Pirates of Nassau Museum

Nassau was once the actual pirate capital of the Caribbean — not a Disney invention, but the real deal. Between 1690 and 1720, thousands of pirates called this harbor home, including legends like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack Rackham. The Pirates of Nassau Museum brings that wild history to life in a way that completely captures kids' imaginations.

The museum is housed in a colonial-era building on the corner of King and George Streets in downtown Nassau, and from the moment you step inside, the atmosphere shifts. Dim lighting, creaking wood sound effects, and the smell of salt air create an immersive experience that feels more like entering a pirate movie than visiting a museum. The centerpiece is a life-size replica of the pirate ship Revenge, complete with cannons, rigging, and below-deck quarters you can walk through.

Exhibits move chronologically through the pirate era, with animatronic figures, period artifacts, replica weapons, and detailed dioramas depicting life at sea. There are interactive elements throughout — kids can try on pirate gear, examine navigation instruments, and learn about the surprisingly democratic social structure of pirate crews. The exhibit on famous female pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read is a standout.

Reality check: this is a small museum. You won't spend more than an hour here, and the exhibits haven't been updated recently. But at $14 for adults and $7 for kids, it's appropriately priced for what it offers, and kids who are into pirates will be completely absorbed. The air conditioning alone is worth the price on a hot day.

It's perfectly positioned for a downtown Nassau walking tour. Combine it with the Queen's Staircase (free, 10-minute walk), Fort Fincastle (cheap), a browse through the Straw Market, and lunch at a Bay Street restaurant for a solid half-day itinerary that doesn't require a taxi.