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Real Pirates - Interactive Historical Exhibit Ticket

Overview
Immerse yourself in the real-life stories of real pirates! Featuring Black Sam Bellamy – one of the youngest most successful pirates of all time, and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet”. Meet Sam’s crew and follow their journey as they seek their fortune on the high seas, find success, and ultimately meet their untimely fates off the coast of Cape Cod.
See for yourself the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure every discovered – including coins, jewelry, and real pirate weapons – retrieved from the wreck and last touched by the hands of real pirates more than 300 years ago.

Explore our Discovery Lab where you can witness artifacts being unearthed daily by trained archaeologists in real time!

Become a Real Pirate yourself through our free video and photo experience! Visit our gift shop for a keepsake to remember us by.
City: Salem
Thu 26 Dec
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $16.50
Thu 26 Dec
Starting at $16.50
Make a reservation
What's Included
Digital Photo
Audio Track
Additional Info
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A local parking garage is situated nearby.
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
  • Real Pirates Salem complies with all COVID-19 safety protocols enforced by the City of Salem.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (57)
Kaye L
Jun 2022
We had an incredible time with our excellent docent, Jason, exploring this museum. He was very knowledgeable, and entertaining, and the exhibits were fascinating. The depth of the history was impressive and they worked hard to make it all come to life. We spent two and one half hours there and had no idea so much time had elapsed. This museum is perfect for children and adults. The extent of the preservation of the Whydah artifacts, as well as their sheer number, was staggering. We highly recommend this Pirate Museum.
Response from Host
Jun 2022
Kaye - thank you so much for this wonderful and insightful review! We will certainly pass your comments on to Jason as well. So glad that Real Pirates Salem left such a great impression on you! Thanks again...
KABBANG
Jun 2022
We had a great experience at the REAL PIRATES OF SALEM exhibit it's a wonderful change of pace from the norm The exhibits and dioramas were authentic and captivating as we learned about the history of the Whydah, Captain Bellamy and his crew. Everyone we met was personable and seemed to enjoy what they were doing. I had a nice chat with the mother and daughter at the main desk and I could sense they had a passion for what they were doing. Definitely worth a visit while in wonderful Salem!!
Response from Host
Jun 2022
Thank you so much for your review!It is gratifying to know that our terrific team has left this kind of impression of your visit. Many thanks for dropping by-
davidfJ5598HK
Jun 2022
If you actually want to learn about Pirates, you aren't going to find a better place. If you want blood and guts and stories of vicious dastardly brutes killing innocent merchantmen, keep looking. Blackbeard is mentioned only once, and while you will get the obligatory Captain Kidd legend, it will be disappointing. BUT, you will also learn why historians believe pirate ships were more democratic than most nations, what really happened to crew captured by pirates, and see with your own eyes real pirate treasure discovered at the bottom of the sea. AND TOUCH IT. The bulk of the museum discusses the fate and history of the slaveship, turned merchant, turned pirate, turned sunken wreck of the Whydah. It was lost for 300 years, then discovered by a treasure hunter. But his treasure was the artifacts and history of the Whydah; the coins and cargo it carried may get the press and keep the kids excited, but the history that was found is the true treasure. Unlike many historical museums that show you replicas and fake dioramas and exploitative videos, the bulk of this museum is real. The artifacts on display are mostly from the actual buried wreck of the Whydah, recovered and restored. Some are amazingly new-looking, while others show their age quite accurately. Weapons, cannons, coins, pulleys, anchors .... All the fun things that every maritime-related museum displays are there. But these are the real ones that were stored in ocean water for 300 years before being displayed. Your kids will love it, racing through and pointing out all the cool things and learning all kinds of things to brag about to their friends, and then they'll complain about having to pull YOU out of the museum to go do something else.
Response from Host
Jun 2022
David- thank you so much for your review! We are very excited to have a reinforcement that all ages are enjoying the experience- appreciate your input- many thanks again-

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