Visitors tour an interactive exhibit featuring the story of real-life pirate “Black Sam” Bellamy and his fabled beloved Maria Hallett. Visitors will be able to see and touch real pirate treasure from the wreck of Bellamy’s ship, the Whydah Gally. The Whydah was a slave ship-turned pirate ship which wrecked off of the Cape Cod coastline in 1717 following a violent storm. Artifacts and real treasure have been pulled from the bottom of the ocean…surrounded by sharks…following the discovery of the ship’s bell in 1984 by famed underwater explorer Barry Clifford. The exhibit renews regularly with the discovery of new artifacts by onsite archaeologists which visitors can witness with their own eyes. A video, photo experience and retail gift shop round out the visit. Groups are welcome.
What's Included
- Digital Photo
- Audio Track
- Real Pirates - Interactive Historical Exhibit Ticket
Additional Information
Delve into the vivid tales of actual pirates, highlighted by the exploits of Black Sam Bellamy, one of the youngest and most successful sea bandits ever, and Maria Hallett, his beloved and the infamous ‘Witch of Wellfleet’. Get to know Sam’s adventurous squad, track their exploits across the vast oceans, watch their triumphant victories, and finally their ill-fated demise near Cape Cod shores.
Behold the only fully verified treasure hoard of pirate origin, complete with coins, jewels, and genuine weapons of maritime warfare, salvaged from an ancient wreck — the last to be man-handled by real pirates over three centuries ago.
Explore our Artifact Unearthing Lab showcasing real-time excavation activities performed by professional archaeologists!
Get transformed into an authentic pirate by partaking in our complimentary video and photocentric venture! Check out our souvenir shop for a prized memento of your visit.
- A local parking garage is situated nearby.
Location
Real Pirates Salem
Derby Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(159 Ratings)
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Valerieh721
Apr 16, 2024
Best museum in Salem - This is one of the best museums we have been to - and we go to a lot. Other museums in Salem have been low on the history and high on sensationalism. Not this museum. Very well presented with real artifacts from the Whydah shipwreck. Clearly a labor of love by the owners who want to present clear history through the story of the Whydah and her crew. The staff clearly loves this place and knows about the ship and the people. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moonbeams23
Apr 16, 2024
Real History! - My son and I loved this museum, it was so well done! The staff was helpful and informative. I loved the fact that it was actually from a local pirate shipwreck. A definite must see in Salem!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica_k
Mar 31, 2024
Super fun! - I went with my 2 kids and it was all our first time in Salem. At the end of the museum the kids enjoyed it very much and had learned so much. We’ll be back!
Review provided by Viator
Abigailw869
Mar 24, 2024
Fantastic - Favorite Museum in Salem - I went to this museum on something of a whim with my spouse and another couple during a trip to Salem, and it ended up being our favorite experience in Salem. There was a wonderful mix of immersive exhibits and real-life artifacts from a real pirate ship. We also got a chance to speak to the owner briefly upon exiting; he was very kind, and it was very clear that he'd put a lot of thought and care into it. I would highly recommend this museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_m
Mar 11, 2024
Recommend to everyone - The tour and museum was great I was pleasantly surprised and Jason the tour guide was very knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
Roam775776
Feb 23, 2024
Historical, educational, and FUN! - Went with my mother, sister, and two kids (13 and 8) We all absolutely LOVED it! We had the best time. The directors tour is 100% worth the extra. Our guide was so informative and we learned so much! Such a wonderful experience and great memories!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
883ariesl
Feb 22, 2024
Great education spot - We enjoyed reading and looking at everything this place collected from real pirate ships we were here for sight seeing and Thats exactly what we got definitely recommend a look around. And we got our kids things from the gift shop and they looove it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P529fbkellyc
Feb 20, 2024
Great museum - This museum is pretty awesome. It’s incredible the amount of real items they have from an actual pirate ship wreck and getting touch the treasure is beyond cool. I learned a ton and honestly would have liked to learn even more. The setup of the museum itself is also really great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherry_p
Jan 20, 2024
Great time! - A fun learning experience. Love that there were actual items from a sunken pirate ship. Brings a reality to life on a ship. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Patriciakv7062dv
Dec 30, 2023
Highly recommended!! - Such a well organized and authentic experience. Spacious and informative, self guided tour of the museum that allowed for individuals to explore at their leisure. Staff was also knowledgeable and welcoming.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
