Roatan Information FAQ > History

Were there really pirates in the Bay Islands?

Certainly, pirates used the Bay Islands as a hideout during several periods in history. Some also say they buried treasure and others have claimed to know of those who found it and spirited it away.

The Bay Islands became a Dutch, English, and French pirate hideout. They preying on the Spanish galleons laden with gold, silver, slaves and spices. It has been estimated that at one time up to 5,000 buccaneers were using the islands as a safe haven including such illustrious privateers such as Henry Morgan and John Coxen.

Narrow tunnels cut through the mangroves near Oak Ridge and Jonesville where used by pirates as a quick escape route from approaching ships or danger. Local people still use these, mangrove tunnels today as they go about their daily business in their dory’s and water boats.